Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund is an energetic and brave herding dog hailing from Sweden. They are also known as ‘Viking dogs’ due to their history with the ancient Vikings.

Swedish Vallhund Breed overview

Swedish Vallhunds make for great family pets and are highly adaptable to different lifestyles. They are intelligent, trainable, loyal, and affectionate dogs with playful and energetic personalities. Their high energy level requires a good exercise routine and regular mental stimulation, but their well-behaved nature and obedience make them a great choice for first-time owners or those looking for an active friend. This breed is suitable for children, moderately adaptable to various environments, and moderately social with other dogs. Family-centered, protective, and hardworking, they can become a valuable part of households that seek an energetic companion for both indoors and outdoors activities.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Swedish Vallhund

Grooming

Swedish Vallhunds require moderate grooming. Weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and maintain coat condition. They also require occasional baths. Teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail trimming should also be a part of their grooming routine.

Health

Generally a healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years, Swedish Vallhunds are however prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Responsible breeders should have their breeding dogs tested for these conditions.

Training

Swedish Vallhunds are intelligent and eager to please, making them fast learners. Early training and socialization are important to help them become well-adjusted adults. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise.

Exercise

Swedish Vallhunds are high energy dogs that require daily exercise in the form of walks, runs, playing and training sessions. They excel at dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally and herding trials.

Nutrition

Swedish Vallhunds should be fed a balanced diet appropriate for their age, weight and activity level. Owners should seek advice from their veterinarian or breeder on choosing the right food. Treats should be given in moderation to prevent obesity.

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Swedish Vallhund Traits & Characteristics

