Vallhund Breeder Guide: History, Care, and More

The Vallhund breed has a rich history that dates back to the Viking era, originating in Scandinavia over 1,000 years ago.

Their original purpose was to herd and guard livestock, showcasing their intelligence and resourcefulness.

These small but mighty dogs were highly valued by their owners for their loyalty and protective nature.

In fact, the Vallhund was a favorite among Viking warriors, who appreciated their bravery and agility.

Their compact size and short stature made them ideal for navigating rugged terrain and tight spaces.

With proper care and attention, Vallhunds can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to farms.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice for many pet owners.

Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues if not properly cared for.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining their physical and mental well-being.

Consider reading: Breeders of Hypoallergenic Dogs

The Swedish Vallhund has a rich history that spans over 1,000 years, dating back to the Viking era. This ancient breed has a storied past as a farm dog in Sweden, used for herding cattle and other livestock.

The exact origin of the Swedish Vallhund is unknown, but it's believed to have descended from dogs brought by the Vikings or early versions of the Welsh Corgi. The breed was first recognized as a distinct entity in 1943 by the Swedish Kennel Club.

The Swedish Vallhund was originally bred for its herding ability and versatility, making it a favorite among Swedish farmers.

Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions.

They screen their breeding stock for health problems and socialize their puppies from a young age. This ensures that puppies are well-adjusted and less likely to have behavioral issues.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, prioritize making a profit over producing healthy dogs. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health and behavioral issues.

Related reading: Swedish Vallhund Puppies

The exact origin of the Swedish Vallhund is unknown, but it's believed to have descended from the Vikings' dogs. The breed was used for herding cattle and other livestock, as well as for guarding property and companionship.

The Swedish Vallhund was 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.

The breed's history is closely tied to its use as a working dog on Swedish farms. The Vallhund was a favorite among farmers due to its hardiness and versatility.

The Swedish Vallhund is still a rare breed around the world, with the first litter born in the United States in 1986.

Swedish Vallhunds are stout, long-bodied dogs with a small-to-medium frame, similar to a corgi's body. They have a wolflike appearance and can come in various colors, including silver, black, red, blue, and white.

Their tail is fluffier than the rest of their body and arcs upward into a semi-circle, although some may have a short, stubby tail.

A Swedish Vallhund's coat can only have about one-fourth of it as full white, according to breed guidelines. They typically sport various patterns of differing hues.

On average, Swedish Vallhunds stand 11.5 to 13.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 22 to 35 pounds.

Swedish Vallhunds have a distinctive wolflike appearance, closely resembling a corgi's body but with a more stout and long-bodied frame.

Their coats come in various colors, including silver, black, red, blue, and white, with patterns of differing hues. They can only have about one-fourth of their coat as full white, following breed guidelines.

Their tail is quite fluffy and arcs upward into a semi-circle, although some may have a short, stubby tail. This unique feature adds to their overall wolflike appearance.

A Swedish Vallhund's head is long and clean-cut, with a blunt wedge shape and an almost flat skull. The muzzle is rather square and slightly shorter than the skull.

Their lower jaw is strong, and a well-defined dark mask is highly desirable, with lighter hair around the eyes, on the muzzle, and under the throat.

The Swedish Vallhund is a compact dog with a sturdy build. They typically stand between 11.5 to 13.5 inches at the shoulder.

Their weight can vary, but on average, they weigh between 25-35 pounds. The heftier ones can weigh up to 35 pounds.

In terms of height, males stand 13-13¾ inches tall, while females stand 12-13 inches tall. The length of their body is about 3 times their height at the withers.

Their weight and height are closely related, with a ratio of 2:3 between height and body length. This means that for every 2 inches of height, their body should be about 3 inches longer.

The forequarters of a well-built creature are truly a sight to behold. The shoulder blades are long and well laid, which sets the stage for a powerful and agile physique.

The upper arm is slightly shorter than the shoulder blade and is set at a distinct angle, allowing for a wide range of motion. This unique arrangement enables the creature to move with ease and flexibility.

The upper arm lies close to the ribs, but still maintains a significant amount of mobility, making it an impressive sight to see in action.

The forearm, when viewed from the front, is slightly bent, giving the creature's chest room to move freely. This subtle curve also allows for a smooth and efficient gait.

