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Archive for the ‘Icelandic Sheepdogs’ Category

Petting Farm

Friday, May 11, 2012 @ 10:05 AM
posted by Karen Hood

As of May 1st, Spokane Valley has a petting farm just east of Sullivan Road and South from Saltese Road at Mountain Valley View Farm.
See geese, chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep with baby lambs, goats with kids, Icelandic horses and miniature fainting goats. Call Mountain Valley View Farm today for an appointment! 509-928-1800

Admission prices:
Under 2- Free
Kids 2-10 – $6.00
Kids 11-18 – $8.00
Adults – $10.00
Seniors – $8.00
Veterans and Active Military – Free

To get to the Spokane petting farm from I-90 and Sullivan Road, go south to where 28th Avenue and Sullivan road would be. Turn left (east) on Saltese Road (there is no 28th there) and go two miles to South Chapman Road. Turn right (south) on Chapman Road and continue ¾ mile to 4301 South Chapman Road on your left. A large white mail box out front and a Mountain Valley View Farm sign marks the entry. Pass under the pole arch and enter the farm. Call for an appointment before you come. 509-928-1800. Open 7 days per week 8am to 5pm with advance appointment. Bring the kids to enjoy some old fashioned farm animals right here in Spokane!

Karen Jean Matsko Hood
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Website: www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Online Store: www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:
Monday – Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Noon; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.
Getaway Studio Dining Room
& Bed and Breakfast
Phone (509) 928-8900
Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
From I-90 East or West
Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east), and continue straight for .5 mile
Turn right on South Chapman Road (south), and proceed .9 mile
The farm will be on the left-hand side of the road – 4301 South Chapman Road

Petting Farm at Mountain Valley View Farm!

Thursday, June 23, 2011 @ 04:06 PM
posted by Sibella

Mountain Valley View Farm is pleased to introduce our petting zoo!

Petting zoos are an affordable, family-friendly way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon together. It is not only fun, but can be educational too, as children can learn about the different animals and see how they are cared for and utilized on our farm.

Mountain Valley View Farm is home to dozens of wonderful animals, including a large variety of birds that include 3 kinds of chicken, 11 types of goose, 7 breeds of duck, and 7 types of turkey;  adorable fainting and Nubian goats; beautiful Icelandic horses; three types of sheep; and more. Our farm is home to some exotic and endangered breeds, and there is much to see and learn.

We do ask that you respect the animals by treating them with care–please, no chasing or shouting. If you want to feed the animals, be cautious and pay attention: some of them will mistake your fingers for carrots or other food and may bite or peck. Please remember that we consider all of our animals to be part of the family. They are treated with love and are used to being around people, and will only bite if they feel threatened or think you are feeding them.

Mountain Valley View Farm is a small, family owned and operated farm located in beautiful Spokane Valley. In addition to our petting zoo, we grow a wide variety of delicious, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. We also sell fresh, organic chicken, duck, and goose eggs as well as creamy, nutritious goat milk and cheese. You can call us for more information at about the petting zoo or any of our farm fresh products at 509-928-1800. Our address is:

4301 S. Chapman Rd
Greenacres, WA 99016

Prices

Children 2 & under are free
$6/child
$7.50/adult
$30/group of 5 or more

Hours

Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m. Daily
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

See you soon!

Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. Farm Animals and Pets

Friday, June 10, 2011 @ 10:06 AM
posted by Sibella

Mountain Valley View Farm is proud to introduce our growing family of farm animals. We love our farm animals and take great pride in raising them organically, the way nature intended. Take a look at some of the farm animals you can expect to find on our family farm!

Birds

Chicken, Araucana

This unusual breed gets its name from the Indian tribe of Chile where they were first discovered. Araucanas lay beautiful, tasty eggs of blue-green shades from turquoise to deep olive.

Chicken, Plymouth Barred Rock

The quintessential American chicken, the Plymouth Barred Rock is an all-time favorite that was first bred in the 1800s.

Chicken, Red Star Hybrid

The Red Star is hardy bird that is sex-linked: that is, at birth, it easy to determine which chicks are male and which are female depending on their color. Females chicks are reddish brown and males are white.

Duck, Blue Swedish

This unusual duck has beautiful silvery blue, white, and black feathers and comes from the coastal areas of Holland, Germany, and Belgium.

Duck, Cayuga

Once the primary source of duck meat, Cayugas are an unusual and beautiful bird with glossy, iridescent black plumage that eventually turns white as they age.

Duck, Chocolate Runner

This is an ancient, hardy breed from Southeast Asia, and are sometimes called Indian Runners because they were originally imported to England on a ship from the Indies.

Duck, Gold Star Hybrid

Calm, even-tempered ducks that are excellent layers. Like Red Star chickens, their gender can be distinguished at birth by their color.