Swedish Vallhund are small yet strong dogs that should stand no taller than 14 inches at the shoulder and weigh no more than 35 pounds. Their wedge-shaped head is in proportion to their muscular body. The breed has a double coat. The outer coat hair should be harsh, while the undercoat should be soft and dense.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Swedish Vallhunds have a friendly and affectionate demeanor, especially towards their owners. They will often show love by following their owners around the house and cuddling with them. However, they can be reserved or wary of strangers, so socialization from an early age is important to ensure they remain friendly with new people.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Vallhunds are energetic and playful dogs that love to interact with children. They are sturdy dogs and can handle rough play from kids, but it’s still important to teach children how to properly interact with dogs to prevent any accidents. High energy and alertness can make them a good fit for active households with children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Swedish Vallhunds are social dogs and tend to get along well with other dogs. However, they may be wary of unfamiliar dogs and can sometimes exhibit same-sex aggression. Proper socialization and early training can help them develop positive relationships with other dogs, and Vallhunds can make good playmates for other dogs of their size or larger considering early stages of socialization.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Vallhunds can be wary of strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. Proper socialization from an early age can help them develop good relationships with strangers and maintain a friendly demeanor throughout their lives. They have good protective insticts considering their herding history and are good watchdogs.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Swedish Vallhunds are energetic and playful dogs that love to engage in games and activities. They are athletic and would enjoy exercise, long walks, and outdoors activities as well as training sessions incorporating games and challenges. Vallhunds are easy to train, making them ideal dogs for active and playful owners with active lifestyles.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Swedish Vallhunds are an alert and attentive breed, traits that have developed through their past as a herding dog. They are very smart and trainable, making them ideal candidates for obedience competitions, tricks contests, agility, and other dog sports. Given their need for constant mental stimulus, they are best suited for environments with a lot of interaction.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Swedish Vallhunds are highly adaptable dogs and can thrive in many different environments. Despite their herding history and exercising needs, they can adapt to living in apartments and smaller living spaces as well. Their ease of adaptation also makes them a great option for first-time owners or those looking for a low-maintenance doggy pal.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Vallhunds have a thick and dense double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During shedding season, it is recommended to brush them often to manage the hair. Regular grooming and proper hair maintenance are therefore important to minimize shedding and fur build-up around the house.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Swedish Vallhunds have a medium-length, double coat that requires regular grooming. They shed heavily twice a year and require more grooming during shedding season. Regular grooming and teeth cleaning is important to maintain their hygiene and to prevent any parasites in their fur.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Swedish Vallhunds are average droolers. They drool occasionally, but not extensively, and are not particularly prone to drool-related issues. Basic dental care such as teeth brushing is recommended since they are prone to dental health problems like other breeds.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Swedish Vallhunds are medium-sized dogs. Males usually weigh about 35 lbs and females weigh about 25 lbs. They have a strong, muscular build and are well suited for outdoor activities. They are sturdy and like to think about schedule for their day. Exercise regimens are to be established to prevent destructiveness.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Swedish Vallhunds are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. They love to run and play and would thrive in households that allow them to do so regularly. While they are self-sufficient dogs in regards to activities, their energy level still requires a building routine and frequent exercise.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Swedish Vallhunds are all-around active dogs that enjoy different types of exercise depending on the occasion. They like hiking, walking, and running, but can also adapt well to activities like agility or obedience competitions. They may become restless or destructive when they are not given enough physical activity or mental stimulation.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Swedish Vallhunds have a background as herding dogs and perform well in herding competitions or training. However, they can thrive in many other types of work such as physical search and rescue, or even therapy. They rely on mental challenges such as training, instincts and obedience competitions to keep them satisfied in a working environment.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Swedish Vallhunds are not bred as hunting dogs, and they do not exhibit high prey drive. They are not a good fit for hunting or chasing games, but they can still enjoy scent work activities, games of fetch and water activities as well as different dog sports. It’s recommended to monitor them closely around small pets like cats or hamsters.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Swedish Vallhunds are energetic dogs with high levels of physical stamina and endurance. They can handle long walks and outdoor activities without showing signs of exhaustion. They are well-suited to active lifestyles and can help their owners challenge themselves to remain active and engaged during indoor time.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian will help detect diseases at early stages, and prevent complications later on. Overall, they are a sturdy and healthy breed that have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Swedish Vallhunds have a tendency to gain weight if owners do not control their diet and exercise routine. It’s generally best to portion them according to their lifestyle and activity levels. Make sure they have adequate exercise and limit their treats. A regular check-up at the vet can be valuable in assessing their healthy body weight and ensuring their nutritional balance.