Legs are well boned, providing the necessary structure and support for the creature's overall physique.

The Swedish Vallhund's coat is a beautiful thing, but it does require some regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. The breed has a double-coated Spitz coat with medium-length hair, made up of a soft and dense undercoat protected by a harsh topcoat.

The coat comes in a sable pattern of gray to red or combinations of colors in various shades. You'll often see lighter hair around the eyes, on the muzzle and under the throat, and lighter shades on the chest, belly, rear end, lower legs, and feet. The breed stands out for light-colored "harness markings" on the back.

A Vallhund's coat doesn't need any special trimming, and in fact, it's meant to appear in an untrimmed, natural state. However, regular brushing is essential to keep the coat clean and healthy. Aim to brush your Vallhund at least once a week, getting all the way down to the skin to remove dead hair and stimulate the sebaceous glands.

To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim your Vallhund's nails once or twice a month if they don't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Daily brushing is also a good idea to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Here are some key grooming tips to keep in mind:

The Swedish Vallhund is a confident and lively dog with an independent streak, but he's also loyal to his family and courageous in alerting them to strangers or perceived dangers.

He's a natural-born herder, and it's instinctive for him to nip at fast-moving objects, so early training is crucial to correct this behavior.

The Vallhund is a social butterfly and needs early socialization, ideally before four months old, to become a well-rounded dog unafraid of strangers, children, or other animals.

With proper training, he'll learn to curb his endless barking and chatter, and even become a great alarm dog.

But be warned, Vallhunds can be a handful with their vast amounts of energy, need for companionship, and passion for barking, making them unsuitable for first-time owners or those with limited free time.

They're great with kids, as long as proper steps are taken to introduce the two and ensure both respect each other's boundaries.

The Vallhund is a friendly breed that readily accepts attention and treats from everyone he meets, but he can be a bit bossy, so it's essential to establish clear leadership and boundaries.

They're highly intelligent and learn quickly, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques, and excel in performance events like agility and herding.

The Vallhund's sharp senses mean owners must regularly entertain the breed and give them tasks to stimulate their keen minds, but with the right training and socialization, they can thrive in any environment.

As a responsible Vallhund breeder, it's essential to prioritize the health and well-being of your furry friends. Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, so it's crucial to be aware of them.

Expect breeders to have up-to-date health clearances certifying that a puppy's parents are free of eye disease and hip dysplasia. Clearances should be in the form of an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with the results registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and an OFA or Pennhip evaluation of the hips.

Some common health issues to look out for include Retinopathy, a hereditary eye disease that can cause degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells and lead to complete vision loss, as well as Hip Dysplasia, which can cause hip pain, lameness, and exercise intolerance.

Here's a list of potential health issues to keep an eye out for:

By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or mitigate them and ensure your Vallhunds live long, happy, and healthy lives.

The Swedish Vallhund is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common problem that can cause lameness, muscle loss in the rear limbs, hip pain, and exercise intolerance.

Retinopathy, also known as Swedish Vallhund retinopathy, is a unique hereditary eye disease that can cause degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells and may lead to complete vision loss.

Cataracts can cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, reducing vision.

Up to 10 percent of Swedish Vallhunds may develop Swedish Vallhund retinopathy, a form of progressive retinal atrophy that can cause night-blindness and other vision issues.

If you notice your dog is reluctant to go out at night, it's a good idea to have them checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Swedish Vallhunds:

Life expectancy for Swedish Vallhunds is around twelve to fifteen years with proper care, daily exercise, and a balanced diet.

Their lifespan can also be influenced by their individual genetics and medical history.

Speaking with a breeder before making a decision can help you better understand your dog's potential health and longevity.

The Swedish Vallhund is a high-energy breed that needs lots of playtime and activity.

They're built for agility and speed, with sturdy and muscular bodies that pack a big punch for their size. This means they require daily exercise in the form of a long walk or hike, or training for dog sports like agility.

Their short legs and long back make them prone to back injuries if mishandled, so it's essential to handle them gently, especially when they're young. Avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture, and never pick them up without supporting both their front legs and rear end.

Fortunately, grooming is fairly straightforward for Swedish Vallhunds, and they generally take well to training, which should begin at a young age. With regular exercise and mental stimulation, your Vallhund will be happy in any environment, from city condo to country estate.

