And before anyone remarks: YES, there is a certain resemblance to the Corgis. But he is not even remotely related to them.
Character of the Swedish Vallhund
Courageous he is and also persevering. Full of energy he looks into the day and wants his human to keep up. No, he is no longer an enduring work animal. Nowadays he has established himself as a companion dog. Certainly he loves to exercise in the great outdoors. But he is also perfectly happy with an extended afternoon nap. Cuddling, playing and being absolutely loyal to his human are his “new” strengths.
The historical background of the Swedish Vallhund
One thing is certain: the Swedish Vallhund appeared in Swedish lore about 1,000 years ago. So far, so good. However, there is no record whatsoever of where the ancestors of the Visigoth point came from. Certainly there is the close resemblance to the Corgis of Britain. But no one can really say whether they are actually related.
Already 1,000 years ago, the forefathers of today’s
Swedish Vallhunds were at work herding and driving the four, especially the cattle. Yes, they pinched the legs of the large animals to enforce directional correction. They were also used to hunt rats.
Around 1940, this dog breed was almost on the verge of extinction. Only the successful efforts of Count Björn von Rosen made it possible not only to continue breeding this breed, but also to make it more popular again among the population. However, they have changed their field of use considerably. Today they are more used as companion dogs. The times when they herded large livestock or decimated the rat population are definitely a thing of the past. But one thing is certain: they still have these skills. If they were trained accordingly, they would certainly still enjoy this work.
The colours of the Swedish Vallhund
We find a harsh upper coat and a soft, fluffy undercoat. Both hairs are quite short. Grooming is quite easy. Dried dirt is quickly brushed out. The same applies to loose hairs, which should be removed once a week. Only when the coat is changed can it be a bit strenuous, as the undercoat causes quite a bit to come loose. But fortunately this period is quite short.
What are the requirements of the Swedish Vallhund?
Beware of the small dogs! Yes, that is meant seriously. Because even though they are more of a companion dog today, they still have a lot of potential in their blood from their origins. But this also means that they are not lap dogs. They are full of energy and have a lot of stamina. It does not bother them at all to be kept as a yard dog, as long as they have a very good family connection. Children, however, should beware. These dogs are used to asserting themselves against cheeky, large figures (formerly the cattle).
So don’t be surprised if children who tease the dog also get pinched in the calves. THIS is the animal’s special weapon against people they don’t like. Unless the puppy is growing up with the toddler, children in a household with Swedish Vallhunds had better be a little older and know about respecting dogs.
The Swedish Vallhund and his health
A robust dog that nothing can easily knock down. Check his teeth and ears regularly. With age and less exercise, the claws must also be checked regularly so that they do not grow too much and cause damage.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Swedish Vallhund
This dog is a typical, Nordic representative. Unfortunately, this means that he is not one of the quiet dog breeds. With him it is important from the beginning that he enjoys an upbringing appropriate to his character, so that he does not become the “annoying, yapping mutt” next door. As I said, he will never become the calm dog that many dog lovers wish for. But he doesn’t have to be the annoying yappy mutt either. Good dog training can prevent this from happening.
Even though this dog is no longer classified as a herding dog, he still has these abilities. Therefore, it is no problem to train him as a hunting, herding or guard dog. At the same time, these abilities carry the problem that without good basic training and socialisation, he will quickly outgrow you. In other words, without good training he can quickly take over, which would probably end in chaos. So make sure that he is well exercised in all respects so that he has earned his long nap. Long walks, various dog sports such as agility, obedience, but also dog frisbee and mantrailing are sensible activities for him. What do you like most?
And one more thing: Please bear in mind that the Swedish Vallhund is a herding and driving dog and also has a certain hunting instinct. Even if he is well trained, he should always be kept on a leash when out on walks, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
The perfect person for a Swedish Vallhund
The perfect person for the Swedish Vallhund likes to be outdoors, in all weathers. This is because this dog doesn’t care about the weather as long as he can run around outside. You don’t necessarily have to be sporty, but you must be willing and able to support the dog in his ambitions in dog sports.
As the Swedish Vallhund also likes to be outdoors on his own, it makes sense to have a garden and to make him his own dry place so that he can stay there at any time, but also keep him dry. Surely he appreciates the benefits of the dry, warm couch. Nevertheless, he likes to be outdoors and should therefore have a dry place just for himself there, too.
