Swedish Vallhund

also known as Västgötaspets

Pros History


The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the "Viking Dog," is a small and energetic dog breed that has a long history dating back to the Viking Age. Originally used for herding and as a watchdog, the breed's name "Swedish Vallhund" is derived from its origins in Sweden and the Swedish word for "herding dog."
Despite its similarities with the Welsh Corgi, there is no genetic link between the two breeds.

In 1942, the breed was on the brink of extinction, but a man named Bjorn von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten worked together to revive the breed. They scoured the country to find the best breed specimens and started a breeding program using one male named Mopsen and three females named Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy as the foundation.

The Swedish Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1964, and in English-speaking countries, it became known as the Swedish Vallhund. In 1985, the breed received championship status from the Kennel Club in the UK.

Breed Information


Type

Is Swedish Vallhund a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Swedish Vallhunds originally used for?

Tracking, Flushing Game

Lifespan

How Long Do Swedish Vallhunds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Swedish Vallhund? How long can Swedish Vallhunds live?

12-14 years

The average Swedish Vallhund lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Swedish Vallhund Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Swedish Vallhund?

What is the average height of a Swedish Vallhund? How big is a Purebred Swedish Vallhund height? Swedish Vallhund dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-14 inches (30.5 - 35.6 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm)
Female 11-13 inches (27.9 - 33 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Swedish Vallhund? How much should Swedish Vallhunds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-35 pounds (9 - 16 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg)
Female 20-35 pounds (9 - 16 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Swedish Vallhunds get fat easily?

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Swedish Vallhunds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Swedish Vallhund is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Swedish Vallhund personality? What are Swedish Vallhund dogs best known for?

Alert
Fearless
Watchful
Energetic
Friendly

Shedding Level

Are Swedish Vallhunds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Swedish Vallhund Shed?

Swedish Vallhund dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Swedish Vallhund.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Swedish Vallhund dog?

Swedish Vallhunds are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Swedish Vallhund is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Swedish Vallhunds come from?

Sweden

Ancestry

What are Swedish Vallhunds descended from?

Spitz, Corgi

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Swedish Vallhund breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
New Zealand Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Swedish Vallhunds first bred? How old is the Swedish Vallhund breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Swedish Vallhund?

Herding (AKC:2007 & UKC)

Swedish Vallhund Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Swedish Vallhund eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Swedish Vallhund nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Swedish Vallhund coat be naturally?

Sable
Red
Gray

Coat Length

How long is a Swedish Vallhunds coat?

The coat of a Swedish Vallhund dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Swedish Vallhund Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Swedish Vallhund?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Swedish Vallhund have in a litter? How many puppies can a Swedish Vallhund have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Swedish Vallhund can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Swedish Vallhunds are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Swedish Vallhund Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Swedish Vallhunds have a lot of health problems?

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Swedish Vallhund?

Retinopathy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Swedish Vallhunds?

Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Swedish Vallhund breed?

Eye
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Full Physical Examination

Swedish Vallhund Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Swedish Vallhunds have a lot of energy?

Swedish Vallhunds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Swedish Vallhunds need socialization? How social are Swedish Vallhunds?

Swedish Vallhund have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Swedish Vallhunds get?

The Swedish Vallhund dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Swedish Vallhund have? Do Swedish Vallhunds sleep a lot?

Swedish Vallhunds are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Swedish Vallhund drool a lot?

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Swedish Vallhunds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Swedish Vallhund dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Swedish Vallhunds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Swedish Vallhund running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Swedish Vallhund dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Swedish Vallhunds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Swedish Vallhund busy?

Fetch, Swim

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Swedish Vallhund? How much energy does a Swedish Vallhund have?

Medium

Swedish Vallhunds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Swedish Vallhund walk each week? How many miles should a Swedish Vallhund walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Swedish Vallhund, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Swedish Vallhund should exercise a day? How much activity does a Swedish Vallhund need?

45 minutes

In general most Swedish Vallhunds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Swedish Vallhund?

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Swedish Vallhund?

Daily

Ideally, Swedish Vallhund should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Swedish Vallhunds?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Swedish Vallhund eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 20-35 pound (9 - 16 kg) Swedish Vallhund feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Swedish Vallhund Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Swedish Vallhund is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Swedish Vallhund Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Swedish Vallhund is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Swedish Vallhund Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Swedish Vallhund?

The Swedish Vallhund have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Swedish Vallhunds lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Swedish Vallhund dog?

Swedish Vallhund dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Swedish Vallhund dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Swedish Vallhund do well in apartments? Are Swedish Vallhunds good indoor dogs?

Swedish Vallhunds are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Swedish Vallhunds good with kids? Are Swedish Vallhunds good around children?

A Swedish Vallhunds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Swedish Vallhunds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Swedish Vallhunds good with cats? How friendly Swedish Vallhunds are toward cats?

Swedish Vallhunds are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Swedish Vallhund dogs get along with other dogs? Are Swedish Vallhunds OK with other dogs?

Swedish Vallhunds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Swedish Vallhund dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Swedish Vallhunds friendly with strangers?

Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Swedish Vallhunds like to play? Are Swedish Vallhunds playful?

Swedish Vallhunds have an average level of playfulness. The Swedish Vallhunds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Swedish Vallhund easily trained?

Swedish Vallhund dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    Swedish Vallhund is friendly and outgoing, making them great with children and other pets.
  • Office Friendly
    Swedish Vallhunds are known to adapt well to office environments.
  • Cat Friendly
    Swedish Vallhund dogs are recommended for households with cats.
  • Energetic
    Swedish Vallhund has a lot of energy and requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Intelligence
    Swedish Vallhund is highly intelligent and trainable, making them great companions for people who like to keep their minds active.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Swedish Vallhunds may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Overlooking a Swedish Vallhund's weight can lead to weight gain.
  • Shedding
    Swedish Vallhunds are characterized by above average shedding.
  • Barking
    This particular dog is known for its excessive noise.