The Swedish Vallhund

The history of the Swedish Vallhund dates back to eighth century Sweden where the breed worked as farm dogs, primarily herding cattle. The breed was nearly extinct in 1942 when Count Bjorn Von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten made a concerted effort to revive the breed. They tracked down the best remaining specimens in the country and carefully bred them to a standard written by Count Von Rosen. The breed was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1943. In 1964, the name in Sweden was changed to "Vasgotaspets," after the province of Vastergotland where the breed continues to flourish. In Sweden, it is believed that the Vallhund traveled to Wales with Viking raiders and became the ancestor of the Corgi breeds.

The Swedish Vallhund is a small, sturdily-built, Spitz-type dog, with a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and close-fitting, hard coat of short-to-medium length. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 2:3. The tail may be natural or bobbed. The appearance of the Swedish Vallhund conveys intelligence, alertness and energy.

The ears of the Swedish Vallhund are stiff and pricked and lined with fine hair. The muzzle is long and parallel to the top of the skull. A fox-like expression is paramount. A well-defined mask is highly desirable, with lighter hair around the eyes, muzzle, and under the throat. The coat is harsh, tight and medium in length with a soft undercoat. The neck is long and muscular. The legs are powerful with short oval feet and round pads. Coat colors include gray, red-yellow, red-brown and gray-brown. A fractional amount of white markings are tolerated.

The Swedish Vallhund is a responsive and even-tempered companion. It is intelligent and affectionate. He loves attention and can be casually grayish and show-offish. Owners are never disappointed in his multi-faceted ability or his spontaneous sense of humor. Extremely active and devoted little dogs. They are usually good with considerate children. They will try to guard your home even if they are too small for the situation. Wary of strangers, it should be properly socialized and trained when it is still young to avoid over-protective behavior as an adult. They sometimes try to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can be trained not to do this. The Swedish Vallhund tends to bark a lot and makes a good alarm dog. Males can be aggressive with other males, particularly if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity. This breed makes a great companion and can be used for herding and ratting. They also make excellent show and obedience dogs.

Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips) and yearly CERF (eyes). Long-backed breeds are susceptible to disk disease that can be exacerbated by excessive high-jumping, dashing down stairs, being picked up without proper support, and obesity. However, the Vallhund's more moderate proportions of height to length give him more protection in this area than similar breeds of this general build.

While the breed is relatively free of genetic disorders, the following defects have been associated with the Swedish Vallhund: hip displasia, luxated patellas, cleft palate, retinal dysplasia, cryptorchidism, missing teeth and bad bites.

The Swedish Vallhund is a member of the American Kennel Clubs Miscellaneous Class.

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