Swedish vallhund

Summary

The Swedish Vallhund is a lively and sturdy small to medium-sized dog breed with roots dating back over a thousand years. It is often referred to as the "Viking dog" due to its history of being a trusted herding and companion dog in Sweden.

This breed has a compact body, a wedge-shaped head, and expressive oval-shaped eyes. The ears are erect and their medium-length, dense double coat comes in various combinations of gray, sable, and red with distinctive patterns and markings. The Vallhund's tail is naturally bobbed or naturally long.

Swedish Vallhunds are known for their friendly and energetic nature. They are highly intelligent, eager to please their owners, and are generally easy to train. With proper socialization, they can get along well with children and other animals. This breed is also known for their strong herding instincts and might try to herd their family members or objects around them.

These dogs have moderate exercise needs, making them suitable for various types of living arrangements. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are necessary to keep them happy and healthy. Despite their energetic nature, Vallhunds also love spending quality time with their owners and are content to curl up on the couch for some relaxation.

Overall, the Swedish Vallhund is a versatile, alert, and affectionate breed that makes an excellent companion for active individuals or families. Their unique appearance, combined with their loyal and loving nature, makes them an increasingly popular choice for dog enthusiasts around the world.

Usage areas

The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the Swedish Shepherd or Vallhund, is a versatile and hardworking dog breed with a rich history. Originally bred in Sweden for herding and guarding livestock, they are known for their adaptability and intelligence. Here are some of the usage areas where Swedish Vallhunds excel:

  1. Herding: The Swedish Vallhund has an innate herding instinct and excels at moving and controlling livestock. They are versatile enough to handle different types of animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. Their strong work ethic, agility, and quick reflexes make them highly effective in driving and managing herds.

  2. Watchdog: With their alertness and protective nature, Swedish Vallhunds make excellent watchdogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will bark to alert their owners of any potential threats. Their small size and sharp senses make them perfect for guarding houses, farms, and properties.

  3. Agility and Obedience: Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable and enjoy participating in various dog sports. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them excellent candidates for obedience training and agility competitions. They excel in activities that involve navigating obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles.

  4. Hunting rats and vermin: Historically, the Swedish Vallhund was also used as a ratter on farms, hunting down and exterminating rats and other vermin. Their agility, quick movements, and fearless nature allowed them to excel in this task.

  5. Family Companion: Aside from their working abilities, Swedish Vallhunds are also cherished as loving and devoted family pets. They are known for their friendly and sociable temperament, making them great companions for adults and children alike. Their small to medium size and adaptability to various living situations make them suitable for both urban and rural environments.

It is important to note that each dog is an individual, and not every Swedish Vallhund will excel in all these areas. However, with proper training, socialization, and opportunity, they can showcase many of the skills and qualities that make them such a remarkable and versatile breed.

Mentality

The Swedish Vallhund is known for its intelligent and adaptable nature. This breed possesses a strong work ethic and thrives on being actively involved in various activities. They have a keen sense of purpose and are always up for a challenge.

With a history of herding livestock, the Swedish Vallhund has a natural instinct to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. They are alert and make excellent watchdogs, always ready to alert their owners of any potential threats. This breed is also known for its friendly and sociable disposition, and they tend to get along well with other animals and people, making them great family pets.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable and quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques and enjoy engaging in mental stimulation games or tasks. This breed thrives on being mentally challenged and will excel in various canine sports and activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking.

Due to their working heritage, Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate energy level. Providing them with daily exercise, both physical and mental, is essential to maintain their well-being. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys will help ensure that they remain content and properly stimulated.

Overall, the Swedish Vallhund is a confident and versatile breed with a strong desire to learn and please their owners. Their intelligence, along with their friendly and outgoing nature, make them a wonderful companion for active individuals or families who are willing to provide them with the mental and physical enrichment they need.

Health

The Swedish Vallhund is generally a healthy and robust dog breed. With proper care and attention, they can usually live a long and active life. However, like any breed, they are still susceptible to certain health issues that owners should be aware of.

One potential health concern in Swedish Vallhunds is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to discomfort and potential mobility issues. Responsible breeders often get their breeding stock tested for hip dysplasia to reduce the chances of passing on this condition to offspring.

Another condition that can affect Vallhunds is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness. Again, responsible breeders often test their dogs for PRA and make informed breeding decisions to minimize the occurrence of this condition.

Like many small to medium-sized breeds, Swedish Vallhunds can also be prone to obesity if not given enough exercise or fed a proper diet. Owners should monitor their dog's weight, ensure they get regular exercise, and provide a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.

Overall, as long as Swedish Vallhunds are provided with regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise, they have a good chance of living a healthy and happy life. As with any dog breed, it's important for owners to be aware of potential health issues and consult with their veterinarian about the specific needs of their Swedish Vallhund.

