Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund

2007 - New Breed Accepted by the AKC

The Swedish Vallhund is a small, powerful, fearless breed that has been kept for centuries as a farm dog used for herding cattle and sheep. Today, they often participate in obedience, agility, tracking, herding and flyball. The Swedish Vallhund comes naturally with no tail (bobtail), stub tail or full curl tail. Their double coat is marked in a sable pattern and can be any color from grey to red.

Listed In: Herding Group - Cattle/sheep herder.

Ranging from 11½ to 13½ inches tall at the shoulder.

History

It is believed that the Swedish Vallhund goes back more than 1000 years in Sweden to the days of the Vikings, where they were known as the "Vikingarnas Hund," the "Viking Dog." During the eighth or ninth century, historians state that either the Swedish Vallhund was brought to Wales or the Corgi was taken to Sweden, hence the similarities between the two breeds. The Swedish Vallhund almost became extinct in Sweden in 1942 but was rescued from that fate when Count Bjorn von Rosen of Sweden became involved.

Temperament

Often referred to as a 'big dog in a small body,' the Swedish Vallhund is an alert, energetic, and intelligent dog. Their even temper and eager-to-please personality make them wonderful family companions while their active and athletic spirit makes them good herding dogs.

Upkeep

They need sufficient daily exercise. Their tight, medium-length coat is easy to groom and requires occasional brushing and bathing.

Health

• Major concerns: Hip dysplasia,

• Minor concerns: None

• Occasionally seen: patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), lens luxation (LL/PLL), hypo-thyroidism, cataracts and canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CCL/NCL).

• Suggested tests: Hip

• Life span: 10 - 15 years

Form and Function

The Swedish Vallhund (SV) is a very old Spitz-type breed known since the time of the Vikings. For centuries the SV has been kept as a farm dog and used for herding cattle. The SV is a small, powerful, fearless, sturdily built Spitz herding dog. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 2:3. The SV has a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and a close-fitting hard coat of medium length and sable coloring. The double coat and the characteristic "harness markings" are essential features of this breed. Tail may be natural (long, stub, or bob) or docked. The appearance of the Swedish Vallhund conveys intelligence, alertness and energy. Balance, outline, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The SV is a thoroughly sound animal, versatile in its desire to do traditional herding or with proper training compete in companion events such as obedience, tracking and agility, and/or serve as a family companion.

Disqualifying Faults

The following faults are to be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate the dog from competition: Fluffy coat, any color other that described above, nose not predominantly black, more than one-third white, any bite other than scissors.

For more Information, Breeders and Puppies - http://www.swedishvallhunds.co.uk/

Dog Breeds