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Swedish Vallhunds are cold-tolerant dogs that handle lower temperatures well. However, they may appreciate a coat on bitter days given their shorter coat length and to prevent any frostbite. Pay attention to their paws and clean after walks to ensure they are not carrying unwanted ice. Like all other dogs, they should not be exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Swedish Vallhunds typically do well in moderate heat, but may struggle with hot temperatures. During warmer months, it is a good idea to keep them hydrated and cooled off, especially during walks or playtime. Plan to bring extra water bottles and make sure they are always accessible.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Swedish Vallhunds have a medium level of suitability for apartment living. While they prefer areas with open space to run around in, they can easily adapt to living in smaller spaces as well. They become good companions for dwelling owners thanks to their size and because they are not prone to destructiveness.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Swedish Vallhunds can have a high wanderlust tendency, mainly as a result of their herding past. Owners should manage and control it or consider a solid recall training to avoid complications. After proper training, they can be taken out to experience many outdoor activities as long as they are supervised and kept in clear sight.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Swedish Vallhunds can be sensitive dogs and may need reassurance from their owners if they feel anxious or scared. It's mostly seen in rescue dogs or dogs who have been mistreated. Owners should try and notice any signs of sensitivity early on and offer positive reinforcement and guidance to make them feel at ease.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Swedish Vallhunds are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and can be prone to separation anxiety. It's important for dog owners to plan their absence in order to mitigate the impacts of separation and keep their pets comfortable while they are away. They may still become anxious when their owners are gone for a long period of time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Swedish Vallhunds are moderate barkers. They bark most often to alert their owners of something unfamiliar or suspicious. Proper training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking and keep their barking habits in control. While they are vocal, their range of vocalizations is not extensive and their voice is more of a “bark” than a “howl”.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy mental challenges and games to interact with their owners. They are known for their ability to learn tricks and obedience training, but also for their love of puzzles and searching games. Regular mental stimulation will help keep them happy and satisfied.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Swedish Vallhunds are good dogs for novice owners as long as they are prepared to train and socialize their pets properly. They respond well to obedience training but may need patience when it comes to controlling their barking and wandering tendencies. Potential new owners should also be aware of their grooming needs and the degree of shedding.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable dogs thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and their reward-oriented mindset. They are quick learners and pick up new commands and tricks quickly making them ideal for obedience training. Training sessions can help to keep their energy levels low while incorporating mental challenges into their daily routine.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Swedish Vallhunds have a friendly and affectionate demeanor, especially towards their owners. They will often show love by following their owners around the house and cuddling with them. However, they can be reserved or wary of strangers, so socialization from an early age is important to ensure they remain friendly with new people.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Vallhunds are energetic and playful dogs that love to interact with children. They are sturdy dogs and can handle rough play from kids, but it’s still important to teach children how to properly interact with dogs to prevent any accidents. High energy and alertness can make them a good fit for active households with children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Swedish Vallhunds are social dogs and tend to get along well with other dogs. However, they may be wary of unfamiliar dogs and can sometimes exhibit same-sex aggression. Proper socialization and early training can help them develop positive relationships with other dogs, and Vallhunds can make good playmates for other dogs of their size or larger considering early stages of socialization.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Vallhunds can be wary of strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people. Proper socialization from an early age can help them develop good relationships with strangers and maintain a friendly demeanor throughout their lives. They have good protective insticts considering their herding history and are good watchdogs.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Swedish Vallhunds are energetic and playful dogs that love to engage in games and activities. They are athletic and would enjoy exercise, long walks, and outdoors activities as well as training sessions incorporating games and challenges. Vallhunds are easy to train, making them ideal dogs for active and playful owners with active lifestyles.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Swedish Vallhunds are an alert and attentive breed, traits that have developed through their past as a herding dog. They are very smart and trainable, making them ideal candidates for obedience competitions, tricks contests, agility, and other dog sports. Given their need for constant mental stimulus, they are best suited for environments with a lot of interaction.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly adaptable dogs and can thrive in many different environments. Despite their herding history and exercising needs, they can adapt to living in apartments and smaller living spaces as well. Their ease of adaptation also makes them a great option for first-time owners or those looking for a low-maintenance doggy pal.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Vallhunds have a thick and dense double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During shedding season, it is recommended to brush them often to manage the hair. Regular grooming and proper hair maintenance are therefore important to minimize shedding and fur build-up around the house.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Swedish Vallhunds have a medium-length, double coat that requires regular grooming. They shed heavily twice a year and require more grooming during shedding season. Regular grooming and teeth cleaning is important to maintain their hygiene and to prevent any parasites in their fur.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Swedish Vallhunds are average droolers. They drool occasionally, but not extensively, and are not particularly prone to drool-related issues. Basic dental care such as teeth brushing is recommended since they are prone to dental health problems like other breeds.