Swedish Vallhund: temperament, size, care and health

About the Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a small, rectangular herding dog with short legs, upright ears and a sturdy frame. It stands about 11.5 to 13.5 inches at the shoulder and is longer than it is tall. The harsh, medium-length coat is typically grey or red, with lighter markings on the muzzle, chest and legs, and the face has a distinct dark mask. Some Vallhunds are born with a naturally short tail, while others have full tails that may be docked in certain countries.

The breed was developed to drive cattle in Sweden. Like other heelers, it nips at the back legs and ducks the kick. A lively, confident personality comes with that job. Vallhunds are kept now mostly as companions and as competitors in agility, herding and obedience.

Temperament and family life

Swedish Vallhunds are friendly, alert and devoted to their families. They are often described as busy dogs that want to be part of whatever is going on, and they can be bold with strangers and with other dogs despite their size. Early socialization keeps that confidence pleasant rather than pushy.

The breed gets on well with respectful children, but heel nipping is a typical herding habit and can alarm a toddler. Teaching the dog an alternative game, and teaching children to move calmly, solves most of it. A Vallhund will usually bark at a visitor, at an odd noise or at a passing squirrel, and the habit can become a nuisance without training. The breed generally coexists with other pets, although chasing small animals can be a problem.

Exercise and training

For a small dog, the Vallhund has a lot of stamina. A daily walk plus a good play session or a training period suits most adults, and many enjoy longer hikes. Agility, herding, flyball and tracking offer good outlets, and a fenced yard is helpful.

The breed is smart and learns quickly but can be stubborn, and it is easily bored by repetition. Keep lessons short and rewarding. Training should start early and focus on recall, manners at the door and restraint around children. Because of the long back, avoid repeated high jumps and keep the dog lean.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easy to care for. A weekly brushing handles most of the year, and a thorough session every day or two during the seasonal shed removes the undercoat that comes out. The harsh outer layer resists dirt and moisture, so baths are infrequent.

Check the ears, trim the nails regularly and brush the teeth. Vallhunds are not heavy shedders, but expect short hairs on clothing and furniture, particularly in spring and autumn.

Health

The Vallhund is a generally robust breed. Hip dysplasia occurs and is screened for by responsible breeders. Several inherited eye conditions, including retinal disease, are found in the breed, and annual eye examinations are advised for breeding stock. The long back makes owners watch for spinal trouble, and weight control matters. Ask any breeder which health tests they run and what the results were.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Swedish Vallhund is generally traced to southwestern Sweden, particularly the Vastergotland region, and is sometimes linked to the Viking era, though the details of that claim are hard to establish. The breed nearly disappeared in the first half of the twentieth century, and Swedish enthusiasts rebuilt it from remaining farm dogs in the 1940s. It reached the United States later and was admitted to the American Kennel Club's Herding Group in 2007.

Is the Swedish Vallhund right for you?

A Vallhund suits an active person or family that wants a compact, clever and sturdy dog and can tolerate some barking and heel nipping. It is a poor fit for a home that needs a quiet dog or one that will leave the dog alone for long hours.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are the closest alternatives in shape and job. The Lancashire Heeler is a rarer small heeling dog.