Dog Breeds - Swedish Vallhund

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and familiar faces may vary greatly. While a few breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owners, other breeds radiate friendliness treating anyone they know with utmost love and care, as if they were their closest confidant.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
When examining a breed, it is important to consider their tolerance level and patience towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is a significant aspect to consider. While it is crucial to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds inherently have a greater propensity to get along with other dogs, whether it be in a home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed is likely to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more prone to triggering specific allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating a breed, it is essential to assess how often they require bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It's important to take into account the time, patience and budget you can allocate towards grooming. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Considering a breed's tendency to drool is crucial, especially if you value cleanliness. If you prefer to maintain a tidy environment and avoid having ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, it may be wise to steer clear of breeds that are prone to excessive drooling.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Assessing how welcoming a breed is towards strangers is important. Certain breeds exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are naturally inclined to happily greet any new human they encounter, regardless of the circumstances.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Determining a breed's enthusiasm for play even beyond puppyhood is a key consideration. Certain breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in play activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds may prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you rather than actively seeking play.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds have a higher tendency to alert you when strangers are nearby. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more welcoming towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Assessing the ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds have a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally easier to train. On the other hand, some breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to do things at their own pace and may require additional patience and effort during training sessions.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation for a breed can differ. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure, eagerly engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes content with lounging around and enjoying peaceful snoozes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Understanding the frequency of vocalization in a specific breed, encompassing barks and howls is essential. While certain breeds tend to bark or howl at every passer-by or even a bird at the window others reserve their barking for specific circumstances. Additionally, some breeds that may not bark still find alternative methods to vocalize and communicate their emotions through various sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Considering the amount of mental stimulation a breed requires is crucial for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs may have specific jobs that necessitate decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the projects you would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation is essential to ensure a content and well-adjusted dog.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and familiar faces may vary greatly. While a few breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owners, other breeds radiate friendliness treating anyone they know with utmost love and care, as if they were their closest confidant.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

When examining a breed, it is important to consider their tolerance level and patience towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is a significant aspect to consider. While it is crucial to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds inherently have a greater propensity to get along with other dogs, whether it be in a home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed is likely to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more prone to triggering specific allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When evaluating a breed, it is essential to assess how often they require bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It's important to take into account the time, patience and budget you can allocate towards grooming. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Considering a breed's tendency to drool is crucial, especially if you value cleanliness. If you prefer to maintain a tidy environment and avoid having ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, it may be wise to steer clear of breeds that are prone to excessive drooling.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Assessing how welcoming a breed is towards strangers is important. Certain breeds exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around all strangers, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are naturally inclined to happily greet any new human they encounter, regardless of the circumstances.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Determining a breed's enthusiasm for play even beyond puppyhood is a key consideration. Certain breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in play activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds may prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you rather than actively seeking play.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds have a higher tendency to alert you when strangers are nearby. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more welcoming towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and capable of handling changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life with relative ease. These breeds tend to adjust well to new situations and environments. However, other breeds may be more sensitive to change and may require more time and support to adapt to new circumstances. When considering a breed, it can be helpful to assess their general temperament and adaptability to determine if they would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the potential changes you may encounter.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Assessing the ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds have a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally easier to train. On the other hand, some breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to do things at their own pace and may require additional patience and effort during training sessions.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation for a breed can differ. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure, eagerly engaging in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more akin to couch potatoes content with lounging around and enjoying peaceful snoozes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Considering the amount of mental stimulation a breed requires is crucial for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs may have specific jobs that necessitate decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the projects you would prefer. Providing the necessary mental stimulation is essential to ensure a content and well-adjusted dog.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Gray	100
Yellow	232
Red	140
Black	007
Blue	037
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Sable	026
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Swedish Vallhund, also known as the Viking Dog of ancient legend is a highly intelligent and sociable herding breed. With their dense coat and boundless energy, these resilient cattle dogs possess a remarkable zest for life. One distinctive feature of Vallhunds is their unique vocalizations, which add to their charm and cheerful demeanor.

