Breed History:

The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient herding breed that dates back over a thousand years, believed to have been developed during the Viking era. Known as the “Viking dog,” this spunky, short-legged herder shares a lineage with both Welsh Corgis and other Nordic spitz breeds. Originating in Sweden, particularly the province of Västergötland, the Vallhund was primarily used for herding cattle, guarding farms, and acting as an all-purpose working dog.

Despite its long history, the breed was nearly extinct in the 1940s. A dedicated effort by Swedish breeders, especially Count Björn von Rosen, helped revive the Vallhund population, leading to its official recognition by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1943. Today, it is celebrated as Sweden’s national dog and continues to be appreciated for its intelligence, agility, and versatility.

Size – Small-Medium 

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Swedish Vallhund is a compact, sturdy dog with a fox-like face, pricked ears, and a wedge-shaped head. Its body is long relative to its height, giving it a low-to-the-ground appearance similar to that of a Corgi. The tail may be naturally long, stubby, or bobbed, and all variations are accepted within the breed.

Its double coat is thick and weather-resistant, with a harsh outer layer and a soft undercoat. Coat colours typically range from grey to red or sable, often with lighter harness markings and facial masks. The Vallhund’s keen expression and confident posture give it a vibrant, alert look, while its solid, muscular frame reflects its working heritage.

Breed Type – Family/Herding:

Originally bred for herding cattle and farm work, the Swedish Vallhund is an energetic, intelligent, and affectionate breed that thrives as both a working dog and family companion. It is loyal and bonds deeply with its people, often forming a strong attachment to one or more family members.

The Vallhund is friendly with children and usually gets along well with other pets, especially when socialised early. It has a natural guarding instinct and will alert its family to anything unusual, making it a dependable watchdog despite its small size. It prefers to be involved in all aspects of family life and dislikes being left alone for long periods.

Training:

Training the Swedish Vallhund is generally enjoyable due to its intelligence, enthusiasm, and eagerness to please. It picks up new commands quickly and excels in obedience, agility, and herding trials. However, its cleverness can lead to occasional stubbornness, so consistency and variety are important in training sessions.

Positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, treats, and play, are most effective. Harsh corrections are unnecessary and can reduce the dog’s trust. Socialisation from a young age is important to prevent shyness or excessive vocalisation, especially around new people or animals. Mental stimulation is just as crucial as physical activity to prevent boredom-related behaviours.

Health & Care:

The Swedish Vallhund is generally a healthy breed with a long lifespan. Thanks to its working background and careful breeding practices, it is relatively free of major genetic disorders. However, some health concerns to watch for include:

• Hip dysplasia

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

• Patellar luxation

• Cataracts

Routine vet checkups, a nutritious diet, and consistent exercise will help keep the Vallhund in top condition. Due to its compact body, care should be taken to prevent obesity, which can put stress on the spine and joints.

Living Conditions:

The Swedish Vallhund is adaptable to various living environments, including apartments, provided it receives adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation. It enjoys having space to run and play, but it can thrive in urban settings as long as its physical and emotional needs are met.

This breed does best when it is part of the family’s daily life. It dislikes being left out and can develop separation anxiety if ignored or isolated. Because of its thick coat, the Vallhund tolerates cold weather well but should be monitored during hot conditions to avoid overheating.

Exercise:

An energetic and agile breed, the Swedish Vallhund requires regular exercise to stay fit and happy. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities help meet its needs. It particularly enjoys tasks that challenge both body and mind, such as agility courses, herding practice, or advanced obedience training.

Without enough stimulation, the Vallhund may become noisy or develop destructive habits. Its herding instinct may also manifest in behaviours like chasing or heel-nipping, which can be managed through training and redirection. Ideally, it should have at least an hour of active engagement each day.

Grooming:

The Swedish Vallhund’s double coat is relatively low-maintenance but does shed year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing helps control loose hair and keeps the coat clean and healthy. During peak shedding times, more frequent brushing may be required.

Bathing should be occasional, using a mild dog shampoo when necessary. Regular ear checks, nail trimming, and dental care are also essential to maintain overall hygiene. Because of its upright ears, the Vallhund is less prone to ear infections but should still be monitored for dirt or wax buildup.

Advantages:

• Intelligent, trainable, and eager to please

• Loyal and affectionate with family members

• Good with children and generally sociable with other pets

• Adaptable to both rural and urban environments

• Excellent watchdog with a keen sense of awareness

• Low-maintenance grooming needs for a double-coated breed

Disadvantages:

• Prone to barking, especially without adequate training or exercise

• Needs regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom

• Can be wary of strangers without early socialisation

• May develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

• Shedding can be heavy during seasonal coat changes

• Herding tendencies, like nipping or chasing, may require redirection