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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 world, the Vallhund is an intelligent and capable breed with an expressive face and a naturally engaging personality. Active and quick to learn, they thrive on mental challenges and purposeful training. For those seeking a dog that enjoys working, learning, and partnering closely with their people, the Vallhund is a deeply rewarding companion.
"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).
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.
"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.
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 enjoy being with people.
Vallhunds require regular exercise or mental stimulation 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.
"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
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. Odindisa Vallhunds are versatile, capable companions who can be trained to participate in a wide range of dog sports and working activities, depending on the individual dog’s interests, structure, and drive. These include:
Conformation Dog Shows
Lure Coursing and SprintDog
Tracking and Track and Search
Scent Work
Flyball
Herding
Endurance
Agility and Jumping
Obedience and Rally-O
Uffi in Barn Hunt
Health Concerns
Health Concerns
Genetic health concerns are uncommon in the Vallhund. 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 total blindness. Learn more about Vallhund Genetics in the 'Health and Genetics' section of this website.
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.
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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