Duck, Khaki Campbell

A popular and famous breed, Khakis are some of the most reliable domestic layers. They were developed in England in 1901.

Duck, Welsh Harlequin

A beautiful, more recent breed with an excellent laying ability and unusual markings. They are quite popular.

Duck, White Layer

A lovely all-white duck that lays only white eggs, as opposed to the mixed blue and white eggs produced by the Gold Star that is its cousin.

Goose, African

Despite its name, this goose is actually descended from the wild Asian Swan Goose of China. They are active and somewhat noisier than other geese.

Goose, Brown Chinese

A smaller, lighter goose, the Brown Chinese has a more pronounced forehead knob than the other Asiatic geese.

Goose, Buff

A calm, friendly bird with coloring that is unusual for a goose. They were originally bred for meat, since the pinfeathers are easier to pluck.

Goose, French Toulouse

Hardy, commercial birds raised primarily for their meat. These Toulouse are directly descended from French birds.

Goose, Sebastopol

The gorgeous, unique Sebastopol comes from the countries around the Black Sea, and they have been around for hundreds of years. They were originally known as Danubians to the British or Danubio to the Spanish and Italians.

Goose, Super African

The Super African is a direct descendent of China’s Lion Head goose, including the pronounced dewlap on the throat. They are a fairly noisy breed, one of the best guard geese.

Goose, Toulouse

This popular goose originated in France, although nowadays many come from England. They are an excellent meat duck, a sturdy breed.

Goose, Tufted Buff

A hardy, pleasant breed that was developed as a cross between the Buff goose and the Roman Tufted goose.

Goose, Tufted Toulouse

A calm breed with all the characteristics of the French Toulouse, but with a tuft on its head like the Roman Tufted.

Goose, White Chinese

A pure white goose descended from the wild swans of China, although interestingly enough, the swans did not have the forehead knob. They are a sociable bird.

Goose, White Embden

A large white goose similar to the Toulouse, but orginating in Germany. The breed has been in existence for about 200 years.

Dogs

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, making an intelligent and affectionate pet. Reggie & Ginger, our first generation purebreds, have already had two litters of sweet puppies.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Our two Icelandic Sheepdogs are quiet, mild-mannered, and sweet. The breed is sturdy and energetic, still used to herd sheep in Iceland today. They are descended from dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings.

Newfoundland

Lily, our 6 month old Newfoundland, is an absolute delight. This large, strong breed is famous for rescuing sailors and fishermen from icy waters. Lewis & Clark were accompanied by a Newfoundland named Seaman on their journeys.

Rottweiler

Cocoa is still a puppy, but she is quiet and well-behaved. Contrary to popular belief, Rottweilers are not violent or dangerous. Rather, they are loyal and reliable, with an even temperament.

Livestock

Goat, Fainting (Myotonic)

These adorable goats are bred more as pets or for their meat than for milk. When startled, their legs will go stiff and they will fall over in a faint, a harmless condition called myotonia. For a full list of the fainting goats in our herd, please click here.

Goat, Nubian

The Nubian is an excellent dairy goat, known for its rich, creamy milk that is high in butter content and gentle on the stomach. Many lactose intolerant people discover that they can drink Nubian milk. For a full list of the Nubian goats in our herd, please click here.

Horse, Icelandic

A strong and sturdy breed despite its smaller size, the Icelandic is also friendly and docile. A truly beautiful and unique horse, we are thrilled to have a small group on our farm.

Sheep, Babydoll Southdown

This ancient British breed of miniature sheep makes a gentle, friendly pet, and their cute teddy bear faces are instantly lovable. Their wool is also excellent for spinning.

Sheep, East Friesian

The East Friesian comes from Germany and is known as the best dairy producing sheep in the world. They are polled, or naturally hornless.

Sheep, Icelandic

The Icelandic sheep has been prized for its meat, milk, and wool. It is one of the oldest breeds of sheep in the world. They are very sturdy and do well in cold environments.

National Pet Dental Health Month

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 @ 09:02 PM
posted by Karen Jean Matsko Hood

Did you know that February is not only National Children’s Dental Health Month but is also National Pet Dental Health Month? I was surprised to learn this as I drove past a veterinarian’s office that had this message posted on a sign in front of the building.

Having a National Pet Dental Health Month is a good reminder to focus on what keeps your pet healthy. You see, pets need to have their teeth cleaned, too. Bacteria can lead to a buildup of plaque, which in turn harms your pet’s gums and teeth. I’ve been told that scheduling teeth cleanings for your pet is highly ridiculous and very expensive. That may or may not be the case, but some people do choose professional dental health treatments for their pets. Another way to help keep your pet’s dental health in good shape is to clean their teeth at home.

