INTRODUCTION

True to its heritage as a working farm dog breed, the Swedish Vallhund is an intelligent and alert companion. Although they are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Consider adoption if you want to bring one of these dogs home. Train your Vallhund for dog sports or give it a job to do around the house, and they will get along well. The breed is generally healthy, although it can be a victim of a hereditary eye disease called retinopathy. Its medium-length coat is available in many different colours and combinations.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Swedish Vallhund bears a strong resemblance to the Cardigan and the Welsh Pembroke Corgis, but genetically they do not appear to be as closely related. The Vallhund has a wedge-shaped head with medium-sized ears that stand erect.The Swedish Vallhund does not respond well to harsh verbal or physical correction.The Vallhund can become a nuisance barker, especially if left alone frequently.The Vallhund is a herding breed and may bite children’s ankles as they run past.The Vallhund is not necessarily a good “first dog”. It requires a lot of socialisation, training and exercise to be a good companion.

HISTORY

The Swedish Vallhund, the name means “sheepdog” or “shepherd”, is said to be descended from the dogs of the Vikings, but the truth is that the dog-breeding records don’t go back that far. What is known is that they were farm dogs in Sweden, used to herd cattle and other animals, as well as to perform other tasks for the landowner, such as keeping vermin at bay or barking an alarm. Known in their homeland as the Vastgotaspets, the dogs were first recognized as a breed by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1943. The United Kennel Club began registering the breed in 1996 and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 2007.