Swedish Vallhund History in New Zealand page 2

The next litter for Valdemar was the (B litter), whelped in July of 1989. There were 6 puppies this time. Four dog pups and 2 bitch puppies. Valdemar Beau, Valdemar Bella, Valdemar Beltane, Valdemar Beowulf, Valdemar Bruce, and Valdemar Brunehild. Four were sable greys, and two puppies, one boy Beau and one bitch puppy Bella were grey and white. Beau competed in agility and Bella was exported to Australia, where she was bred. Two generations of breeding down from Bella, and the Valdemar bloodlines returned to New Zealand in the form of Steppenwolf Zip, stud dog for Valkrista.

Bella is the genetic link between Valdemar and Valkrista

Vancy's last litter the (C litter) resulted in just one puppy, Valdemar Carl.

NZCH ROSERN VANCY (IMP-UK)

NZCH SANTA OF ROSERN (IMP-UK) ADX.CDX.UDX.WDX.TDX.

WT.CH VALDEMAR ASTER ADX.CDX.UDX.WDX.TDX.

NZCH VALDEMAR ALPHA ADX.CDX.UDX.

In 1992 the Grays were approached by an author writing a book for Reed publishing. The book, 'GRAHAM MEADOWS, An Illustrated Guide to Dogs, their selection and care (1992)', includes a photo of Aster as a ‘well marked and typical Swedish Vallhund’. She sits with several other breeds on the steps of the Auckland Museum. Graham also photographed the four dogs together in their home setting, he was fortunate indeed to have such fine examples of the breed for his book.

The titles earned by these great little ambassadors reflect the dedication and effort of their owners and happy, active, well-led dog lives. Ian and Lesley admitted that the importing of two little puppies from the other side of the world in 1984 was a real leap in the dark. But also reported that their “little grey dogs” changed and enriched their retirement. Dog owners beyond Swedish Vallhund circles have benefited greatly from the efforts of the Gray’s particularly with the ressurection of Agility in New Zealand.

Valdemar has indeed gone down in the history of the breed in New Zealand was well respected and admired.

Recognition

On the formation of the Swedish Vallhund Club in New Zealand one of the first tasks for the committee was to recognise Ian and Lesley Gray. On the evening of the 20th of November 2009, club president, Martin Jansen presented with pleasure Life Membership to Mr Ian Gray.

The next day, on the morning of the 21st Swedish Vallhund owners and their dogs arrived in Pokeno and assembled on the land developed by Lesley and Ian. Thier property is called Ngahere Kahu o te Wai (Forest Cloaked Waters).

This was a special event dedicating a wooden seat made in remembrance of Lesley, who had passed away earlier in the year. This beautiful seat is now permanently stationed on the land owned and developed by Ian and Lesley and looks out across a pretty water pond which will in time be 'cloaked' with native New Zealand forest.

Third Wave - Establishment.

Kennel Valkrista.

Photos and Detail Coming Soon

Swedish History ~ Page 1 New Zealand History ~ Page 1 2 3 4

New Zealand History ~ page two