Vallarity  Swedish Vallhunds

About Us


I count myself lucky to have had the companionship of a dog throughout my life. A variety of breeds have come and gone. I have bred and shown Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers and Golden Retrievers in conformation and obedience under my prefix Midas.

Now you will find my constant companions are Swedish Vallhunds. I spent 12 months looking for a breed of dog that would give me a new experience in dog companionship. I wanted a small dog that could live comfortably inside, travel well, loyal, shed little hair, intelligent without being too demanding ... basically, the perfect pet! Having lived on a farm most of my life, I wanted a dog that would be comfortable with stock and be able to look after itself around the horses and cattle. I really didn't think I would be able to find one dog that would meet all the criteria.  That is, until I discovered the Swedish Vallhund!  Once I introduced one into my life, I was amazed at the versatility and hardiness, Poppy was everything I could have hoped for, and more. A big thanks to Rose Madsen of Valkrista for sending her to us. I then added a beautiful little red girl to our family. Ruby was bred by Leonie Darling of Dlarah in Australia, she is so precious and I thank Leonie for sending her to us. Our next addition was imported from Sweden. Teddy is a fabulous little man and a great example of the breed, thanks to Tove of Hockgardens Kennel and all the trouble she went to in getting Teddy here.In November 2007 we relocated to New Plymouth, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Although we no longer had farmland to tend, we lived in a semi-rural setting where our dogs enjoyed the beaches, forests and rivers, as well as the neighbouring farmland. Although a lovely area,  our heart is in the country so our stay as 'town folk' was short lived.

Our next addition was born there from a litter of 9 puppies by Teddy out of Ruby. Ricky was chosen to join our family due to his great type and wonderful character. This was a long awaited and much planned litter that has exceeded our expectations with 5 of them heading off for future breeding, 2 of them to Australia, both becoming Australian Champions.  My intention of contributing to gene pool in Australasia had been realised. 

In November 2008 we packed up our motorhome, putting our house on the market and heading around the country to find our next home, having many adventures and inluding as many dog shows as we could. With 5 dogs on board there was never be a dull moment! 

5 months and 5000 kilometres later .... we found our home. Centrally located in the North Island on 2 acres and a small patch of native woodland ... Perfect!  We moved in on the 20 March 2009 and got busy renovating.  The dogs love it with lots of room to romp about.  We are surrounded by vast views, thousands of acres of farmland and native bush, as well as a secluded pond for the dogs to swim in - heaven for us all.

Our other interests include motorbikes, music and surfing for Wayne, and I enjoy showing and breeding the Vallhunds, quilting, gardening and breeding exotic poultry .

February 2010 has seen us add to our family with another Swedish boy.  We were lucky to be offered him, and thanks to our Vallfriend Ron, we were able to bring him to NZ. 

Why I show dogs

A Brief Background

For as long as I can remember I have been involved in a competitive sport, netball, badmington, basketball etc. As a child I was competing at Pony Club level, which led to a successful career in Eventing.  I jumped disciplines in my late 20's and competed for 7 years at Rodeos, gaining NZ titles in Barrel Racing. I then went on to successfully breed, train and show Western Paint & Quarter Horses.  I gained my Judges ticket, but continued to compete here and in Australia.  Wayne was a farrier and horse trainer, and we ran a breeding and training facility and quarantined imported stud horses.  My experience within this industry taught me how to decipher lineage, understand genetics and appreciate a well bred, well conformed animal. I enjoyed seeing how my breeding and training stacked, by competing against others in the same sport.

When we had our brief fling as 'townies', I found myself horseless.  As I had been dabbling in showing dogs since I was a teenager, I decided to 'scratch my itch' and see what the dog show scene was like. I made the transition from equine to canine, using the same system - research, ask questions and educate myself. I spent a lot of time watching other exhibitors and challenged myself in this new environment. 

What it's all About

I have made some wonderful friendships and enjoy the social interaction with my fellow exhibitors of all breeds.  I also love the low maintenance hauling - small poo's, less grooming, less gear and no more hot clothes on even hotter days!  In a nutshell, I love travelling, meeting and chatting with like minded people and camping out with my dogs. 

I had been bought up to do the best I could, but successes here are such a bonus and I am thrilled to bits when one of my dogs takes out a Group and completely blown away if we get an In Show.  As showing a rare breed against the more popular breeds, it can be very difficult to get a look in. Showing dogs, for me, is a lifestyle choice.  Getting this rare, little breed out and about is a great conversation starter for the numerous people who have never met a Swedish Vallhund.  Life on the dog show circuit is  just great fun!

"Life's a Beach"	"Wolf Song"	"Spiral Wonder"
"Straight Furrow"	"Celtic Doorway"	"Celtic Window"
"Katie"	"Chained Melody"	"Cycle of Life"