Swedish Vallhund Wolf Corgi: A Loyal and Energetic Companion

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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Västgötaspets
Credit: wikimedia.org, Västgötaspets

The Swedish Vallhund Wolf Corgi is a unique breed that's packed with energy and loyalty. They're a cross between a Swedish Vallhund and a Corgi.

Their small size belies their big personality, and they require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent positive reinforcement training is key to developing good behavior and preventing unwanted habits.

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Physical Characteristics

The Swedish Vallhund, often referred to as the Wolf Corgi, is a compact and muscular breed. They stand between 11.5 to 13.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their height to body length ratio is about 2:3, making them look longer than they actually are. They have a strong, sturdy body with heavy bones and well-developed muscles.

The Swedish Vallhund comes in a variety of coat colors, including gray, red, and sable, with or without white markings.

Compact & Muscular

Sigge 3 månader
Credit: wikimedia.org, Sigge 3 månader

The Swedish Vallhund's compact and muscular physique is a notable characteristic of this breed. They stand between 11.5 to 13.5 inches at the shoulder.

Their body is strong and sturdy, with heavy bones and well-developed muscles. This gives them agility and balance.

The Vallhund's compact size belies their athletic ability, making them well-suited for activities that require endurance. They weigh between 20 to 35 pounds.

Their short double coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice for some owners.

Physical Characteristics

The Swedish Vallhund is a compact breed, but don't let their size fool you. They typically weigh between 20 to 35 pounds.

Their height varies slightly between males and females, with males reaching 12.5 to 13.75 inches and females reaching 11.5 to 12.75 inches.

Their coat is a short double coat, and they come in a variety of colors including gray, red, and sable, with or without white markings.

Here are the breed's physical characteristics at a glance:

Colour and Coat

Credit: youtube.com, Swedish Vallhund | Wolf or Corgi? | Doggie Footprints

The Swedish Vallhund's coat is a beautiful feature of this breed. It's a double-coated Spitz breed with a harsh topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat.

The 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 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 can appear as a narrow blaze, neckstop, or slight necklace, as well as white markings on their fore and hind legs and on the chest.

The maximum amount of white on a Swedish Vallhund is 30%. The coat doesn't need any special trimming, and it's meant to appear in an untrimmed, natural state.

For more insights, see: Liver Color Brittany Spaniel

Health and Wellbeing

The Swedish Vallhund wolf corgi is generally a healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 15 years. This is due in part to its small stature, which contributes to its longevity.

Credit: youtube.com, Swedish Vallhund - Top 10 Facts

Its double layer coat also makes it well-suited for hot climates, but it's essential to provide cool shade and water to keep your dog comfortable. In contrast, its short legs can make it difficult to navigate very deep snow.

Swedish Vallhunds are prone to certain health issues, including progressive retinal atrophy disease, which affects 34.9% of the population and can cause mild to moderate night-blindness around the age of ten. Regular check-ups with a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect this condition early on.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

  • Hip dysplasia: A condition that causes the hip joint to grow and develop abnormally, leading to lameness, muscle loss, and exercise intolerance.
  • Swedish vallhund retinopathy: A form of progressive retinal atrophy that affects the photoreceptor cells of the retina, causing vision loss over time and potentially leading to blindness.
  • Cataracts: An eye problem that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, reducing vision.

Health

The Swedish Vallhund is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's prone to certain health conditions. Its small stature contributes to its longevity, with an average lifespan of 15 years.

Its double layer coat makes it well-suited for hot climates, as long as it's provided with cool shade and water. However, its short legs can make it difficult to navigate very deep snow.

Västgötaspets
Credit: wikimedia.org, Västgötaspets

Ear problems are rare in the Swedish Vallhund due to its pointy ears. But, unfortunately, the breed is prone to a hereditary eye disease called retinopathy, which can cause degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells and lead to complete vision loss.

Retinopathy typically appears as mild to moderate night-blindness around the age of ten. It's essential to have your Vallhund's parents tested for eye disease and hip dysplasia before bringing a puppy home.

You can check the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website or the Canine Health Information Center to confirm health clearances. This will give you peace of mind and ensure you're not bringing a puppy with inherited health issues into your family.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in the Swedish Vallhund:

  • Retinopathy: a hereditary eye disease that causes degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells and may lead to complete vision loss.
  • Hip dysplasia: an orthopedic problem that causes the hip joint to grow and develop abnormally, leading to symptoms like lameness, muscle loss, and hip pain.
  • Cataracts: an eye problem that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, reducing vision.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and Nutrition is a crucial aspect of your Swedish Vallhund's health and wellbeing. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.

Credit: youtube.com, Nutrition basics for healthy eating | Nutrition Time - EP15 | Lifesum

Feeding your Swedish Vallhund a quality canine diet that's nutritionally balanced is essential. You should feed 1 to 1.5 cups of food daily.

Two measured meals per day can help ensure your dog is eating the right amount. Overfeeding can lead to your Swedish Vallhund becoming overweight easily.

Discuss the type of food and the amount with your vet, and regularly monitor your dog's weight.

If this caught your attention, see: Best Food for Border Collies

Cons

If you're considering bringing a Swedish Vallhund into your life, it's essential to be aware of the potential downsides. Here's what you need to know.

They can shed a lot, especially during seasonal changes, so be prepared for regular grooming.

Their high energy levels mean they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Herding instincts can cause them to chase and nip at people and other animals, so proper training is crucial to manage this trait.

In fact, their herding instincts can be strong, so it's not uncommon for them to try to herd children or other pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Swedish Vallhunds related to corgis?

No, Swedish Vallhunds are not closely related to Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh corgis, despite their similar appearance. In fact, they're part of the spitz family, a distinct genetic group.

How much does a wolf corgi cost?

Wolf corgis from reputable breeders in the USA typically cost over $2000. Prices can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation and bloodline.

How much does a Swedish Vallhund cost?

A Swedish Vallhund can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on whether it's a pet-quality or show-quality dog. The price difference doesn't affect the dog's quality as a pet.

Sources

  1. Swedish Vallhund Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
  2. JSTOR (jstor.org)
  3. scholar (google.com)
  4. news (google.com)
  5. "Swedish Vallhund" (google.com)
  6. Article from the Dog Breed Gallery on Pedigree (pedigree.com.au)
  7. "Breed History | SVCA, Inc" (swedishvallhund.com)
  8. Swedish Vallhunds (howstuffworks.com)
  9. Swedish Vallhund Club of America (swedishvallhund.com)
  10. Vallhund rescue organization (swedishvallhund.com)
  11. Swedish Vallhunds (petkeen.com)
  12. Swedish vallhund retinopathy (pawprintgenetics.com)
  13. Swedish Vallhund Rescue (rescueme.org)
  14. Swedish Vallhund Club of America (swedishvallhund.com)
  15. Swedish Vallhund Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.