Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund, a dog breed with deep Viking roots, dates back to the 8th to 11th centuries, when Scandinavian Vikings raided, conquered, and settled vast regions of Britain. The influence of these Viking explorers is still evident today in the Scandinavian place names found throughout the British Isles. 

1. Swedish Vallhund History- Source: AKC

The Vallhund, a cross between Scandinavian spitz dogs and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, emerged as a rugged cattle dog and versatile farm worker in western Sweden over 1,000 years ago. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996 and by the American Kennel Club under Herding Group in 2007.

The Vallhund is a confident, lively, and loyal dog with a playful and clever nature. Its eagerness to please makes it highly devoted to its family. It is quick to alert its family to strangers or potential threats.

Adaptable to various environments, these purebred dogs thrive with plenty of exercise and enjoy being with their people. Vallhunds are also entertaining and enjoy using their minds to solve problems and interact with toys. Their alertness makes them great alarm dogs, but they can bark for fun or to “chat” with you.

• Potential Challenges

Vallhunds are energetic and intelligent, which can lead to challenges if not trained early. They have a herding instinct and nip at fast-moving objects, so consistent correction is needed. Training and socialization before four months are key to preventing shyness or anxiety. 

Exposing them to various people and situations helps them become well-rounded and comfortable with strangers, children, and other animals. With proper training, positive reinforcement, and attention, Vallhunds make excellent family companions.

The Vallhund has a strong, well-built body with a broad, slightly flat skull and a squared muzzle. The nose is aligned with the muzzle. Its wedge-shaped head features upright ears and medium-sized, oval-shaped dark brown eyes. The breed has black lips and strong teeth with a scissors bite. Its paws are muscular and well-boned.

• Size

The Vallhund typically stands between 11.5 and 13.75 inches tall. Their weight ranges from 20 to 35 pounds. This size makes them a sturdy and compact breed, well-suited for various tasks. Despite their small-to-medium stature, they are strong and agile.

• Coat color

The Vallhund is a double-coated Spitz breed with medium-length hair. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the topcoat is harsh and close-fitting. The coat typically features a sable pattern, ranging from gray to red, or combinations of these colors in various shades. 

Lighter shades are typically seen around the eyes, muzzle, throat, chest, belly, lower legs, feet, and hocks, while darker hair appears on the back, neck, and sides. The breed is also known for its light-colored “harness markings” on the back, adding to its distinctive appearance.

1. Sable Swedish Vallhund- Source: Pixabay

The males typically stand between 12.5 and 13.75 inches tall, while females are slightly shorter, ranging from 11.5 to 12.75 inches. Both males and females weigh around 20 to 35 pounds.

In terms of temperament, there is no difference between males and females. Vallhunds are known for their strong affection towards family members. They are loyal and loving, forming strong bonds with their loved ones. This makes them excellent companions.

Feed your Vallhund 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, and their food needs vary, just like people. 

A highly active dog will require more food than a less active one. The quality of the dog food you choose matters. Better food provides more nourishment, so you’ll need to feed your dog less. To maintain a healthy weight, measure your Vallhund’s food and feed him twice a day.

Avoid leaving food out all the time. You can also offer healthy treats like fruits in moderation. Strawberries, blueberries, and apples make great snacks. Always avoid seeds and cores when offering fruits.

Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some hereditary health issues:

• Hip Dysplasia: Swedish Vallhunds can inherit hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. This causes pain, lameness, and exercise intolerance. To help manage this, provide a balanced diet to support joint health, and ensure your Vallhund gets regular exercise to maintain mobility without overexertion.
• Cataracts: Swedish Vallhunds are prone to cataracts, an inherited condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision loss and potentially blindness. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect cataracts early, allowing for timely treatment and management to preserve vision.
• Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy: This condition is a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) specific to Swedish Vallhunds. It affects the photoreceptor cells of the retina, causing gradual vision loss and potentially leading to blindness. While there is no cure, regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor the disease's progression.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition, common in Swedish Vallhunds, occurs when the kneecap moves out of place, causing pain and difficulty walking. To help prevent patellar luxation, ensure your Vallhund maintains a healthy weight and receives regular exercise to keep their joints strong and stable.
• Deafness: Deafness is another hereditary condition that can affect Swedish Vallhunds. Routine veterinary check-ups can help identify early signs of hearing loss, and adopting alternative communication methods can aid in managing the condition.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is a genetic disorder that causes the retina to degenerate, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Early signs include difficulty seeing in low light or changes in navigation. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for monitoring the condition.

The Vallhund’s short legs don’t hinder his agility or speed. With a strong, muscular build, he excels in agility and requires daily exercise like long walks, hikes, or agility training. He thrives in any environment, as long as he stays active as a high-energy dog breed.

Due to his long back, Vallhunds can be prone to back injuries. Avoid letting puppies jump off furniture, and always support both front legs and rear end when lifting. Though weather-resistant, the Vallhund is people-oriented and should not be left outside.

Groom weekly to remove dead hair and stimulate sebaceous glands. Brush teeth two to three times a week to prevent tartar and bacteria. Trim nails monthly or when needed. Check ears weekly for infections and wipe with a damp cotton ball. 

Regularly handle paws and mouth to ease grooming and vet visits. Always look for signs of irritation or infection during grooming for early problem detection. Leash train your dog early to prevent pulling, as Bouviers are strong with a natural herding instinct.

The Vallhund’s grooming needs are similar to the Shetland Sheepdog, which also has a double coat requiring regular weekly brushing. Both breeds benefit from teeth brushing two to three times a week and nail trimming. Additionally, just like Vallhunds, Shelties are prone to ear infections, so regular ear checks and cleaning are essential.

Swedish Vallhund puppies are available for sale from reputable breeders. Prices typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. The price depends on the dog's lineage and health testing. Ensure you buy from a responsible breeder. A good breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of the breed.

AKC Marketplace

Swedish Vallhunds can also be found through rescue groups. These herding dogs often need a loving home due to changes in their owners' circumstances. Adoption fees vary, but they are typically lower than purchasing from a breeder. Rescue organizations ensure the dogs are healthy and well-socialized before finding them a new family. Consider adopting if you're looking for a devoted and energetic herding dog.

Swedish Vallhund Rescue

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• The Swedish Vallhund has been featured on postage stamps in Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Tajikistan, Mali, and Nicaragua.
• By 1942, the Swedish Vallhund was nearly extinct. Breeders K.G. Zettersten and Bjorn von Rosen revived the breed using four dogs: Mopsen (male), and Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy (female).
• A unique characteristic of Swedish Vallhunds is that many are born tailless, while others have stub tails or full-length tails.

The Swedish Vallhund is best for active individuals or families who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This intelligent and loyal herding dog thrives in environments where it can be involved in daily activities and training. It is ideal for owners who enjoy an affectionate, energetic companion.