Swedish Vallhund

Breed Description

The Västgötaspets (Swedish Vallhund, West Gothian Spitz, Swedish Herding Dog, Västergötland Dog) is an incredibly interesting dog with archaic roots and all the qualities that dog lovers value.

The Västgötaspets originates from the Västgötaland region, located north of Stockholm. It is from here that one of its German names, the West Gothian Spitz, comes. There is a high likelihood that this breed existed during the Viking Age, although details of its history remain largely unknown. A reminder of the Viking past of Great Britain is the Vallhund, which is believed to have arisen from the breeding of Scandinavian spitzes and Welsh corgis. However, genetic studies conducted by leading canine geneticists Parker and Ostrander show that corgis belong to a completely different genetic group than Swedish dogs. The Vallhund is genetically considered part of the northern spitz family, while corgis are closely related to other British herding dogs, such as collies.

For centuries, Vallhunds have been resilient herding dogs and versatile helpers on farms in western Sweden. The first literary references to the Västgötaspets began only in the second half of the 19th century. By 1954, the Vallhund was officially recognized by the Federation of Dog Organizations as a separate breed.

The short-legged Västgötaspets is an engaging companion, equal in intelligence to its owner but lacking in physical attributes. It possesses almost all the qualities valued in an active, intelligent, and practical pet. The Swedish Vallhund deserves much greater popularity as it is a true gem. The cost of a puppy ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Swedish Vallhund is a small, powerful, well-built working dog with a fairly long body, with a height-to-length ratio of 2:3. The official standard describes its appearance as a small, short-legged, and sturdy dog. The look and expression of the face characterize a vigilant and energetic dog.

Desired colors include gray, gray-brown, gray-yellow, reddish-yellow, or reddish-brown. The ears are erect. Occasionally, Vallhunds are born with short tails, and sometimes they have no tails at all. Breeders have long sought to establish this as a breed characteristic, and some even docked tails for this reason. Fortunately, this trend has passed, and the dog can keep the tail that nature gave it at birth.

The Swedish Vallhund should have a well-defined mask with lighter fur around the eyes, muzzle, and throat compared to the head. In shows, white is permitted in the form of a narrow stripe, spots on the neck, or markings on the paws and chest. However, it should not comprise more than one-third of the body.

The height of males ranges from 32 to 35 cm, while females stand at 29 to 32 cm, with a weight of 9 to 16 kg. These active herding dogs have long, low bodies, but not as low as those of corgis.

They are known for their cheerful temperament, unique sounds, and playful behavior. Another distinctive feature of the Vallhund is the balance of strength and smooth movement.

According to the American Kennel Club statistics, the expected lifespan of the Swedish Vallhund is between 12 to 15 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The Swedish Vallhund has a wedge-shaped head that is proportional, with a broad skull and a well-defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The expression of the head is intelligent and confident, with a touch of friendliness.

Морда

The muzzle is of medium length, slightly pointed towards the nose, with strong jaws. The nose is large and black, with well-developed nostrils, which emphasizes the working qualities of the breed.

Уши

Medium-sized, triangular ears that stand upright with pointed tips. They are set high and are mobile, which emphasizes the alertness and liveliness of the Vallhund.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, and dark in color. Their expression is attentive and friendly, with a hint of caution.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, with a scissors bite. The jaws are powerful, which is important for herding work, characteristic of the breed.

Корпус

The body is elongated, muscular, with a deep chest that ensures endurance. The back is straight, and the lumbar region is strong, emphasizing the dog's strength and stability.

Конечности

The limbs are short, powerful, and straight, with strong joints. The paws are compact, rounded, with dense pads that provide stability on various types of terrain.

Хвост

The tail used to always be docked. Puppies can be born with a full tail, a shortened tail, or without a tail at all. The tail is positioned as an extension of the line of the body. All variations of shape and length are acceptable, including the absence of a tail.

Шерсть

The coat is double-layered, with a thick undercoat and a coarse outer layer that provides good protection against bad weather. It is of medium length, longer around the neck and on the hind limbs.

Окрас

The color ranges from gray to reddish-brown with lighter markings on the chest, belly, and legs. This natural coloration emphasizes the breed's connection to its working past.

