Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund: Nordic Dog with Short Legs 

“Is that a Welsh-Corgi mix?” some dog lovers might wonder upon seeing a Swedish Vallhund for the first time. The similarities between the two sturdy breeds are undeniable.

The Swedish four-legged friend has short legs and, with a height of 35cm at the shoulders, is rather longer than tall. Its weight should be between 9 to 14kg.

With its short legs, it stands out among the typically long-legged Nordic dogs. The Vallhund has medium-sized, pointed, erect ears that are very mobile. Its rod can be either naturally short or long.

Until the ’80s, many breeders docked their dogs’ rods, citing the occasionally naturally short rods – thankfully, this practice is now banned. The bushy rod of a Swedish Vallhund is 25cm long.

According to the standard, the colours grey-brown or grey-yellow, as well as reddish-brown, are allowed. The hair on the back, neck, and body sides is usually a bit darker. 

The Swedish Vallhund Was a Herding Dog and Rat Catcher 

Despite the great similarity to the Welsh Corgis, the history of the breed is largely shrouded in mystery. Did the Vikings bring the ancestors of these dogs from England to Sweden? Or from Sweden to England? Or did the two breeds develop independently? All three scenarios are possible.

What is certain is that the ancestors of today’s Vallhund were already used in Sweden for herding and driving cattle over 1,000 years ago. These four-legged friends directed the cattle by nipping at their legs to steer them in the desired direction.

Another field of work for this short-legged breed was rat hunting. In the 1940s, the Swedish Vallhund was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the intensive efforts of Count Björn von Rosen, who not only bred them himself but also heavily promoted the small Swedish dog in his homeland, the breed gained renewed awareness among many dog lovers.

The Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1943 and officially named it Västgötaspets after the region where the revival of the breed originated, namely the Västgöta plain in the province of Västergötland.

Although this four-legged friend is not a popular breed today, the existing Vallhunds are mostly used as companion dogs rather than herding dogs – although they can still perform their original tasks well. 

© beatrix kido / stock.adobe.com

Character & Training Swedish Vallhund

Small but mighty – this also applies to the Swedish Vallhund. The original worker is by no means a pampered lapdog. It is enduring, courageous, and full of energy and can be well-kept as a farm dog with close family ties. Children should ideally be a bit older and accustomed to treating dogs with respect.

If teased, the usually good-natured Vallhund may nip. Following its original herding tasks, it loves outdoor activities and only appreciates a cosy afternoon on the couch after sufficient exercise. A balanced Vallhund is affectionate, enjoys playing, and is loyal to its two-legged pack. 

Like many Nordic dogs, this breed has a tendency to bark extensively, which should be guided into controlled channels from puppy age. Even with successful training, it will not be a particularly quiet companion – so adjust your expectations accordingly.

Given the Vallhund’s tendency to clash with other dogs, attending puppy play sessions and obedience classes at the dog school is particularly beneficial. This strengthens its social skills and can also lay the foundation for canine friendships. 

The Health of the Swedish Vallhund

This robust natural dog is considered a breed with few genetic dispositions for diseases. The only notable health issue is a type of eye disease called Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can lead to moderate night blindness in Swedish Vallhunds at around ten years of age and occurs in about one-third of the dogs.

Despite its Nordic heritage, the Vallhund usually copes well with the climate in Central Europe during summer. However, it should always have a cool shady spot – like any other dog.

On hot days, move dog sports to the early morning or late evening hours. Also, ensure that this fairly compact dog maintains its slim waist – healthy body weight is one of the best indicators of a long life for dogs.

The average life expectancy of Swedish Vallhunds is 12 to 15 years. 

Swedish Vallhund Nutrition

A species-appropriate dog food with a high meat content is the best basis for a healthy dog’s life. Choose a dry or wet food with meat as the main ingredient – you can tell this if meat tops the ingredient list. Avoid dog food with grain as a cheap filler.

If you opt for dry food, ensure your Västgötaspets drinks enough water. Fresh water should always be available at all times. If you want to treat your four-legged friend to something special, go for healthy treats like dried meat specifically for dogs or dental care snacks.

