​So what sets Valhalla apart? I have been breeding for 20 years and my philosophy has not changed a great deal. Temperament is first. If you don't have a mentally sound dog, the rest just doesn't really matter. As I stated before, the ISD is not without its challenges. They aren't great for first time dog owners. This is typical of the breed. Some lines make better pets and others have a more showy attitude. Still others are performance dogs through and through. A performance dog in a quiet, sedate lifestyle will not be happy. Neither will the owner! Likewise, a couch potato pet often lacks the drive to show or run agility. It is my JOB to see that these dogs meet a new owners needs AND that the owners match the needs of the dogs. 

Type is important. We have come a long way in two decades. The dogs were approved by AKC in 2010. They are still a rare breed and as such, we have a limited gene pool. Each breeder decides what they choose to focus on. For me, breed type is extremely important. I want a ISD that represents its breed well. In addition to their appearance, coat is another area we continue to improve. I have been very fortunate to have great coats albeit, softer than I'd like! With rare breeds, we don't have the luxury of inbreeding to "set" type. Keeping our inbreeding to a minimum has always been my priority. I dream of the day where I can cross back to my own line. So far, that just hasn't been possible.

There is a widening trend for competitive show breeders to inbreed. They will refer to it as line-breeding. All forms of line breeding involve inbreeding by definition. It's just the matter of degree.  Both forms of breeding restrict our already limited gene pool. For this reason, inbreeding is not supported by our international governing body the Icelandic Sheepdog International Co. (ISIC) or our Icelandic Sheepdog Asso. of American club (ISAA). The only exception is purposefully attempting to salvage the rarest of our lines. Only a handful of breeders are doing this for genetic preservation in North America.

I have never been a prolific breeder. I believe in breeding for quality not quantity. While I love to produce top show and performance dogs, my focus is ALWAYS on producing top quality companion animals. I believe todays Icelandic can excel at most venues IF the right puppy is matched with the right home.
 
Breeding takes place when I'm looking for a puppy myself.  I breed to correct faults, improve health, set breed specific traits and develop sound, stable temperaments.  This means I rarely have the BEST stud dog for a given bitch! My ideal mate MUST possess strengths in areas of my bitches weakness. I believe in importing pups with new lines, traveling to better studs and using technology to increase my chances of success.  As stated, I adhere to maintaining the lowest inbreeding co-effecient possible while maintaining type, health, correct temperament while also correcting faults.  I do not breed dysplastic dogs or dogs with known eye issues. Many of my foundation dogs were OFA excellent, a trend that continues today. Breeding is a dance and an art that requires knowledge of Iceland's dog, the breed standard, pedigrees, breed type, PURPOSE, structure, health and temperament. Its an ongoing process; a study I have invested 20 years in.  My greatest hope is to leave a positive and lasting impact on the breed.