Character

Swedish Vallhunds are a breed of dog that combines unique traits of intelligence, energy, and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active and devoted owners. These dogs have a varied character, making interaction with them an engaging and enriching experience.

One of the key features of the Swedish Vallhund is its high intelligence. They learn new commands quickly and demonstrate cleverness in various situations. Dogs of this breed are capable of solving complex problems and enjoy training, especially when positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training, are used.

Swedish Vallhunds are true energy packs. They love active pursuits and require regular physical exercise. Walks, running, outdoor games, and participation in sports such as agility or flyball bring them immense joy. Without sufficient physical activity, Vallhunds may start to exhibit tendencies towards boredom and destructive behavior.

Swedish herding dogs are very sociable and attached to their owners. They enjoy spending time with people and actively participating in family activities. Their strong attachment makes them excellent companions, ready to support their owner in any situation.

Due to their heritage from herding and guard dogs, Swedish Vallhunds retain protective instincts. They are vigilant and can defend their family and territory despite their small size. These dogs usually do not show aggression, but their loud and confident bark can deter potential intruders.

Swedish Vallhunds easily get along with other dogs and pets, including cats, especially if they are socialized from an early age. They are friendly and playful, making them great partners for other pets and ideal companions for children.These dogs have an independent character and are confident in their abilities. They can be stubborn and require a consistent training approach. It is important to set clear rules and boundaries so that the Vallhund understands what is expected of them and can work effectively as a team with their owner.Swedish Vallhunds maintain their playfulness and curiosity throughout their lives. They are always ready for new adventures and explorations, making them ideal partners for an active lifestyle.The Swedish Vallhund is a breed that combines intelligence, energy, loyalty, and friendliness. To fully realize their qualities, these dogs need attention, care, and active involvement from their owners. However, the right upbringing and love for a Vallhund will reward you with the loyalty and reliability of this purebred companion.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Swedish Vallhund requires special attention to ensure its health, happiness, and overall well-being. This energetic and intelligent pet needs an active lifestyle and proper care to reveal its best qualities.

Swedish Vallhunds thrive in homes with enough space for free movement. Although they can adapt to apartment living, regular walks and active outdoor play are essential for their physical and mental health. These dogs prefer to be active and require regular exercise.

Swedish Vallhunds have a dense double coat of medium length that needs systematic grooming. It is recommended to use a stiff brush weekly to remove dead hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more frequent brushing is necessary to manage hair loss.

Bathing should be limited to no more than once a month to preserve the natural oils in the dog’s skin. Using a gentle shampoo and rinsing thoroughly helps keep the coat clean and healthy. It is important to avoid excessive bathing to prevent dry skin and irritation.

Regular oral hygiene is necessary to prevent plaque buildup and maintain gum health. It is advisable to brush the dog’s teeth two to three times a week. Keeping an eye on the condition of the nails and trimming them as needed is important to avoid cracking and discomfort while walking.

Swedish Vallhunds are active and energetic dogs that need at least an hour of physical activity each day. This can include walks, running, outdoor games, or participation in sporting activities. Regular exercise helps maintain their physical condition and prevents behavioral issues such as excessive barking or destructive behavior.Given the high intelligence of Swedish Vallhunds, mental stimulation is also essential. Teaching new commands, engaging in problem-solving games, and using interactive toys help meet their intellectual needs. Regular short training sessions based on positive reinforcement foster obedience and strengthen the bond between the dog and owner.Early and proper socialization is crucial in shaping the character and behavior of a Swedish Vallhund. It is important to expose the puppy to various people, animals, and situations to help them become confident and friendly adult dogs. Regular interactions with other dogs and visits to new places help develop good social skills in Swedish Vallhunds.Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can face certain health issues. Regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups, vaccinations

Training and Education

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed characterized by high intelligence, energy, and a desire to learn. These dogs are very loyal to their owners and possess an impressive ability to be trained. However, successful training requires considering their unique traits and utilizing appropriate methods.

Starting the training of a Swedish Vallhund involves establishing a solid foundation of obedience. It’s important to begin with basic commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” “stand,” “come,” and “heel.” Conduct short and frequent training sessions to maintain the dog’s focus and prevent fatigue. Consistency and the use of positive reinforcement-treats, praise, and play-are key.

