The Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund
Alternative Names: Vastgotaspets, Viking
dog, Swedish cattle
dog, spitz of the West Goths
Country of Origin: Sweden
History: The Swedish vallhund is believed to be an ancient
dog, first developed as an all purpose farm
dog and cattle herder. It is believed to have been brought to Sweden with the Vikings and may be related to the corgis. It was close to extinction until the mid-twentieth century, when a fancier revitalized the breed. The vallhund is a herder of both cattle and sheep. It was first imported to England in the 1970’s and to the U.S. in the 1980’s.
Physical Description: This is a sturdy, small or medium size spitz type
dog with a rectangular shape. It has a wedge shaped head, black nose, and prick ears. The tail is naturally long or bob or docked. The double coat has a thick undercoat and course outer coat that is gray to red with harness markings and a facial mask.
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Temperament: The vallhund is an alert, bold, curious, and energetic
dog. A hard worker, it is intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. It gets along with almost everyone, including children and other animals.
Activity Level: Moderate
Best Owner: The vallhund requires an active owner. It can adapt to a city, suburban, or rural home, provided it receives enough exercise and attention.
Special Needs: Exercise
Possible Health Concerns: Cleft palate, cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, retnal dysplasia
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