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What qualities would bring to mind the movie icon John Wayne? Rugged good looks, quiet self confidence, a general can do competence perhaps. As Teddy has
grown, it is his great heart and gentlemanly ways that has most prompted this comparison.
On the 15th February 2007, a little Swedish Vallhund travelled across the world from his native home in Sweden and landed in New Zealand, the 1st ever to make this journey.
Höckgårdens Teddy was born 8 October 2006. His breeders Tove and Sturre have a reputation for producing great Vallhunds. Having never exported before and unable to speak English, the negotiations for Teddys purchase and journey were strained and
fraught with difficulties. Finally, after months of waiting for Teddy to be conceived, born and ready to travel, the phone call came at 2 a.m. that Teddy would not be able to travel. A very upset
Tove, trying to communicate that there had been an error made by the transporters and Teddy would not be accepted at Heathrow from Oslo. It was a nail biting wait until 4 a.m. when we received the call to say Teddy would be flying, but his
trip would now be an extra 18 hours, and through 2 extra countries! As all his tests and injections had been timed for this trip, this was our window of opportunity, otherwise it would be a further 6 weeks, and all tests would have had to
be repeated. The decision was made to go ahead.
It was with trepidation that I set off for Auckland to stay with my friend, Marion. Armed with his schedule, so we could track his progress, we waited &.. and we waited. And, the happy ending we were praying for happened, after the paperwork was completed, Teddy was in my
arms. And would you have thought he had more stamps on his passport than most of us? Not at all. In true Vallhund fashion, he emerged from his journey a bright and happy little chap. Eager to explore his surroundings and greet his new family. We stayed in Auckland that night and Teddy slept on the bed with me and Ruby, asking politely to go outside in the morning. This was Teddy, right from his 1st step on NZ soil, a pleasure and delight.
As he grew through puppy-hood, Teddy quietly asserted himself as pack leader. He made himself responsible
for hygiene, carefully checking eyes and ears and applying the necessary grooming. If the recipient was unwilling, they would find his paw in their head telling them to hold still . He also would not tolerate any cuts or grazes on his
humans, doctoring them until he was satisfied all would be well. This earned him the title of Doc Ted.
His puppy playfulness is still apparent in his mad dashes and zooms, the claiming of toys to add to his hidden stashes and his morning ritual of flipping about on the bed. Nothing pleases the
other dogs more than a good argle bargle with the boss.
Since the arrival of his 1st litter and the, resulting, other male. Teddy toughened up and reinforced his status as leader. And again, when Dexter arrived from Sweden.
His position is unchallenged, the quiet dignity and leadership qualities are appreciated and respected. He may be the smallest in stature, but his presence is huge.
Teddys show career began upon his arrival, and success followed him from each show. Winning Best of Breeds and Groups, the illustrious In Show alluded
him, which is not unexpected for this rare breed.
At 9 months of age, he was judged and critiqued by Swedish Vallhund Specialist and internationally respected All Breeds judge, Ove Germundsson. Teddy won
Best of Breed against a good turn out of good examples of the breed.
"9 month old is strong and mature. Excellent head and
expression. Excellent neck, top line and tail. Very well shaped in front. Breast case of good length . Excellent angulation and movements. Excellent coat and colour. Moves well. A very attractive dog." Ove Germundsson
His 1st litter, with our imported bitch Dlarah Ruby Tuesday, proved his genetic worth and was a great mating. Their son, Ricky, has won 9 Groups and 2 aged Best In Shows, all under the age of 18 months, and the only Swedish Vallhund to have accomplished this in NZ. This litter also produced 2 Australian
Champions and group winners, as well as passing Herding Instinct tests. Of his 9 puppies, 5 have gone on to breeders here and in Australia.
He has since been used by Torval kennel to produce a bitch that has won Best On Parade, Groups and Breed classes, all under the age of 12 months.
And now, at the age of 4, he is a grandfather! 2 litters produced by 2 different breeders. Both litters
combining the bloodlines of Vallarity and Valkrista the old and the new.
At the moment, life is very laid back for Ted. Back seat driver and navigator, he loves getting out and about. Whether it's a jaunt to the supermarket or a spot of window shopping, followed by a taste of the cafe culture. Ted can wag his tail in all directions at the same time, to the delight of children he meets, he will also commune quietly with the elderly,
but is always up for a rollicking good game of football for anyone who can keep up with him. A man of quiet dignity, he believes the kennels are for dogs which excludes him. So he has the run of
the house during the day and the foot of the bed at night. Ted is used to instil confidence in the youngsters, teach them the art of acceptable behaviour and is my right hand man when it comes to keeping harmony in our pack.
Teddy has never given up a moment of concern, he is gentle, trustworthy, kind and loyal. He can not be bought with food, but can be bribed with the
promise of a good adventure.
A mummies boy, mans man and competent pack leader. Never far from my side, he loves to sit on the back of the couch and watch out the window as the world
go by, or sit on the deck and examine the passing smells. I treasure the evenings when he sits on my knee as I stroke him and he sucks my arm; and
everyday I wake up with him looking expectantly at me for his morning cuddle before we start our day.
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