A Note From Jan Robles
Here is a very lovely note from Jan Robles, who owns Lobo (Alkemi Beowulf del Roble LS CDX CGC RATM):
“Lobo, Alkemi Beowulf del Roble LS (Mystarz Baileys Blazer X Vastogota Nina Ricci), was first introduced to the sport of Barn Hunt on July 13, 2013 in Pendleton,OR just shy of his first birthday. On August 24, 2014 Lobo was entered in his fist Barn Hunt trial. On November 1, 2015 Lobo earned his Master’s title. From day one Lobo exhibited the drive and passion that one hopes to see in a working dog. After the initial workshop, we did not compete in Instinct and went straight to Novice. We went months between trials and never had practices or workshops in between. Lobo clearly showed the drive and desire to work despite the lack of practice.
In this day and age when stock is not readily available to many Vallhund owners I think Barn Hunt is a reasonable option to verify working ability. Our breed was supposed to herd cattle, control rats and be a general purpose farm dog. The sport of Barn Hunt gives us an option to cultivate our breed’s working ability, drive and desire. If we don’t use it, we lose it.
To date, there are 19 Vallhunds with Barn Hunt titles. 6 have Novice and 2 have Open. There is 1 Master.
For almost 25 years I raised, titled and bred Belgian Malinois. I always bred Champion/performance titled dogs. I did not produce litters that were all working dog capable even though that was my goal. We need to pay special attention to the qualities that define our breed or we will end up with dogs that can not or will not work.
In the sport of Barn Hunt, I have seen way too many Rat Terriers with absolutely no desire to hunt. That is appalling and I don’t want to see us go down that path with our incredible Vallhunds.”