Valhalla's Breeding Goals

Here at Valhalla we are working hard to develop the Iceland dog represented by the FCI standard. Valhalla is working in cooperation with Glacier Point Kennels as both kennels share similar philosophies regarding breeding and improvement of the breed in the USA. We, at Valhalla, are grateful to have been entrusted with Iceland's national dog through the importation of Kersin's Odinn and Kersin's Midas Touch.  We have every intention of protecting and preserving Iceland's dog.  For this reason, Valhalla is currently breeding to meet the FCI Standard and we have every reason to expect our breeding will reflect the Standard developed by the country of origin.

Valhalla and Glacier Point are encouraged by Iceland's breed clubs (DIF) generous offers to help our parent club the Icelandic Sheepdog Association  America (ISAA) develop our AKC Standard.  Both kennel clubs recognize the necessity and benefits of achieving such a goal.  It is our hope that with time, our AKC Standard will be brought in line with FCI Standard thereby developing dogs that will compliment those of Iceland and all other FCI countries. Both kennels recognize the importance of the AKC standard. The magnitude of its importance can not and should not be underestimated.  Standards are so import to breed development that in the AKC they can not be changed for 5 years.

After careful consideration and review, we have come to the conclusion that while the AKC Standard has room for improvement, as it is currently written, it remains broad enough to include dogs bred to the FCI Standard. Valhalla's goals are to produce healthy, structurally sound dogs which demonstrate both a sound temperament and working ability.  Currently the FCI Standard more closely resembles the dogs we wish to produce.  This written Standard of Perfection is the basis of our breeding programs.  Simply put, we consider the breed standard to be the blue print for our breeding programs. It is read and reread while evaluating each and every dog in the kennels for their strengths and weaknesses. It is obvious to us, that at times we must step out of our own kennels and select different studs who will better compliment our bitches. People often ask why I don't just use my own studs. This is done whenever our studs represent the best cross for a given animal, or they meet specific criteria that we are trying to fulfill. However, we want to develop a reputation for producing not only good, but exceptional dogs and quite simply, there may be better crosses out there for our girls depending upon the specific goals.  It is also the reason Valhalla will be working with Glacier Point Kennels to import semen to not only expand our gene pool, but to improve our breeding stock.

We recognize that canine breeding is a life long endeavor. There is no quick way to produce the perfect dog. Point in fact, there may never be a "perfect" dog as that pinnacle is a goal that stays beyond the breeders reach.  So our goal is to produce excellent representatives of the breed.  This is NOT just a show dog, but a well rounded working animal with keen intelligence and a willing disposition.  Many aspects of the ISD can be addressed and focused on. At Valhalla, I will be working on correct structure, breed type, health and temperament.  I wish to "set" my type through the use of limited line-breeding and out-crossing. I have a specific dog identified in my Icelandic bred pedigrees that I intent to "wrap" my pedigrees around. This dog represents my ideal in structure.  Similarly, I have identified lines with temperaments I admire and would like to reproduce.  I would like to develop consistency in my kennels breed type and temperament while maintaining health and vigor. My Icelandic's success won't be measured by how many ribbons they win, but rather, by their reputation as well rounded dogs capable of many, many differing roles from family pet, show or therapy dog to search and rescue, agility and herding dogs; they will develop into dogs of distinction.  These are lofty goals to work towards achieving. They will keep me engaged and will see me through the years of my canine adventure.  I am dedicated to producing "Valhalla" Icelandic Sheepdogs; dogs of distinction, dogs Iceland can be proud to call their own.

See "breeding plans"  to follow our first steps in developing our kennel and see what we consider "required" in the care of our puppies.

Breeding Plans

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