Size and looks

The Swedish Vallhund is a small to medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 20-35 pounds (9-16 kg) and stands about 11.5-13.5 inches (29-34 cm) tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, sturdy, and well-muscled body.

The Vallhund has a wolf-like appearance and is often referred to as a "wolf corgi" due to its resemblance to the larger Swedish Elkhound and the Corgi breeds. They have a wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped dark brown eyes, and erect ears that are high-set and proportionate to the head.

Their muzzle is moderately long with a strong jaw and a slightly scissor bite. The Swedish Vallhund has a thick double coat, consisting of a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat that provides insulation. Their coat can be short to medium in length and comes in various colors, including gray, sable, and grayish-yellow. Some Vallhunds also have distinctive white markings on the chest, neck, and feet.

Overall, the Swedish Vallhund is a charming and attractive breed with a sturdy build and expressive face. They have a certain "foxiness" in their appearance, which contributes to their unique and charming look.

History

The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the Västgötaspets, is a small herding dog breed that originated in Sweden. Its history dates back more than a thousand years when it was believed to be a companion and helper to the Vikings, herding their cattle and guarding their homes.

The Vallhund is thought to have descended from spitz-type dogs brought to Sweden by the Vikings during their raids and travels. These dogs were crossed with the native Swedish farm dogs, resulting in the distinctive Vallhund we know today.

For centuries, Swedish Vallhunds played a crucial role in rural communities, excelling in herding and ratting on farms. Their compact size, intelligence, and agility made them well-suited for working in both small spaces and challenging terrains.

Despite being highly valued by local farmers, the breed declined in numbers during the early 20th century. Fortunately, a group of dedicated breed enthusiasts formed the Swedish Vallhund Club in 1942 to preserve and promote this wonderful breed. Their efforts led to the breed's recognition by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1948.

In recent years, the Swedish Vallhund has gained popularity as a versatile and affectionate companion dog. While it still retains its herding instincts and excels in various dog sports, it is also cherished as a family pet due to its friendly and playful nature.

Thanks to ongoing efforts by breeders and enthusiasts, the Swedish Vallhund continues to thrive as a beloved breed both in Sweden and around the world.

Fur care

The Swedish Vallhund has a double coat consisting of a harsh, medium-length outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The fur of a Swedish Vallhund is weather-resistant and provides good protection in various climates.

To properly care for their fur, regular brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking neat. This breed typically sheds moderately throughout the year and experiences heavier shedding during seasonal changes. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to help control the amount of hair that ends up around the house.

Bathing the Swedish Vallhund should be done as needed or when they get dirty, as excessive bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils. They are generally a clean breed and do not have a strong doggy odor.

Additional fur care for the Swedish Vallhund includes regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene to ensure their overall well-being.

Other info

The Swedish Vallhund is a small herding breed that originated in Sweden. Here are some more interesting facts about this delightful breed:

  1. Appearance: The Swedish Vallhund is a sturdy and compact dog with a wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes. They have a thick double coat, which helps them withstand harsh weather conditions.

  2. Nickname: The Swedish Vallhund is often referred to as the "Viking Dog" due to its Scandinavian origins and historical association with Viking settlements.

  3. Historical relevance: The Swedish Vallhund has been present in Sweden since the Viking Age and has a long history of working alongside farmers and herdsmen as an expert herding and guarding dog.

  4. Corgi-like resemblance: Swedish Vallhunds bear a resemblance to Welsh Corgis, and there has been speculation that they may have common ancestry. However, they are separate breeds with distinct characteristics.

  5. Versatile working dogs: Along with herding livestock, Swedish Vallhunds are also skilled at hunting vermin and guarding properties. They are known to be alert, energetic, and agile, making them versatile working dogs.

  6. Intelligence and trainability: Swedish Vallhunds excel in obedience training and have a reputation for being quick learners. They are intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

  7. Affectionate and loyal: Swedish Vallhunds are known for their devotion to their families. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being involved in various activities.

  8. Exercise needs: Despite their small size, Swedish Vallhunds are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. Long walks, playtime, and interactive challenges are great ways to keep them stimulated.

  9. Health and lifespan: Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. With proper care, they can have an average lifespan of around 12-15 years.

  10. Popularity: While still considered a relatively rare breed, the charm and intelligence of Swedish Vallhunds have gained them a small but dedicated following worldwide. They are recognized by various kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (UK).

Remember, every dog is unique, and individual temperaments and characteristics may vary even within the same breed. If you're considering a Swedish Vallhund as a pet, it's always a good idea to interact with the breed in person and talk to responsible breeders or experts to gather more specific information.