Swedish Vallhunds respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement. Methods like clicker training help encourage desired behavior. Every time the dog correctly obeys a command, the clicker should be used along with a reward. This helps the dog grasp the expectations faster and makes the learning process enjoyable and motivating.

Socialization is crucial in raising a Swedish Vallhund. It’s advisable to start at an early age, introducing the puppy to various people, animals, sounds, and environments. This fosters the development of a confident and balanced adult dog that feels comfortable in different situations. Regular walks in parks, participation in dog activities, and playtime with other dogs are also important.

Swedish Vallhunds are active and intelligent dogs that require both mental and physical exercise. Incorporating tasks that require problem-solving, such as finding hidden toys or treats, performing complex commands, and participating in sports activities, helps keep the dog in excellent physical condition while preventing boredom and destructive behavior.

Once the basic commands are mastered, one can move on to training more advanced commands and tricks. Swedish Vallhunds love learning new things, so vary their training sessions. Tricks such as “spin,” “fetch,” and “shake paw” help develop the dog’s mental abilities and strengthen the bond between you.When training, it’s important to be aware of potential behavioral issues and to prevent them. Swedish Vallhunds might display stubbornness or undesirable behavior if not given enough exercise and stimulation. Pay attention to signs of problems and address them using positive methods. For example, if barking excessively, use the command “quiet” and reward calm behavior.Successful training of a Swedish Vallhund requires consistency and patience. Each dog is unique and may take different amounts of time to learn commands and skills. Stay patient and persistent in your efforts. Regular repetition of learned commands helps solidify them in the dog’s memory.Training and educating a Swedish Vallhund is an engaging process that requires time, effort, and an understanding of the breed’s characteristics. Using positive methods, maintaining consistency, and ensurin

How to Choose a Puppy

If you plan to get a Swedish Vallhund, it’s wise to start looking for a rare breeder in Central Europe well in advance of bringing a puppy home. You may need to undertake long journeys, including a trip to Sweden, the breed’s country of origin.

Choosing a Swedish Vallhund puppy is a serious decision that requires careful preparation and diligence.

Studying the Breed. Before you begin searching for a puppy, familiarize yourself with the key characteristics of the Swedish Vallhund. Learn about its size, temperament, grooming needs, and activity requirements. This will help you determine if this breed fits your lifestyle and living conditions.

Choosing a Breeder. Find a responsible and reputable breeder who specializes in Swedish Vallhunds. Check reviews, research the breeder’s reputation, and visit their kennel to assess the living conditions of the dogs and their overall health.

Meeting the Parents. Ask the breeder to show you the parents of the future puppy. Evaluate their appearance, temperament, and behavior. This will help you imagine what your future pet will be like and ensure that the parents are in excellent health and have good working qualities.

Examining the Puppies. When visiting the kennel, pay attention to the puppies. Assess their activity level, socialization, and overall health. Choose the puppy that seems the healthiest, most energetic, and matches your character preferences.Discussing Purchase Terms. Talk to the breeder about all the terms of acquiring a puppy, including cost, documentation, vaccinations, and health guarantees. Make sure you fully understand all aspects of the deal and that they align with your expectations.Choosing a Swedish Vallhund puppy is an important step that requires time, patience, and careful consideration. Learn how at Zoohnika and find a wonderful pet.

Health and Illnesses

Swedish Vallhunds are generally regarded as a breed with excellent health, but certain individuals may be prone to specific genetic diseases. Among these issues are hip dysplasia and retinopathy in Swedish Vallhunds, which can lead to vision deterioration and, in some cases, blindness. While not all individuals of the breed will necessarily exhibit these diseases, owners should remain vigilant.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a disorder where the hip joints form inadequately, potentially resulting in chronic pain syndrome and arthritis. Vallhunds can be susceptible to HD, so it is important to monitor their weight, activity levels, and provide proper nutrition to reduce the risk of this condition.

Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecaps can dislocate, causing discomfort and pain during movement. Vallhunds, due to their structure and active lifestyle, may be predisposed to this disease.

Increased sensitivity to thyroid problems may also be an issue for Swedish Vallhunds. Some individuals may face a higher risk of developing thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Signs of these issues include changes in weight, appetite, activity, and behavior. Regular veterinary visits to monitor thyroid health can help identify and manage such conditions.