Eyjahunda Icelandic Sheepdogs

Stokker erupts in the early morning

On April 3, 2008, I traveled to Iceland to attend a meeting and visit friends. The meeting was held in Geysir.

I awoke the next morning at 5 a.m., my internal clock haywire from the travel. Unable to fall asleep again, I thought a walk to Geysir would be a nice early morning adventure. When I walked outside, the cold took my breath. It was -6 C. I quickly abandoned my plans for a walk and jumped into the car. As silly as it was to drive the quarter mile to the Geysir, it was necessary for an American living in the Pacific Northwest.

Hot Pot

When in Iceland last August, we visited this same spot. However, the Geysir was surrounded by tourists on that particular day. On this morning, the experience was solitary. It was not tourist season and even if it was, what insane person rises at that hour and visits Geysir? I parked the car, engine running, and heater blasting and sat watching as Strokkur erupted over and over again. The experience of sitting there in complete solitude was beautiful, church-like. The magic of this land is awe inspiring.

I drove the highway and watched the sun fully enter the sky as it shone off the glass-like ice. Horses quietly munched crispy grass and looked up as I watched them from my car, their breath steaming in the cold morning air.

Driving on, I discovered a sod house, abandoned long ago. Who lived there? What was their story? What animals had been here? When the Icelanders used these homes, the animals lived on the lower level of the sod house, providing heat for the family above. Forcing myself out of the car, I walked; crunching ice beneath my feet, noticing each touch, the fencing, the old stool, broken windows and the many colors one sees when one allows the eye to look closely.

On this trip, I had the honor of meeting Guðrún R. Guðjohnsen, the person currently responsible for the Icelandic Sheepdog International Cooperation (ISIC), past president of DIF and HRFI. If you look back in your Icelandic Sheepdog's (ISD) pedigree, you may find a dog from Íslands Garða (Iceland's Garden) Kennel. Guðrún is considered one of three experts in the world on the ISD. It was a tremendous honor to meet her.

Distinguished Experts on the Iceland Dog

Guðrún, Hans-Ake, Sigríður

Sitting quietly, I listened with every cell in my body as she and others exchanged stories, reminisced and caught up on the business of the Iceland Dog. It was as if I was a beginning pianist sitting at the table with Mozart or an amateur artist in the presence of Picasso. However, each displayed such grace and humility that it immediately created an environment of learning.

Following dinner, we were invited to Guðrún's home. As you enter her house, it is as if entering a museum for the Iceland Dog. On one wall hangs a painting by Icelandic artist Baltasar. The painting, given to her as a gift when she left the presidency of the Icelandic Kennel Club (HRFI), is of her male ISCH Íslands Garða Tinni, a dog present in many of our pedigrees. He is in both Kol and Rassa's pedigrees. Tinni means black like a firestone.

Guðrún told the story of calling the owners of Tinni to check on him, as she did each year with every dog that she sold. Sadly, she was told that he was to be put down as he was no longer wanted. She immediately drove to the home and retrieved Tinni. He was three years old.

When they got home, Tinni would not enter the house and it became apparent to Guðrún that he had not lived a happy life. She slept with him in the kitchen as that was as far as she could get him to come into the house. After time, he became a very happy dog and as Guðrún spoke of him, her deep affection for this dog was apparent. You may have heard the term Tinni spot. This term came from him. Guðrún said, "He had a black spot on top of his head on a white bliss."

ISCH Íslands Garða Tinni went on to become Iceland's first Conformation Champion and in the painting that graces her living room, he stands so proudly, a reminder that our International history is so deeply personal and touches every part of our lives.

Guðrún then took us down the hall and showed us many awards, most handmade by Icelandic artists, which she has collected over the 40 years she has spent in the world of the Icelandic Sheepdog. There were many photographs hanging on her wall, dogs that are in all of our pedigrees, the first dogs we have names for. One of those dogs was Kolur, the father of my first dog. I had never seen his picture and hope to get a copy so that I can share it with you. Kolur is likely in your ISD's pedigrees.

When Gudrun spoke of Sir Mark Watson, it was again, with great affection. He is considered by most Icelanders that I have met as an important part of history and is profoundly regarded. Watson's love for Iceland went beyond the Iceland Dog. He loved everything about Iceland; the horses, the history, the people. He is responsible for funding the restoration of one of the largest remaining sod houses in Iceland. It is evident that his generosity and love for the Icelandic people is mutual.

The Chairman of Iceland's Icelandic Sheepdog Club,

Guðni Agustsson, enjoys a moment of joy with his dogs.

Chairman of the Dutch ISD Club, Svend Brandt Jensen takes a minute to get some love

Over dinner, Guðrún looked across the table at me and asked,"What kind of breeder will you be?" I advised that I will never breed many litters and told her some of my personal goals. She then explained that she believes there are two types of people that are in the business of dog breeding. They are producers and breeders.

The later considers everything, is hungry for knowledge, studies dogs and considers the job of a breeder to make the dog better than the parents while breeding to the standard. It is hard work. I asked her what the things she considers important are. She explained that in her entire breeding career, she produced about 40 puppies. Her goal was to always make a better ISD, as close to the FCI standard as possible. Better ears, better tail, better health, better coat, better type, better temperament, always breeding up.

It is important to note that on this trip, I saw her dogs everywhere I went; pictures, that is. For someone who produced only 40 pups, hers were used as subjects of many photos. If this is evidence of good ambassadors of the breed, it is fair to say that Guðrún achieved her goals.

Before and after the meeting, I stayed with friends, Hordur and Stina of Hnuks Kennel, breeders of CH Hnuks Breki, father of Kol's pups. It is through our mutual love for the dogs that I have met so many wonderful people. These are two of them.

While at Hordur and Stina's home, Sigríður came over so that I could continue my interview from last year. That interview is on the "History" page, in part. While there, she took time to enjoy the latest Hnuks litter.