Swedish Vallhund
Also known as: Swedish cattle dog Swedish Shepherd VÀstgötaspets
The Swedish Vallhund is a small herding dog originating from Sweden. The Swedish Vallhund comes from Sweden. Individual Swedish Vallhunds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Sweden
- Other names
- Swedish cattle dog Swedish Shepherd VÀstgötaspets
About the Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is a small herding dog originating from Sweden. It is known for its short stature and energetic personality.
Overview
The Swedish Vallhund , also known as the VÀstgötaspets and Swedish cow dog, is a breed of dog native to Sweden. The breed''s name, Vallhund , when translated into English, means herding dog, as the Swedish Vallhund was originally bred as a drover and herder of cows over 1,000 years ago. In 1942, the dog came close to extinction, but careful breeding and publicity by Swedish national Björn von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten managed to revive the breed in popularity and save it from its likely end. In 1943, the Swedish Kennel Club recognized the Swedish Vallhund as a breed, and officially categorized the Swedish Vallhund as "the VÀstgötaspets" ("Westrogothian Spitz") for VÀstergötland , the province in which their revival took place. Since then, the breed has been recognized by, and bred in, over ten countries and has gained some popularity.
History
The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient, national dog breed of Sweden and may date back to the 8th or 9th century. Swedish Vallhunds originated in the province of VÀstergötland , which lies just south of lake VÀnern . Here the small dog proved to be excellent for watching, guarding and herding. The breed dates to the Viking settlement of England and is thought to have played a part in the development of the modern Welsh Corgi and the Lancashire Heeler . According to the American Kennel Club , another theory of the breed''s origin is that during the eighth or ninth century "either the Swedish Vallhund was brought to Wales or the Corgi was taken to Sweden, hence the similarities between the two breeds". The Swedish Vallhund is related to larger spitz dogs and moose hunting dogs of Scandinavia . Large dogs of this spitz-type have been found buried with their masters in Stone-Age settlements in Scandinavia.
Activities
The Vallhund can compete in a variety of sports including dog agility trials, obedience , rally obedience , showmanship , flyball , tracking , hiking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Vallhunds that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.
Colour and coat
The coat is short and harsh, with a tight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. The hair on the foreparts of the legs is slightly longer than that of the neck, chest and back parts of the hind legs. Fur color varies from grey, greyish brown and greyish yellow to reddish brown, with darker hair on the back, neck, and sides of the body. Lighter hair in the same shade of color as mentioned above can be seen on the muzzle, throat, chest, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. They have lighter markings on their shoulders, also known as harness markings. Some dogs have white patches which appear, to a small extent, as a narrow blaze, neckstop or slight necklace, as well as having white markings on their fore and hindlegs and on the chest. The maximum is 30% white.
Physical features
The average height of the Swedish Vallhund, measured at the withers , is approximately 33 cm (12.9 in) for males and 31 cm (12.2 in) for females. They are strong, with a long body. The ratio of height to body length is about 2:3. The head of the Vallhund is wedge-shaped, with dark brown oval eyes and pricked ears. They are born with every variance of tail length, from no tail at all to full length, therefore they are often mistaken for having been docked . (Tail docking is illegal in Sweden.)
Health and lifespan
The Swedish Vallhund is generally a healthy dog. Its small stature contributes to its longevity, with an average lifespan of 15 years. Its pointy ears mean thatâunlike dog breeds with long, hanging earsâear problems are rare. This breed does well in hot climates because of its double layer coat, as long as the dog is provided cool shade and water. The breed does not do well in very deep snow because of its short legs. The Vallhund has an inherited type of progressive retinal atrophy disease in 34.9% of the population, which appears as mild to moderate night-blindness around the age of ten.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Swedish Vallhund?
The Swedish Vallhund is a small to medium-sized herding dog with a short stature, typically weighing between 25-40 pounds and standing 10-14 inches tall. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Their eyes are dark and expressive, and their ears are erect and triangular. They are an energetic breed that requires regular exercise.
Is the Swedish Vallhund a good family dog?
The Swedish Vallhund can make a great family dog for active families with children. They are loyal and affectionate, but can be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Early socialization and training are essential for a well-adjusted Vallhund.
What health problems do Swedish Vallhunds have?
Swedish Vallhunds are prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. They can also be susceptible to obesity, so regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups can help minimize the risk of these health issues.
How much does a Swedish Vallhund puppy cost?
The cost of a Swedish Vallhund puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between $800-$1,200. It's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and genetic diversity to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy.
Where do Swedish Vallhunds come from?
The Swedish Vallhund comes from Sweden. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Swedish Vallhund, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.