Swedish Vallhund
Kirin and Disa
The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient Swedish spitz, known for at least 1000 years. The breed was historically a general purpose farm dog and cattle herder in Västergötland and Skåne, Sweden. The stature is inherited, probably selected because it was a suitable size and structure for herding. The breed almost became extinct in the early 1940's. K. G. Zettersten and Björn von Rosen started an extensive search and breeding program to rescue the breed. They succeeded in getting the breed recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1943 and established a breed standard. The official name of the breed was changed in 1953 from Svensk Vallhund (=Swedish Vallhund) to Västgötaspets. In Finland the breed is called Länsigöötanmaanpystykorva, which is a straight translation from the Swedish name Västgötaspets. About 200 puppies are registered each year Sweden.
Today some SV's are still used for herding, but most are companion dogs. They excel in obedience, agility, herding, tracking and even as rescue dogs. As with most herding breeds Vallhunds are very active, intelligent, lively, easy to train and need plenty of exercise. Vallhunds want to be with their family all the time and and have a happy attitude to everything, which makes them great companions for outdoor people. Vallhund is a big dog in a small package. They do not do well left alone all day or in the backyard for long periods unless their owner is with them. They do shed and will bark when bored or to alert the owner about the squirrel or bird outside.
Swedish Vallhunds are strong and sturdy animals. They weight about 22 to 33 lbs and height at the withers is 11.5-13.5 inches. Coat has a woolly undercoat and a harsh, medium length top-coat. Color differs from wolf-gray to reddish shades. Small white markings are allowed. Vallhunds are born tailless or with a little stump or a long tail is usually carried loosely curled on the back.
Swedish Vallhund are usually healthy dogs and many live to a very old age.