As a breeder of Swedish Vallhunds, I can attest that these dogs require a lot of exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including activities like walking, jogging, hiking, fetch, dog sports, agility, herding, flyball, and barn hunts.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable due to their intelligence and desire to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, and consistency is key to preventing bad habits from forming. You can use toys and treats to motivate your dog and keep them interested during training sessions.

To keep your Swedish Vallhund on their toes, consider incorporating puzzle toys and indoor games like hide-and-seek into your daily routine. This will provide mental stimulation and help burn off excess energy. Here are some exercise ideas to get you started:

Remember to always supervise your Swedish Vallhund during exercise and training, especially when they're young, to prevent bad habits from forming. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Swedish Vallhund become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Exercise is crucial for Swedish Vallhunds, with a daily goal of at least one to two hours of physical and mental stimulation. They need activities that keep them active and engaged to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Swedish Vallhunds love to run, so jogging, hiking, and dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. They're also natural herders, so herding competitions can be a fun way to channel their energy.

Daily walks are a must, as well as games of fetch and tracking. Barn hunts are another favorite activity, showcasing their lightning-fast speed.

Puzzle toys and indoor games like hide-and-seek can provide mental stimulation, keeping their minds active and engaged. These problem-solving pups will find you, so be prepared for a challenge.

Here are some exercise ideas for your Swedish Vallhund:

Remember, Swedish Vallhunds are loyal family dogs, but they do need proper training and socialization. Teach your kids how to interact with them politely, and socialize your puppy to strangers to ensure they turn into a social butterfly.

Swedish Vallhunds are exceptionally bright and quick to catch on, making them outstanding students who can swiftly learn anything they need to.

They thrive on tasks and love interacting with their owners, which makes training a breeze. However, their intelligence can sometimes make them a bit stubborn, and they may not always think they need to listen to commands.

With patience and positive reinforcement, you can overcome their occasional excitability and teach them to behave. Rewarding good behavior and training them to get used to familiar noises can also help curb unwanted barking.

Their high energy levels mean they need lots of playtime, training, and activity, which can be a challenge for some owners. But with consistent effort, you can help your Swedish Vallhund become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Swedish vallhunds are highly trainable due to their intelligence and desire to please their human companions.

You can use toys and treats to motivate them during training sessions, which they'll find engaging and fun.

Their herding instincts can sometimes lead to nipping at heels, so it's essential to train them to behave appropriately.

Potty training might be a bit of a challenge, as they may have to pee frequently, so a consistent schedule and rewards for success are key.

Small bladders mean more frequent potty breaks, so be sure to take your pup out about 20 minutes after every meal and bring treats with you.

Their intelligence is off the charts, and they learn quickly, but they can be stubborn at times, especially with potty training.

A consistent schedule and positive reinforcement are crucial to acing this skill.

Their chatty tendencies can be a challenge, but ignoring unwanted barking and rewarding good behavior can help curb excessive talking.

Their intelligence can sometimes make them think they know best, making reasoning difficult, especially when they don't want to listen.

As a responsible vallhund breeder, it's essential to prioritize your furry friend's diet and nutrition. Always make sure your Swedish vallhund has access to fresh water.

Feed a quality canine diet that's nutritionally balanced, and consider Swedish vallhunds typically eat 1 to 1.5 cups of food daily. This can be split into two measured meals per day to ensure your dog is eating the right amount.

Swedish vallhunds can become overweight easily due to overfeeding, so be mindful of their food intake. Consult with your vet to determine the best type of food and amount for your dog, and regularly monitor their weight.

A high-quality commercial dog food is suitable for Swedish vallhunds, and you should factor in your dog's age when choosing a formula. Your vet can help you pick the right food based on your dog's small size and age.

Remember, too many treats can lead to a portly pup, so keep an eye on your vallhund's weight and aim for a healthy range of 20 to 35 pounds.

Swedish Vallhunds can be shy or nervous around unfamiliar people and pets, so early socialization is key to helping them become confident and well-adjusted.

To get your Swedish Vallhund to become cordial with cats and other dogs, work will likely need to be done, but it's not impossible.

They have a hardwired prey response, so smaller pets may need to be kept an eye on when interacting with a Swedish Vallhund.