Avoid anything containing sugar. A delightful chew treat for your small companion can be dried chews like beef ears or special dog bones for medium-sized dogs. Avoid overweight: If your four-legged friend gains weight, increase exercise or reduce daily portions – it usually does not need dietetic food. 

Swedish Vallhund Easy-Care

The short, smooth fur consisting of a soft undercoat and harsher top coat is easy to care for. Brush your Swedish Vallhund once a week to remove loose hair. Especially during the twice-annual moulting period, it is advisable to brush it more frequently to reduce shedding in the house and to aid the moulting process.

If your Swedish Vallhund gets dirty, usually brushing out the dried dirt will suffice. Only consider a bath with a mild dog shampoo if you can’t get it clean with a damp cloth.

Particularly with older dogs, regularly check if a pedicure with dog nail clippers is necessary. Too-long claws can get snagged and cause injury.

Ask a vet to demonstrate nail clipping if you are unsure. By the way, many dog owners include teeth brushing in their grooming routine using a dog toothbrush and special toothpaste. If you consider this effective tartar prevention, get your four-legged friend used to it from puppy age. 

Keeping the Vallhund Busy 

As mentioned, the Swedish Vallhund is far from being a couch potato. It is still suitable for work as a hunting, guard, and herding dog. If your Vallhund is kept solely as a family dog, dog sports can keep it occupied.

It thrives in many disciplines – for instance, Agility, though its short legs should be considered. The intelligent four-legged friend also enjoys puzzle games.

Love long hikes? The Swedish Vallhund will enthusiastically accompany you! However, be mindful of the potential hunting instinct in some dogs when considering off-leash activities. Swimming is not typically its strong suit, so it usually avoids lake baths. 

Is a Swedish Vallhund Right for Me? 

The Vallhund thrives with active people who give it a task. It can, for instance, live as a farm dog with close bonds to its two-legged pack, where it will do excellent work as a guard dog but also needs further activities – unless it indeed has the task of herding other animals.

If you consider getting a Swedish Vallhund, you should already have some dog experience. With older children, it can form close friendships, provided they give it retreat options and treat dogs respectfully.

With younger children and sometimes those up to primary school age, misunderstandings can occur. The former rat catcher should not coexist with smaller pets, and considering cohabitation with cats should only be done if it has already been socialised with cats by the breeder or through plenty of harmonious experiences with cats. 

Ensure before bringing the dog home that all family members agree with the new addition and that no one is allergic to animal hair. Also, think about how to arrange care during holidays – the Swedish Vallhund can join on hiking trips but remember it remains a vocal dog. Consider your neighbours regarding this habit. In general, despite its manageable size, the Swedish Vallhund is not suited for a city flat but rather a house in the countryside with a fenced garden. 

Consider the costs for the dog itself and the basic equipment as well as the recurring expenses for appropriate dog food, vet bills, dog tax, and liability insurance. Unforeseen vet costs can also arise – explore dog health insurance options beforehand and consider whether one might suit your four-legged friend. 

Where Can I Find My Swedish Vallhund? 

Outside Scandinavia, there are very few of these dogs. Adopting a puppy from abroad might be a practical step. Familiarise yourself with entry requirements and necessary vaccinations for the puppy.

Search online for breeders who should belong to a club – only then can you be sure you indeed have a Swedish Vallhund. Support the responsible and dedicated breeding aimed at preserving the breed’s health, type, and character. Northern dog clubs can assist in contacting breeders. 

These clubs are also a good point of contact if you wish to give an adult Swedish Vallhund a new home. Depending on where you live, you might also consider mixed breeds or alternatives, as there are few Swedish Vallhunds outside Scandinavia that lose their homes.

Thoroughly inquire about the history of older dogs – often, owners part with their Swedish Vallhund because they underestimated its size and did not provide proper training. Considerable dog know-how might be required to correct training mistakes – but in the right hands, the intelligent Vallhunds are quick learners! 

We wish you much delight with your friendly nature dog from Sweden!