First equipment for the Swedish Vallhund
- Dog collar
- Dog harness
- Dog leash, in addition possibly a drag leash
- Water and food bowl, if possible easy to clean (see also The dog bowl with name)
- Dog bed / blanket for the resting place
- Long hair brush
- Undercoat brush
- Comb / lice comb
- Possibly dog clippers (but these should only be used if you really know how to use them).
- Dog food
- possibly toys
- possibly treats
Dog food for the Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund would certainly also be able to cope with “normal” food. However, he prefers a good quality food. You can also “BARF” him. Dry food is fine for a few days, but should not be a permanent solution.
If you use treats during training / on the dog sports field, he should only get good food: Beef ears dried and cut into small pieces, dried meat and the like. It is important for him that all added sugar is avoided. Sugar does not agree with him at all.
If he is getting on in years and no longer likes to exercise so much, the daily requirement should be drastically reduced immediately so that no overweight is built up.
How much does a Swedish Vallhund cost?
If you want to buy a puppy of this breed, you should plan a budget between £1000 and £1800. Please note that puppies offered for less than £1000, often from one of the breeders, do not pay attention to the health of their breeding animals, nor to the health of the puppies, and only want to cash in. Please look for serious breeders through the VDH or the DCNH.
Conclusion
This little powerhouse is clearly a case for young, athletic adults who like to be outdoors and spend a lot of time there with their dog. They live in the countryside so a garden can be made possible. ATTENTION – the Swedish Vallhund is not a quiet dog. It is best to be prepared for this in advance.
FAQ
Where does the Swedish Vallhund point come from?
The Swedish Vallhund finds its origin in Sweden. Presumably, because it cannot be ruled out that they originated in England after all and perhaps there is a relationship to the Corgis and similar breeds after all. Who knows whether the dogs first lived in England and were brought to Sweden or vice versa. The fact is, however, that they appeared in Swedish descriptions around 1,000 years ago.
How old is the Swedish Vallhund?
It is one of the original type dogs, which gives it a long lifespan of up to 15 years.
How big and heavy is the Swedish Vallhund?
We can record a height at the withers of 33 to 35cm with a weight of 11 to 16kg.
How many puppies does the Swedish Vallhund have?
The average litter produces 2 to 5 puppies.
Is the Swedish Vallhund a hunting dog?
Actually, the Swedish Vallhund belongs to the herding and driving dogs. However, he has a strong hunting instinct, which is why he is also suitable for training as a hunting dog. However, today it is rarely used for this purpose. Nevertheless, the hunting instinct is present. This should always be taken into account. If an older animal is taken over and there are smaller animals than this dog in the house or cats, it should be ensured that he has been socialised accordingly. Otherwise, very unpleasant scenes can occur.
Is the Swedish Vallhund a family dog?
The Swedish Vallhund is a great companion dog for adults and older children 10 / 12 years and older. Families with younger children need to keep a watchful eye on the dog at all times. In this case, it would be best if the dog grows up together with the children and is socialised accordingly. Otherwise, it may well happen that he wants to “herd” them and therefore nips their legs in his own special way. This would not be meant badly, but only useful – at least from the dog’s point of view. For the children, however, this is absolutely no fun. Therefore, one should be honest about this.
For sporty adults who also enjoy taking him to the dog park or for long walks, he is a fantastic, loyal companion.
Can the Swedish Vallhund be kept in a (city) flat?
Yes, this dog is only quite small. Nevertheless, he is not a candidate for a flat and certainly not for the city. In the city he would have far too many temptations in front of him, people and children and other dogs to herd after all. No, this candidate belongs in the countryside or at least in the quiet suburbs with his own garden and lots of options to go for walks with his human or to get some physical exercise on the dog sports field. Because he also likes to be alone in the garden to watch over his territory.
How big is the Swedish Vallhund?
This dog does not grow taller than 35cm at the withers.
Can the Swedish Vallhund be kept as a family dog?
If there are small children in the house, this dog breed should be avoided. Although it can of course be trained, there is a great danger that he will react annoyed to small children or want to “herd” them, which does not end well for the children. Older children are not a problem. An adult household would be ideal.
Can the Swedish Vallhund be kept indoors?
Despite its small size, this should be avoided. He loves his freedom, which among other things consists of spending the whole day alone in the garden until he is taken for a walk.
How old does the Swedish Vallhund live?
A life expectancy of 12 to 15 years is possible.
Is the Swedish Vallhund easy to care for?
Absolutely. There are no health problems. Grooming is easy as the coat is short and only needs more attention during the moult.
