Swedish Vallhund Dog Breed Information:
True to their heritage as a working farm dog breed, the Swedish Vallhund is an intelligent and alert companion. They’re active dogs who need equally active pet parents.
Swedish Vallhund Dog Group: Herding Dogs.
Swedish Vallhund Height: 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder.
Swedish Vallhund Weight: 22 to 35 pounds.
Swedish Vallhund Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Swedish Vallhund bears a strong resemblance to the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, but genetically they do not appear to be all that closely related. Swedish Vallhunds do not respond well to harsh verbal or physical corrections. A Swedish Vallhund’s tail may be long, stubby or bobbed. All tail types, natural or docked, are equally acceptable. The Vallhund is not necessarily a good “first dog.” He requires plenty of socialization, training, and exercise to be a good companion.
Swedish Vallhund History:
The Swedish Vallhund the name means “herding” or “shepherd” dog is said to descend from dogs of the Vikings, but the truth is records of dog breeding don’t go back that far. What is known is they were farm dogs in Sweden, used to herd cattle and other livestock, as well as perform other tasks for the landowner such as keeping vermin down or barking an alarm.
Swedish Vallhund Size:
The Vallhund stands 11.5 to 13.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs 22 to 35 pounds.
Swedish Vallhund Personality:
This is a confident, lively, and curious dog with an independent streak, but he’s loyal to his family and courageous in alerting them to the presence of any strangers or other perceived dangers. The Vallhund is calm and adaptable, making him suited to many different home environments as long as he gets plenty of daily exercise. He loves his people and wants to be with them as much as possible.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Swedish Vallhund Health:
Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Vallhunds will get any or all of these diseases:
Hip dysplasia.
Progressive retinal atrophy.
Diabetes.
Swedish Vallhund Care:
The Vallhund’s short legs belie his agility and speed. He corners like a race car and is an excellent agility competitor. He is sturdy and muscular and packs a big punch for his size. With his short legs and long back, the Vallhund can be prone to back injuries if mishandled. Because their skeletal development is not yet complete, avoid letting puppies jump on and off furniture.
Swedish Vallhund Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.
Swedish Vallhund Coat Color And Grooming:
The coat comes in a sable pattern of gray to red or combinations of colors in various shades. Ideally, the dog has a mask of lighter hair around the eyes, on the muzzle and under the throat; lighter shades on the chest, belly, rear end, lower legs and feet; and darker hair on the back, neck and sides. The breed stands out for light-colored “harness markings” on the back. Brush your Vallhund’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally.
Swedish Vallhund with Children And Other Pets:
Vallhunds usually love children, but their herding instincts can motivate them to nip at a youngster’s feet or ankles. Vallhunds are usually friendly toward other pets in the household, including cats, so long as they have been socialized with them from an early age.