A problem we have in today’s culture in the United States is the growing dental health problems in pets, which is often due to feeding a diet which is not natural for your specific breed. This contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. It has been proven that bacterial infection can adversely affect the health of humans as well as pets.

Be sure to feed your pet a healthy diet specific to your particular pet, and then make sure they have the appropriate items needed. For example, dogs have evolved from canines that were used to chewing on bones. This naturally helped clean their teeth. It is also worth it to use a soft, small toothbrush to brush your pet’s teeth from time to time. This will protect your animal’s dental health. This in turn will save you from having to pay for more expensive treatment later.

The American Veterinary Medical Association encourages us to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month by checking with your local veterinarian for the best methods of keeping your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.

Our Dogs’ Health News: I am worried about one of my beloved pet dogs, Dromi, who is a 14-year-old male Icelandic sheepdog. Dromi was actually my daughter’s dog, but we inherited him when she went away to college and was unable take him with her. He was imported from Iceland and has a wonderful character. He has been a terrific dog, but his health is failing. His eyes are still bright and alert, but he is definitely getting worse. He has tumors that are spreading all over his body, and I’m afraid that he doesn’t have too much time left. Losing a much-loved pet is always difficult. He has had a great life so far, and yes, he chewed on lots of bones to keep his teeth clean!

The Icelandic Sheep Dog: Breed Information

Thursday, September 2, 2010 @ 11:09 AM
posted by Sibella
Source: Wikipedia
Icelandic Sheepdog

Appearance

These are the current breed standards:

  • Neck: moderately long, muscular, arched, carried high.
  • Back: level, muscular, strong.
  • Chest: long, deep, well sprung; reaches its forearm
  • Belly: only a slight tuck upwards.
  • Tail: high-set, curled, touching back.
  • Forequarters: straight, parallel, strong forelegs.
  • Forefeet: oval-shaped toes, arched, tight, with well-developed pads.
  • Shoulders: oblique, muscular.
  • Hind legs: one or often two dew claws on each leg.
  • Gait: displays endurance and agility, driving action, covers ground effortlessly.
  • Head: strongly built, close-fitting skin, skull slightly longer than muzzle making it look triangular from side or above.
  • Nose: black, or dark brown in lighter-color breeds.
  • Muzzle: nasal bridge straight, slightly shorter than skull, tapers evenly towards nose to form triangle.
  • Lips: black, close-fitting. sometimes partially pink
  • Bite: scissor.
  • Cheeks: flat.
  • Eyes: medium, almond-shaped, brown, eye-rims are black.
  • Ears: erect, medium in size, triangular, very mobile as they move in sensitivity with dog’s moods. very sensitive with hearing
  • Height: male: 46 cm female: 42 cm
  • Color: tan, reddish-brown, chocolate, grey, black, with white as a required prominent color.
  • Appearance from side: rectangular, length from shoulder to base of tail is greater than height at withers.
  • Depth of chest: equal to length of foreleg.
  • Coat: two types: long and short, both thick and waterproof.

Temperament

Icelandic sheepdogs are tough and energetic. Hardy and agile, they are extremely useful for herding and driving livestock or finding lost sheep. However, the dogs are not known for hunting. Icelandic sheepdogs are very alert and will always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome, without being aggressive. Friendly and cheerful, the Icelandic sheepdog is inquisitive, playful and unafraid. They generally get along well with children, as well as other pets. They are very energetic and strong, a large dog in a small dog’s body, and like to be in close physical proximity to their owners.

As the name implies, it is a sheep dog, but is also used as a watch dog and general working dog. When herding, the Icelandic sheepdogs were not mainly used to take the sheep from one point to another, but to prevent animals from straying. Additionally, the dogs were in charge of herding horses and other animals as well. When herding failed, the dogs drove the animals by barking. Thus, they tend to bark when they want something, although this behaviour can be controlled by training.

In the Icelandic landscape, sheep often get lost and it has historically been the dog’s job to find them and return them to the herd. They are therefore used to working on their own and to figuring things out for themselves, so owners have to beware lest they learn things they shouldn’t. As a watch dog, their main task was to alert the inhabitants when somebody was coming, so these dogs tend to bark a lot when they see people approaching.

The Icelandic sheepdog is very loyal and wants to be around its family constantly. It follows its owner everywhere. Unlike most working dogs, these calm down when indoors and will happily lie down at their master’s feet.

Health Conditions

Icelandic sheepdog can suffer from a variety of health conditions. While these may be common medical conditions, your Icelandic sheepdog will not necessarily develop those listed below.

  • Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joints that causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Elbow dysplasia, a malformation of the elbow joints that causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Distichiasis occurs when eyelashes grow in the wrong place on the eyelid and cause an eye irritation which may result in scarred corneas.
  • Hereditary cataracts occur in the breed. A CERF examination for eye disease is strongly encouraged by the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America.