Adorned with a thick sable coat, sturdy build and a no-frills appearance, Vallhunds have stood the test of time. They can adapt seamlessly to suburban backyards just as they were comfortable on the prows of Viking longships 1,200 years ago. These lively herders are built with a long and low body, although not as exaggerated as their distant relatives, the corgis. The purpose behind this build remains the same facilitating efficient nipping at the heels of cattle and avoiding potential kicks to the head. Balance, power and smooth movement exemplify the breed's distinctive characteristics.

What to Expect When Caring for A SWEDISH VALLHUND

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Swedish Vallhund: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Responsible breeders indeed prioritize the health of their breeding stock. They actively screen their dogs for various health conditions including common issues such as hip dysplasia. Additionally, in the case of Swedish Vallhunds, a genetic test for a specific eye condition called Swedish Vallhund retinopathy was developed in 2017. This test allows breeders to identify carriers of the condition and make informed breeding decisions to prevent the production of affected offspring. These practices help maintain the overall health and well-being of the breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation SV Retinopathy - DNA Test

Grooming

	Swedish Vallhunds have moderate grooming requirements. They benefit from occasional thorough brushing that reaches down to the skin, as well as baths when they become dirty. During shedding seasons which typically occur twice a year, the amount of hair they shed may make you feel like you have multiple dogs due to the abundance of fur. However, managing their grooming needs is relatively easy. A warm bath with a good massage using shampoo followed by drying with a dryer and a thorough brushing can help remove the majority of the shed hair. This grooming routine helps keep their coat clean and healthy.

Exercise

	The exercise needs of the breed, including Swedish Vallhunds display notable differences from one individual to another. It's common for some Vallhunds to possess higher energy levels compared to their counterparts. While not specifically intended for constant running, Vallhunds excel as diligent farm dogs necessitating regular exercise. For the majority of these delightful canines, a single daily walk coupled with some playtime involving fetching or partaking in sports or other activities, should prove sufficient. However, it's important to acknowledge that certain Vallhunds may require additional exercise. In addition to physical workouts, mental exercise is also an essential aspect. Enhance their mental and physical well-being by engaging them in puzzle games clicker training or even getting involved in sports.

Training

	The breed's inherent traits make Vallhunds inclined towards cooperation making them great partners for your training endeavors. To optimize their learning, it is recommended to employ positive and reward-based training methods, as Vallhunds typically require clarity regarding your expectations. Recognize that Vallhunds have a history of herding cattle which contributes to their determined nature required for their work. Your objective should be to establish a joyful and harmonious working relationship with your furry companion. Clicker training tends to yield excellent results with most Vallhunds and they generally exhibit a high level of willingness to learn and comply with commands.

Nutrition

	For optimal health, the Swedish Vallhund thrives on a high-quality diet which can either be commercially manufactured or prepared at home with proper supervision and approval from a veterinarian. It is crucial to select a diet that aligns with the dog's specific life stage, whether it's a puppy, adult or senior. Despite being active, most Vallhunds are considered "easy keepers" and require less food than anticipated. It's important to note that they have a tendency to gain weight easily even with regular exercise. It is advisable for owners not to free-feed Vallhunds (or any dog), as this grazing behavior is not typical and can make it challenging to monitor their eating habits. Familiarize yourself with safe human foods for dogs and those that should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult your vet for guidance. Lastly, ensure clean and fresh water is readily available for your Vallhund at all times.

Historiography

During the period spanning the 8th to 11th centuries, seafaring Vikings hailing from Scandinavia conducted raids, conquered territories and established settlements across extensive regions of Britain. The lasting impact of Viking presence is evident in the Scandinavian place names that still exist throughout the British Isles. The Vallhund serves as a tangible reminder of Britain's Viking heritage believed to be a result of breeding Scandinavian spitz dogs with Welsh corgis. Although the precise timeframe and location of the breed's development remain uncertain historical records affirm that Vallhunds have served as resilient cattle dogs and versatile farm assistants in the western parts of Sweden for countless centuries.