WHAT WE DO
At Alfsten, we're serious about puppies. We start by choosing the very best breeding stock with champion
bloodlines in conformation, agility, herding,and search-and-rescue. Then we match the right female to the right male
in terms of temperament as well as bloodlines.
We research our dogs thoroughly--we know the exact coloration of their ancestors as well as whether they
had stub tails or long bushy ones. If we don't know something about a particular dog or nuance of
breeding, we rely on the resources of our breed club, The Swedish Vallhund Club of America (SVCA), and other top
Vallhund breeders across the USA.
We maintain all our dogs in top physical condition with frequent veterinary visits. We certify that
all dogs used for breeding have passed their OFA hip and CERF eye examinations.
After birth--or "whelping" in dog language--we spend the next eight weeks growing and socializing our pups.
That means regular trips to the vet, and premium puppy food made with real meat, fruit and vegetables, supplemented with
natural yogurt for strong teeth and bones, and a healthy digestive tract, and linoleic acid for thick glossy coats.
Socialization means lots of lovin'--hugs, kisses and cuddles--and loads of play with other dogs, as
well as with us, the first humans they'll ever know.
Though naturally protective, Alfsten Vallhunds are known for their sweet personalities. Our Vallhunds
are truly "pal hounds"--lovable bundles of energy that thrive on human and canine companionship.
When you purchase an Alfsten puppy, you'll receive a healthy dog that's well on its way to being well-socialized.
You'll also receive a Sales Contract, and an Owner's Packet complete with pictures of your pup and litter, medical
records (detailing vaccinations and wormings to date), instructions on care and feeding, and a pedigree.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU
All dogs, like all domestic and wild animals, are precious creatures. Because Swedish Vallhunds are
still a rare breed in the United States, with only about 600 dogs from coast to coast, the breeding and care of
each and every Vallhund is of utmost importance to the breed's ultimate survival.
For that reason--and because of the strong bond Vallhunds develop with their human owners--we
take care in selecting owners for our pups.
We need to insure that you understand that buying a dog is a commitment of time, energy
and money. You can look forward to at least 12-15 years of life with your pup. Along with the fun
times come the responsibilities--proper feeding, regular veterinary care, and hours and hours of one-on-one play, teaching
and interaction. If you're not ready to go the distance, you're not ready for a Swedish Vallhund.
You also should understand that Vallhunds are extremely intelligent and benefit from activities that
allow them to use their brains. Enrolling them in obedience classes--from Puppy Kindergarten to regular adult obedience
classes--can be a real plus. You also might consider specialized programs in Agility, Herding, and even Search-and-Rescue.
Finally, a warning: Vallhunds are like those famous potato chips--you can't just have one. Chances
are good that you'll want a second Vall. And maybe a third or even a fourth.
At Alfsten, we're not just in the business of breeding puppies, we're in the business of finding good homes
for our puppies. So expect us to ask lots of questions about your home environment, significant others, children, and
other pets; the time you expect to spend with your Vallhund, and the activities you look forward to sharing together.
We won't pry--we'll just ask.
If you live at a distance and cannot select your puppy in person, your honest input will help us suggest
which puppy in a given litter would be right for you--the ball of energy, the quiet one, the super-athlete,
the mega-cuddler, or the extrovert who won't be happy unless your home is filled, from dawn to dusk, with all kinds
of people, kids, dogs, cats and other life-forms. Like people, dogs exhibit strong personality traits from their
earliest days of life.
For our part, we will remain available to you, by phone and/or e-mail, to answer any questions you might
have from the first days your new pup arrives at your home and throughout its lifetime.
If we can answer your questions now, just e-mail us at alfstendogs@verizon.net, or give us a call at (978) 546-6679.
Thank you for your interest!
