There’s so much I could say about my boy River. Bred by myself and Minikota Swedish Vallhunds, River is out of a pairing that was years in the making. His father is a dog I have always loved—one I once had the chance to keep as a puppy but wasn’t ready for at the time, a decision I always regretted. When the opportunity came to breed River’s mother to him, I didn’t hesitate. River is a Tjappo male, carrying the rare paternal line passed from father to son.

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River is the first boy I’ve bred and kept, and he holds a very special place in my heart. He came into my life during a dark time and has been my constant companion ever since. He reminds me of the quote, “Water is powerful—it can wash away earth, put out fire, and even destroy iron.” That perfectly describes River: quiet, powerful, and watchful.

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In the show ring, River has been a force—earning multiple group wins and placements across venues, as well as several Reserve Best in Show awards, all before the age of two. He is the first dog I bred to accomplish so much, and we’ve done it all together. River is also the first dog I’ve shown to place in a regular AKC herding group, and he has earned multiple placements in the National Owner-Handled Series.

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True to his name, River is a big boy—so much so that we often find ourselves singing “Big River” by Johnny Cash to him. Despite his size, he’s gentle and patient, often playing with smaller dogs and puppies. He’s a mama’s boy through and through, happiest at my feet, but he has plenty of drive when it’s time to work or show. River embodies the balance that makes Swedish Vallhunds so special—knowing exactly when to turn it on and when to just be still.

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