Swedish VallhundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Vallhund is a genuine Swedish breed, although its relationship with the Welsh Corgi remains unclear: it will never be known whether the Vikings took dogs like it to Britain or brought Corgis back from the British Isles. Modern research believes it is of Swedish origin.

In the early 1940s, Count Björn von Rosen learnt that this old herding dog still existed. A few dogs of uniform type were found, mainly on the plains of Vara, in Västergötland, and the headmaster K. G. Zettersten began breeding them. Wikipedia says that in 1942 the breed was almost extinct, and in 1943 the Swedish Kennel Club recognised it.

How the breed developed

• Viking Age – A herding dog in Sweden.
• 1942 – The breed is almost extinct.
• 1943 – Recognised by the Swedish Kennel Club.
• 3 January 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2017 – A genetic test for retinopathy becomes available.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says that, with its dense sable coat, solid build and simple look, the Vallhund is a timeless breed, as much at home in a modern back garden as on the prow of a Viking ship 1,200 years ago. It is long and low, but less so than its distant cousins, the Corgis.

General appearance

The topcoat is of medium length, harsh, tight and close-lying, with a soft, very dense undercoat. The coat is short on the head and the front of the legs and longer on the neck, chest and back of the hind legs.

The standard accepts grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow or reddish brown. Lighter hair of the same shade appears on the muzzle, throat, chest, belly and legs.

The standard describes it as watchful, energetic, fearless and alert. The AKC says most want to work with their owner, one of the breed's traits, and do best with positive, reward-based training.

As a cattle dog, it is strong-willed, as it has to be to do its job, so the aim is for it to enjoy working alongside its owner.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It wants to understand what you want.
• Be consistent. It is strong-willed.
• Teach it not to nip at heels. It is its cattle-driving instinct.
• Give it a sport. Agility or herding.

The AKC says exercise needs vary from dog to dog. It is not a breed made to run all day, but it is a farm dog and needs regular exercise: a good daily walk, with fetch or a sport.

Tips for a balanced life

• Do not leave food out all day.
• Be ready for heavy moulting.
• Supervise it with young children.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it needs only a thorough brushing now and then and a bath when it gets dirty. Twice a year it sheds its undercoat, in “drifts” of hair; a warm bath and a massage help then.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Ask for the genetic test for retinopathy.
• Ask for the parents' hip tests.
• Keep it at the right weight.

The AKC says Vallhunds need less food than you might think, even though they are very active, and they put on weight easily. Food should not be left out all day.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Measure its portions.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The Vikings' dog. The AKC pictures it on Viking ships.
• A cousin of the Corgi. The relationship between them is still unclear.
• Saved in 1942. Björn von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten saved it.
• It eats little. It needs less food than you might think.
• “Herding dog”. That is what Vallhund means.

Is it related to the Corgi?

They look alike, but their relationship is unclear.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.

Does it shed?

Yes, a lot, twice a year.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.