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The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient spitz breed that dates back over 1,000 years to the time of the Vikings. The Vallhund's intended purpose was originally as a working farm dog - their work included herding, vermin control, guarding and general supervision of farm operations.
The bite-sized Vikings of the dog kingdom, the Swedish vallhund, is a brilliant dog with a handsome face and a charming personality. Those looking for an active dog who can quickly acquire new tricks and commands will fall in love with this adorable breed.
For those who cannot handle the excessive exercise requirements these miniature marathoners will need, they will become destructive and chaotic very quickly.
Before you jump into a 15-year relationship with the breed – which is easy to do, they’re unbelievably cute – you should know what owning a Swedish Vallhund entails.
Positive Attributes
Positive Attributes
Vallhunds are robust, hardy and generally healthy.
They are loyal, faithful to his family and affectionate.
Vallhunds are energetic, athletic and possess courageous liveliness and stamina.
They are happy, positive, inquisitive, vigilant and fearless.
They are high-drive, intelligent dogs.
The Vallhund is easily trained as they are eager to please.
They do have an 'off' switch, capable of lounging on the couch with you, but will need sufficient exercise of their bodies and minds to achieve this.
This breed does well in hot climates because of its double layer coat, as long as they are provided cool shade and water.
It is not uncommon for Swedish Vallhunds to live over 15 years of age.
Typical Demands
Typical Demands
Most of their negative traits come from lack of attention, stimulation, or poor habits.
They are vocal.
They are slow to mature.
They need to be with people.
Vallhunds require regular exercise every day.
They may nip your heels as part of their natural herding trait.
They need something to do that challenges their minds, otherwise they will make up their own challenges. An under-stimulated and bored Swedish Vallhund will quickly become a boredom barker.
Uffi in Barn Hunt
What can I do with a Vallhund?
What can I do with a Vallhund?
They love being involved with the family. Their compact size and stamina makes them great walking and hiking companions. Their attributes mean they are capable in the fields of:
Obedience and Rally-O
Agility
Tracking and Scent work
Barn hunt
Herding
Dances with Dogs
Conformation
Endurance
Health Concerns
Health Concerns
Health problems are uncommon in the Vallhund. Agria Insurance statistics demonstrate that Vallhunds have good health and vigor, with the probability that a Swedish Vallhund would have at least one Veterinary Care Emergency being 1.3 times less than that for all breeds.
A study is currently underway to investigate an eye anomaly found in the breed. This is known as Swedish Vallhund Retionopathy (SVR), which is a breed-specific variation of Progressive Retinal Atrophy, but does not result in blindness.
Read more about Vallhund Genetics.
Testimonials
Testimonials
"This breed is so easy to fall in love with. They are the ideal dog for an active person who wants a dog to have fun with. They can do anything - herding, agility, conformation, assisted therapy, hiking, and anything else you want to do. This is a very smart dog. They have a brain that needs to be used and challenged or they'll use their brain on their owners." -- Mary Bennett, Vice President of the Swedish Vallhund Club of America (SVCA).
"Swedish Vallhunds won't let you ignore them, and they know how to cheer you up when you're having a bad day. They have a sense of humor and a real joy for life." -- SVCA President Louise McCombs.
"They love to talk. I guess you could say it's a combination of howls, yips, and barks. They love to chatter to each other and their owners. These are very vocal dogs. If you're looking for a quiet dog, then the Swedish Vallhund is probably not for you." -- Nancy Tousignant, SVCA Treasurer
Words of Wisdom from Sweden on the Vallhund
Words of Wisdom from Sweden on the Vallhund
Falling in love with pups is not hard!
Falling in love with this breed is not difficult!
But you do add our genetically determined traits!
We want to be your shadow for many hours a day!
We want to let our voices be heard because not all cows are impressed by our prevention.
We would like to push you in your heels or calves or take small bites if you don't hurry up because we do with the cows too!
With a Swedish Vallhund in your home, you are basically never alone!
With a Swedish Vallhund in the house, sometimes a dog waits for you at home that greets you as if you've been away for years, but prefers to live and experience life together all day!
The best wisdom is "OWN WISDOM" and being able to work independently belongs to us.
Do you just want a dog waiting for you? Don't take our race!
Do you just want a dog that always does what you say? Pass through our door!
Are you looking for a small dog because you think we are calmer? Don't do it!
We are big in a small package, active until old age, prefer to be independent but in the presence of a human buddy, dynamite on paws, verbal and not satisfied with just a daily slur.
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