Swedish Vallhund

In my own words

“I may be little but I have a big personality! Fancy a jog?”

My kind are cattle herders, did you know that? Better move fast or I’ll whip you into shape! I love going jogging, don’t you? Isn’t it so much fun to be out in the fresh air? It’s great but I do like being at home with my family too. I like to keep an eye on everything you see, I make a great watchdog. I don’t let my small size stop me doing anything! Did you know I can even catch vermin? There’s no end to my talents!

Oh did you hear that? Was that someone outside or at the door? Do you want me to check it out for you? Don’t worry, I’ll go see what the trouble is, I’m sure if it’s the postman I can help him along with his job!

Information essential about the Swedish Vallhund

Kennel Club Group:

Pastoral

The Swedish Vallhund is a member of the pastoral group. They were originally bred to herd cattle, sheep and horses and were also used as watchdogs. Today they are used as companions and seen in the show ring. They are still worked in Sweden and other Scandinavian Countries.

Size:

Small: Weight 25 – 35 lb (11.5 – 16 kg)

Height Male 13 – 14” (33 – 35 cm) Female 12 – 13” (31 – 33 cm)

 

Popularity:

Breed History:

The Swedish Vallhund is originally of Viking blood and has been identified as similar to the Welsh Corgi although which breed came first is debatable. Over the centuries, very little change was injected into the breed and they worked on Swedish farms driving cattle and controlling vermin. The breed did begin to reduce in numbers and by 1942 was verging on extinction. Count von Rose and Herr K G Zettersten set up a breeding programme to increase the genetic pool for the breed, searching out three suitable bitches and one dog. One of the bitches used was thought of as being the ‘ideal’ Vallhund and her measurements are still used in today’s breed standard. The breed was introduced to the UK in 1973 when an in-whelp bitch was imported. Another two bitches and a dog followed shortly and these four dogs formed the foundation UK stock.

Character:

This breed is alert, active, happy and playful. They are solid workers and make good children’s companions as they are versatile and fit in well with family life. This breed will guard property and people and is generally fine with other animals but caution is advised with small animals.

Temperament:

The Swedish Vallhund is friendly and active. They are eager to please and devoted to their family. They get on very well with children, protecting them from any strangers who attempt to get too close to them. They will accept other dogs, although care should be taken with small animals.

Conformation:

This breed is strong and robust with a fairly long body, having a similar physique to a Corgi. On closer inspection they are longer in the leg, with smaller mobile ears and a wedge shaped head. The head should be rather long with a clean-cut blunt wedge and a well-defined stop. The muzzle should be rather square and slightly shorter than the skull. The lower jaw should be strong. The eyes should be medium-sized, oval and very dark brown. The medium-sized ears should be pointed, pricked, smooth-haired and mobile. They should have a scissor bite. The neck should be long, strongly muscled and with good reach. The front legs should be well-boned and straight when viewed from the side. The hind legs should be well-angulated, with well-bent stifles and low hocks. Again the legs should be well-boned and have strongly muscled thighs. The back should be well-muscled and level with a short, strong loin. Harness markings should be clearly defined. The feet should be medium-sized, short and oval, well-knuckled up and with strong pads. If docked, the length should not exceed 10cms when adult and should be carried horizontally or slightly downwards. It may be raised at attention. If undocked, it should be set on as a continuation of the croup line and be carried naturally. The movement should be free and active, with elbows fitting loosely to the sides. The front legs should move well forward without too much lift with a powerful thrusting action coming from behind.

 

Coat:

The coat is short and smooth.

Colour:

The recognised colours are steel grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow, reddish brown with darker guard hairs on the back, neck and sides of body. Lighter hair of the same colours is desirable on the muzzle, throat, chest, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks or, alternatively white markings are acceptable but never in excess of one-third of the total colour.

Training:

This breed is quick to learn and eager to please making them easy to train. They adore agility and obedience training

Care:

The Swedish Vallhund require regular combing and brushing to keep the coat in good condition. They normally shed once a year and are free from dog odour.

Health:

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 12 and 15 years.If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. This is a healthy, robust breed with no specific health problems. However, ear passages should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

 

Exercise:

This breed has a moderate exercise requirement and makes a good jogging partner and enjoys short runs. On average this breed benefits from 40 - 60 minutes of exercise a day and can do well in an urban environment provided they are sufficiently exercised.

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