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Swedish Vallhunds are medium-sized dogs. Males usually weigh about 35 lbs and females weigh about 25 lbs. They have a strong, muscular build and are well suited for outdoor activities. They are sturdy and like to think about schedule for their day. Exercise regimens are to be established to prevent destructiveness.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy. They love to run and play and would thrive in households that allow them to do so regularly. While they are self-sufficient dogs in regards to activities, their energy level still requires a building routine and frequent exercise.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Swedish Vallhunds are all-around active dogs that enjoy different types of exercise depending on the occasion. They like hiking, walking, and running, but can also adapt well to activities like agility or obedience competitions. They may become restless or destructive when they are not given enough physical activity or mental stimulation.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Swedish Vallhunds have a background as herding dogs and perform well in herding competitions or training. However, they can thrive in many other types of work such as physical search and rescue, or even therapy. They rely on mental challenges such as training, instincts and obedience competitions to keep them satisfied in a working environment.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Swedish Vallhunds are not bred as hunting dogs, and they do not exhibit high prey drive. They are not a good fit for hunting or chasing games, but they can still enjoy scent work activities, games of fetch and water activities as well as different dog sports. It’s recommended to monitor them closely around small pets like cats or hamsters.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Swedish Vallhunds are energetic dogs with high levels of physical stamina and endurance. They can handle long walks and outdoor activities without showing signs of exhaustion. They are well-suited to active lifestyles and can help their owners challenge themselves to remain active and engaged during indoor time.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian will help detect diseases at early stages, and prevent complications later on. Overall, they are a sturdy and healthy breed that have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Swedish Vallhunds have a tendency to gain weight if owners do not control their diet and exercise routine. It’s generally best to portion them according to their lifestyle and activity levels. Make sure they have adequate exercise and limit their treats. A regular check-up at the vet can be valuable in assessing their healthy body weight and ensuring their nutritional balance.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Swedish Vallhunds are cold-tolerant dogs that handle lower temperatures well. However, they may appreciate a coat on bitter days given their shorter coat length and to prevent any frostbite. Pay attention to their paws and clean after walks to ensure they are not carrying unwanted ice. Like all other dogs, they should not be exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Swedish Vallhunds typically do well in moderate heat, but may struggle with hot temperatures. During warmer months, it is a good idea to keep them hydrated and cooled off, especially during walks or playtime. Plan to bring extra water bottles and make sure they are always accessible.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Swedish Vallhunds have a medium level of suitability for apartment living. While they prefer areas with open space to run around in, they can easily adapt to living in smaller spaces as well. They become good companions for dwelling owners thanks to their size and because they are not prone to destructiveness.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Swedish Vallhunds can have a high wanderlust tendency, mainly as a result of their herding past. Owners should manage and control it or consider a solid recall training to avoid complications. After proper training, they can be taken out to experience many outdoor activities as long as they are supervised and kept in clear sight.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Swedish Vallhunds can be sensitive dogs and may need reassurance from their owners if they feel anxious or scared. It's mostly seen in rescue dogs or dogs who have been mistreated. Owners should try and notice any signs of sensitivity early on and offer positive reinforcement and guidance to make them feel at ease.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Swedish Vallhunds are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and can be prone to separation anxiety. It's important for dog owners to plan their absence in order to mitigate the impacts of separation and keep their pets comfortable while they are away. They may still become anxious when their owners are gone for a long period of time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Swedish Vallhunds are moderate barkers. They bark most often to alert their owners of something unfamiliar or suspicious. Proper training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking and keep their barking habits in control. While they are vocal, their range of vocalizations is not extensive and their voice is more of a “bark” than a “howl”.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy mental challenges and games to interact with their owners. They are known for their ability to learn tricks and obedience training, but also for their love of puzzles and searching games. Regular mental stimulation will help keep them happy and satisfied.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Swedish Vallhunds are good dogs for novice owners as long as they are prepared to train and socialize their pets properly. They respond well to obedience training but may need patience when it comes to controlling their barking and wandering tendencies. Potential new owners should also be aware of their grooming needs and the degree of shedding.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable dogs thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and their reward-oriented mindset. They are quick learners and pick up new commands and tricks quickly making them ideal for obedience training. Training sessions can help to keep their energy levels low while incorporating mental challenges into their daily routine.

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History of the Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhunds were first brought to Sweden by the Vikings from either Wales or England around 1,000 AD. They were bred as an all-around farm dog with the ability to herd and guard livestock, catch vermin, and serve as a companion. Today the breed is still popular for their versatility and eagerness to work.

Swedish Vallhund Puppies

Swedish Vallhund puppies, like most puppies, should receive socialization and training from a young age to help them become confident and well-adjusted adults. They develop slowly and should not be over-exerted or asked to perform physically demanding activities until their bones and joints have fully developed.