The  N.Z.K.C registered 

Swedish Vallhund Kennel Thurston Lodge

Is delighted to present :



VALKRISTA  PADDY'S  RUNE  STONE

 

Standing at stud ~ and available to approved bitches.

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This stunning, up and coming boy is a grandson of the internationally known

GREAT BRITAIN. IRISH. SWEDISH & INT.

(click) Champion Starvon Falcon Flyer over Castleavery (Bobby)

"Rune" combines the powerful, handsome looks of a wolf, show quality structure, movement and size, with the most gentle laid back temperament  ~  ideal for childhood family pets.  

Rune  is a proven stud, and as expected he has passed on his superb qualities in the offspring he has sired.  Rune's pups have been placed into family homes, breeding kennels and show homes. 


  

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Currently being campaigned to his New Zealand Championship Title.

Valkrista Paddy's Rune Stone has achieved from limited outings

1 x Baby Puppy of Group

2 x Puppy of Group

1 x Junior of Group.


"Rune" was bred by Mrs. Rose Madsen of the award winning,

 and pioneering  Swedish Vallhund Kennel, Valkrista.

Thurston Lodge acknowledge Rose's ability to breed great dogs to type.

and thank Rose Madsen for entrusting us with a son of Valkrista.

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Contact Thurston Lodge

Louise Smith

0800 943 356

louise@thurstonlodge.co.nz

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His Namesake?

What Are Rune Stones?


Rune stones are archaic monument styled stones as pictured above. Upon a flat outward facing surface the Viking people of ancient times inscribed decorative writings and detail. 

Often inaccurately portrayed as  illiterate, and barbaric  the Vikings were actually highly intelligent, capable, poetic, and living in a structured society and rich culture.   We know a lot about them today, partially because they  left behind a great number of writings in an ancient alphabet known as runes.   These craftsmen marked wood, metal, & stone with  runes symbols.   Runes were used not just for writing, but also for telling fortunes, invoking protection and casting spells.  Each individual rune represents a spoken sound, but also has a  particular meanings on it's own.  

Rune stones usually commemorated great men and very occasionally women.   As the Vikings  travelled to foreign lands, they took their system of writing with them.  Rune stones have been discovered as far away as Greenland.  Although the earliest rune stones are dated to about 200 AD, Many rune stones were created between 800 and 1100 AD. This covers the same time period that it is believed the Swedish Vallhund dog breed can be traced back to. 

Who knows, perhaps a little short-legged Spitz dog sat alongside his master as he carved into the great stone face.   The Rune Stone, like the Swedish Vallhund, is a legacy left behind by the ancient Vikings for us to enjoy today. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        

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Regarding Puppy Prices in NZ.

1) Do not be fooled by exorbitant Swedish Vallhund pet prices. While we as breeders are all free to set our own prices, you will find most reputable breeders in New Zealand price their puppies at about the $1000. mark. If you are being encouraged to stump up more than this please evaluate exactly what 'extra' you are getting for the extra money you are paying. Don't get sucked into 'marketing gymicks'.

For example:

2) You do not get "more dog" for their parentage being imported from overseas.

ALL blood lines lead directly back to Sweden and all lines are traceable back to the same original group saved from extinction in the early 1940's. There are no genes or blood lines that are very special due to the location of where a dog was born. Dogs that are third, fourth or fifth generation kiwis are no less 'Swedish' in origin. 



3) Do not be duped over show titles. You do not get "more dog" for their parents being show titled.

It is nice to have 'NZCH' on pedigree papers.  But until we have sufficient competition in New Zealand, it is impossible to establish superior dogs by their titles alone.   If you are being told that a NZ championship certificate is why you are paying  much higher puppy prices start wondering if love of the breed or profit is the motivating factor behind the arrival of a litter.

What you should be paying for is health tested, sound puppies with great temperaments - good breeder advice and ongoing support.

The reason many Swedish Vallhund breeders are choosing to set their prices around $1000 or under is due to a desire to see these wondeful family pets remain affordable for the average kiwi family. It is not an indication of inferior dogs or breeding.

Hobby breeding should be a passion, not a profit making business. However we all assert the right to remain independent in our pricing determination and invite the public to do their own research on the matter.


This is an extract written by Peta Dowle.  The full article may be read HERE.

 

Swedish Vallhunds ~ like Rune Stones ~  A legacy of the ancient Vikings

 

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