Book Reviews.

VicDog January 2006

“Endeavouring to produce sound dogs, typifying the essence of breed type and balance is not about winning in the show ring.  It is about the pleasure you receive watching a beautifully sound Swedish Vallhund moving across your garden, the marinating and the care taken into consideration regarding your given breed’s original look and character, or owning a dog with the ability to function as the breed was designed, that is able to live within its family environment without being a financial burden due to poor construction or health”, write the author of this absolute must for any owner, would be owner, or judge of the Swedish cattle dog from the flat plains of southern and western Sweden.

Darling makes a valid point in trying to differentiate the Vallhund from the Welsh Corgis.  I grew up with Pembrokes and the differences are glaringly obvious to me.  However, I know so many people who think of the breeds as comparable.  Not so.  Corgis work the mountain ranges of Wales, the Vallhund the flat country and that should prove the point immediately.  If observes still have trouble differentiating the breeds then now you have no excuse with this exceptional volume.  Loaded with photos of Vallhunds, Darling has also prepared a massive, detailed and very well illustrated review of the breed’s standard.  From overall proportions, through eye and ear shape, angulation, length or leg, tail carriage this part of the book alone makes it worth reading and investing in.  Darling has utilised the artistic craft of Margaret Davidson to truly drive home Vallhund breed type.

The book starts with the history of the breed, its redevelopment in the mid 1940’s, breed type, genetics, basic and specific to the breed, breeding and ethics.  Complete with a litter evaluation blank form, puppy raising, specialty pursuits, and introduces the author.  It is followed by quite a substantial glossary and a comprehensive bibliography.  Darling’s Swedish Vallhund is a credit to the author, a fitting tribute to a game little cattle dog, and a high quality benchmark for any other breed author to achieve.  Well done!

Reviewed by Jan E Irving

Working Dog Club NSW

The only detailed book on the Swedish Vallhund currently available in English, this is a tribute not only to the legacy of the Vikings, but also to Leonie’s determination and knowledge of her chosen breed.

This little dog’s history goes back to the 7th or 8th century as the ‘dog of the Vikings’.  The book takes us on a fascinating journey offering great insight to his earliest development and his resurrection in the 1940s and ‘50s.  The journey extends virtually world-wide for, whilst not seen in large numbers here in Australia, he is well represented in many, many parts of the globe.

Structure is covered in great detail with superb illustrations from Margaret Davidson; Basic Genetics are covered in a way we can all understand – at last.

If you’re thinking of either owning or breeding a Swedish Vallhund, this book is a must, and has much to offer regardless of breed: Breeding Ethics; Training and Puppy Socialization; Litter Evaluation Charts - just a few of the important subjects covered.

One of the most enjoyable sections, for me, was learning of the pursuits this little dog with the big heart follows – Endurance, Flyball, Obedience, Herding, Lure Coursing, Musical Freestyle, Tracking and Search and Rescue – not the full list!

A fascinating book about a dog who’s all go and involvement – it’s one of those special books which will be on the shelf not to catch dust, but to be referred to time and time again.

(ISBN 0 9752450 1 5)

Virginie from France

I have since few days your book about Västgötaspets: you have realized an excellent work about the breed and I'm interested by all chapters and of course all pictures!

Harry Tast – All breeds judge Finland

Thank you very much for your Swedish Vallhund book that I received already some time ago. I have been studying it with great enthusiasm and
found it most meritorious and interesting.

Marion Gilhooley -  NZ

Wow!  It looks like a wonderful production - a book every Vallhund owner should own.

Ove Germundsson - Swedish Vallhund (Västgötaspets) breed specialtist, all breeds judge – Sweden

Cheryl Albert – USA

I do have to say that you did a fabulous job with writing our breed book.  I truly am impressed with the quality!  So many books are just interchangeable between breeds as they are so poor when it comes to specific breed traits or breed
specific information.  I applaud you!!  I can see the effort you had to put into this project and envy your talent.  Thank you so much for your taking
the time and the effort as it is a book the breed needed. 

Steven Corneille – France

Thank you so much for this wonderful book!!!! My God I had not realized how complete this book would be, you have done such a great job. I'm in complete admiration!  I think all the breeders worldwide should have it and the judges too. This book is a true Västgötaspets bible. Thank you so much.