Welcome to Valhalla Icelandic Sheepdogs

Where we are and What we do.

Our local community.

Valhalla kennels are located in Northeastern  Washington on the Columbia River Plateau.  Our mild summers and cold winters are ideal for our Icelandic dogs.  As my site shows, snow fall is both frequent and sufficient for extensive play; the dogs just love it.  Spring follows long, dark and cold winters where daytime temperatures hover at freezing from November to February and nights can plunge on occasion to below zero. The flush of spring is nothing short of spectacular.  Local dog life starts to buzz with activity as our three  local kennel clubs ramp back up too capacity. It is nice to have three clubs to work with, both of which offer a full array of classes from basic home companion to competition obedience, rally, agility and conformation.  Herding is also a huge sport here with a well organized group hosting multiple activities, competitions, seminars and instruction.  While I don't participate in formal herding at this time, it does allow me to have the dogs instinct tested by some of the most respected judges in the business including Lynn Leech of Canada. Summer is late to arrive which allows the dogs to keep their luxurious coats well into late July or early August.  This works well for extending the show season.  Fall is my favorite time of year. We are two hours south of the Canadian border and our latitude affords us a fall blaze of color similar to those of the hardwood forest of the Northeast.  Fall can linger for a couple of months being dry and mild or end suddenly with an unforeseen snow storm.

My location affords me many awesome opportunities. Rumor has it, that the woman who began formal agility did so just 45 minutes east of here in Idaho.  She continues to train others today. Many, many talented people with extensive careers in dogs are a phone call away.  Within a few hours drive, I can be at AKC judge Pat Putman's house for structure and movement evaluations.  Pat bred Malamutes for years and I value her experience with the nordic spitz immensely when she is evaluating my dogs. Furthermore, in her early days she worked for Mark Watson the gentleman who was the first to import the ISD to the USA.  This history gives her a unique perspective when looking at our dogs today.  Within a days drive, I can be at AKC judge Pat Hastings house having my litters evaluated for structure by a woman recognized as an authority on canine structure and movement.  Her evaluation of my first litter was absolutely priceless and her continued input is considered a necessity.

Home