Conformation

Vader and I are going to enter a conformation show in March. Our first one.

We have attended 3 handling classes and had a friend come over once to practice in the barn. Vader is doing well in classes but he finds them pretty boring. 🙂 Except for the treats. He does like the treats.

Kris asked me what my goals are in this conformation thing. I don’t know that I have any other than to not be an idiot in the ring. 🙂 I do want to see what a judge thinks of him stacked up against other dogs. That may be harder than I expect just because there are not many Icies around!

Other than that, just more ring experience and exposure. Gail got to see him tonight and she thinks he looks great. I am hopeful a judge will also think so. I am planning to attend the next few weeks of handling classes to get more practice in before the end of March. It will be here before I know it!

Icelandic Sheepdogs

I have been looking into this breed for a few months now. They sound like a good breed for my next dog but Kris has two objections. They are too big (20-30 pounds) and they are barking herders.

I know someone with a litter due the end of this month. I really want one. 🙁 The breeder of this litter said that her dogs are not nuisance barkers and they really only bark when someone knocks on the door (duh, dog!) and when they chase off birds and or critters, (again duh dog!).

I am trying to figure out some way to make this work but I’m not sure I can. I would love to dabble in herding without taking on a border collie. I’m not sure a BC is a good fit right now.

Icelandics or Icies as they are called, are friendly dogs that like to do things and go places. They are described as everyone’s friend and man wouldn’t that be nice to have for a change! I think we can work on the barking especially if started right from the start.

Everything but the barking sounds like a good fit for me. Sigh.

Temperament

Some links to Icies doing agility.

AKC Agility Nationals

Icelandic Sheepdog Brenna – agility 15.7.2012