Country of OriginSweden
Nicknames and Other NamesSwedish cattle dog
Västgötaspets
Swedish Shepherd
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupHerding Group
Working Group
Bred Fordroving and herding cows
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, KC, CKC, UKC, FCI, NZKC, ANKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight20-35 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 12.5-13.75 inches
Female: 11.5-12.75 inches
Fur TypeShort, harsh, soft undercoat
Common ColorsGray
Red
MarkingsWhite markings
Sable
AvailabilityModerately available
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsModerately suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToSwedish Lapphund

The Swedish Vallhund is an intelligent breed with active and alert personality. They are generally healthy dogs who are prone to very few health problems.

The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient breed with extremely sociable nature and limitless energy. The Swedish Vallhund is a short stature dog with short legs but a large body who is both sturdy and muscular.

Origin And History Of Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is the oldest dog breed many years ago it was originally bred for herding cattle in its native Sweden.

The Swedish Vallhund is a dog breed with wolf-like appearance, which was thought to be developed by mixing Scandinavia Spittype dogs with short-legged Corgis of the British Isles.

The Swedish Vallhund was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club as Svensk Vallhund which means Swedish herder.

Are They Child-Friendly?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXxo_2gng2/

Yes, Swedish Vallhund is child-friendly, they usually get along with children and love spending time with them. However, because of their hunting instincts, they may tend to nip running children, therefore supervision is necessary to ensure their even-tempered. Together with this, it is also important to teach your child how to interact with dogs and avoid ear and tail pulling of dog.

Temperament, Personality and Behavior

Temperaments of Swedish Vallhunds are friendly, fearless, energetic, spirited and engaging little companions. They enjoy doing the job and dislike being useless. Swedish Vallhunds is generally gentle and kind, they usually get along with people and other pets.

Swedish Vallhund has a bold personality, they usually are known to be barkers which makes them excellent watchdogs, but their excessive barking tendencies might sometimes create problems for city life.

Swedish Vallhund is quite strong and carries a lot of strength. These dogs are usually eager to please their owners. Despite being highly energetic, they require only a moderate amount of exercise to remain healthy and happy.

A daily walk is needed and if you don’t have a yard to play in at home, then you can take them to parks and gardens when they can get enough space to run and play.

Trainability

Swedish Vallhund Are Independent Thinker
Swedish Vallhund Dog Training Image Via Umgas Megazine

As like other herding dogs, the Swedish Vallhund is also an independent thinker and can act little bossy, so training a Swedish Vallhunds can be a little challenging. But there’s nothing to worry, positive reinforce can help you a lot for in taking their good response.

You should provide them consistent and firm training so that you, you are able to create leadership before them. Offer them lots of treats and praise to make them enjoy their training.

Facts

Quick facts about Swedish Vallhund:

  • The Swedish Vallhund is AKC’s 156th breed and was recognized in 2007
  • This dog breed is also known as Vastgotaspets and Swedish cattle dog.
  • Dogs of this breed come naturally with no tail, stub tail or full curl tail.
  • These dogs were before known as “Viking Dogs”.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Skin Allergies, Spina Bifida,
Heart Problems, Patellar Luxation
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus,
Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus, Canin Parainfluenza,
Canine Parainfluenza
SheddingHeavy Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesSkin Allergy
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Coenzyme Q10
Probiotics
Glucosamine

Swedish Vallhunds are pretty healthy dogs in general, as like all other breeds some health conditions that have been seen in this breed are:

  • Hip Dysplasia: A common disease that occurs when hip joints of Swedish Vallhund don’t develop in the right way.
  • Patellar Luxation It occurs when the kneecap of Swedish Vallhund is dislocated from its normal position
  • Eye Disease:
  • Eye disease is common in dogs, it may occur secondary to trauma, infections and less commonly as a result of an inner eye disease.

Color Pattern

The Swedish Vallhund dogs are found in five color patterns:

  • Mahogany
  • Blue
  • Grey
  • Greyish Brown
  • Greyish Yellow

Puppies

Swedish Vallhund Require Early Training
Swedish Vallhund Pup Image Via AKC marketplace

The Swedish Vallhund dogs give birth up to four to eight puppies at a time. If you have been deciding to adopt a Swedish Vallhund puppy, you are unlikely to find it for less than $500 and can expect to pay an average of $1000 or may be more than this depending on puppy’s breeding.

Which Dogs Are They Similar To?

Dogs similar to Swedish Vallhund are:

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