Swedish Vallhund Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Swedish Vallhund?

Their name, Swedish Vallhund, means shepherd or herding dog. They are said to descend from dogs from the Viking era, but this can't be confirmed. We know that they used to be farm dogs in Sweden.

It is believed that Vikings brought Vallhunds with them when they raided areas of Britain. They are related to large Scandinavian Spitz-type dogs and are known as an ancient breed.

They were used to bark an alarm, keep vermin away, and herd cattle, and various other livestock. In Sweden, they are known as Vastgotaspets. The breed almost went extinct by 1942; a man called Bjorn von Rosen then decided to work on preserving the breed.

In 1943 the Swedish Kennel Club recognised them as a breed. The breed made its way to Australia in 1981, and they started breeding the dogs. They have now found their place in Australia.

The American Kennel Club registered them as a breed in 2007.

Who are Swedish Vallhund dogs best for?

Swedish Vallhunds are well suited to people who live very active lifestyles as they are high-energy dogs and need a lot of physical exercise. They are the best adventure partner for those that enjoy being outdoors, going for long walks, and keeping busy.

They are relatively adaptable so they will be happy in most home environments, but being active is essential! Swedish Vallhunds can also be very good with children, but it is important to be cautious with smaller ones.

They will get along well with other dogs and cats if they have been socialised from a young age. Like most other animals, they enjoy playing with and being around others.

How much grooming does a Swedish Vallhund need?

Swedish Vallhunds have an undercoat that sheds twice per year, and you will need to give them a good brushing down to the skin every now and then. They should also have a good bath from time to time, especially if they have gotten quite dirty.

Their grooming needs are pretty low-maintenance. It is best to give them a warm bath during their shedding season, shampoo them, and give them a little massage. Then dry their coat using a dryer and give it a thorough brushing. This will get rid of most of their shedding hair.

Brush their teeth at least 2-3 times each week, preventing bacteria and buildup. And give their nails a good trim every month. The best thing to do is make grooming a positive and fun experience (as fun as it can be for the both of you)!

Do Swedish Vallhund bark much?

Like other dog breeds, the Swedish Vallhund does tend to bark, especially when someone is at the door or if it notices something under the floor or sees another dog. If the dog is left alone often or for long periods, it will become a nuisance barker.

They will bark if they feel they are in danger or want to alert their humans. Your Vallhund will also bark if it wants to talk to you or is in a good mood. Training can teach the pooch when it is appropriate to bark.

Do Swedish Vallhund bite?

Due to their herding instinct, it is common for them to nip people's ankles or fast-moving objects. This behaviour needs to be corrected as soon as it begins. You need to teach your dog that nipping and biting are unacceptable.

What is the temperament & personality of a Swedish Vallhund?

These dogs are vigilant, very intelligent, and make excellent companions. They are loving, playful, and energetic and have a way of making you laugh - they can quickly turn a bad day into good!

Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly, love attention from anyone, and are friendly with other dogs. They are confident, lively, and loyal. They can also be very independent and courageous.

They love to be challenged and learn new things. Otherwise, they get bored and may become destructive. They love doing anything and everything; they are great for obedience training!

What is the weight & size of a Swedish Vallhund?

Swedish Vallhunds have a withers height of about 29-35 cm, their body length is around 56-66 cm, and their standing height is approximately 41-51 cm.

A male Swedish Vallhund is around 33 cm in height, and a female is about 31 cm. And they typically weigh anything between 9-16 kg.

How much training does a Swedish Vallhund need?

Most Swedish Vallhunds will be relatively easy to train as they will want to work with you, and they are fast learners. It is best to use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.

It is important to note that they are a cattle-herding breed, which is very strong-willed. Training should not be too tough as you merely need to make them understand what you want, and the end goal should be for you and them to work happily together.

Most Swedish Vallhunds are biddable and excel at clicker training. They will not respond very well to physical or harsh verbal corrections - always be kind and loving. Start when they are young and make training enjoyable for them.

They have a manipulative nature, so you need to be consistent and constantly enforce specific rules. You also need to be confident and show this doggo who's boss!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Swedish Vallhund?

Overall they are a relatively healthy breed and don't suffer from many health problems. However, they can be prone to retinopathy, a hereditary eye disease. Swedish Vallhund retinopathy can lead to complete blindness.

They have long backs and very short legs, which can easily injure their backs if not appropriately handled. Do not let them jump off of any furniture when they are puppies because their skeletal development is not complete, and they can badly injure themselves.

What is the lifespan of a Swedish Vallhund?

Swedish Vallhunds can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Their lifespan will depend on their lifestyle, how active they are, how happy they are, and how they are cared for.

If your pup happens to suffer from certain health conditions, it may shorten their lifespan, unfortunately.

How much should you feed a Swedish Vallhund?

Your Swedish Vallhund will be happy with high-quality dog food. You can either prepare the food yourself or buy a commercially manufactured one. The food you feed your pup should be appropriate for their age, size, metabolism, and activity levels.

Swedish Vallhunds do not need as much food as we think they do. They tend to become quite overweight, even though they are highly active dogs, so avoid free-feeding them!

They should eat about 1 to 1.5 cups of food each day.

What is the price of a Swedish Vallhund in Australia?

In Australia, a Swedish Vallhund pup can cost you around AUD 500 and about AUD 1,000 if you are looking for a show-quality dog. The price will depend on the breeder and the dog's bloodline and quality.

You must buy your puppy or dog from a registered, reputable and responsible breeder. This way, you know that you are purchasing a healthy, well-looked-after dog. A registered breeder should be able to show you health clearances from the national breed club.

You will also have yearly costs, which will add up to about AUD 1,500, including food, toys, shots, vet care, and necessities.