Origins

The Swedish Vallhund (Vastgotaspets in Swedish) or Viking Cattle Dog is a breed of very ancient origin.  However, it was only recognised and accepted into the Swedish Kennel Club registry in 1943. In 1942 the Swedish Count Bjorn Von Rosen remembered the small herding dogs of spitz-type that he had seen as a boy in Vastergotland (West Gotland).  He advertised in some publications and received an answer from a teacher at a local school, Karl Gustaf Zettersten.  The two gentlemen mounted their bikes and rode between farms searching for the Viking dogs.  They eventually found four bitches (one being Topsy, pictured above) and one dog.  It was these two men and five dogs that brought the Swedish Vallhund back from the brink of extinction.  As at 2007, the Swedish Vallhund is still recognised as a rare breed.

In the past it was believed that the Vallhund travelled to Wales with Viking raiders and became the ancestor of the Corgi breeds. At  present DNA testing is being carried out that will either prove or disprove this theory.

" We cannot determine, in retrospect, how the breed exactly evolved before the 1940's. It may very well not have been a rapid and deliberate breeding that produced the Vallhund as we know it to be, from the acknowledged inception, but could have instead been time forged through a primitive era; molded by the elements - climatic change, survival measures, predation, geographical mating patterns etc.  I believe this to be the case, the Vallhund is a uniquely and significantly primitive breed ... not a by product of early mans orchestration." - Ruth Rushnell

 Characteristics

The Swedish Vallhund breed standard says that in type, the Vallhund is a wolf-like animal in everything except size.

His short legs, intelligence and energy made him suitable as a herding dog.  Those same characteristics today make him successful in obedience, agility, tracking and any other activity in which he his free to take an active part.  He requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.  The correct double coat with the characteristic "harness markings" are essential features of this breed.  Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance.  The Swedish Vallhund is a thoroughly sound animal willing and able to do its work.  This breed matures slowly and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age.

The Beginners Guide to the Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient breed of dog from the Spitz group of dogs. They were used as all purpose farm dogs in the flat cattle country of Sweden and mostly found in the West and Southern provinces. With their short legs, agility and speed, they are ideally suited to cattle herding.

The appearance of the Swedish Vallhund is a medium sized dog of about 33cms (13), with a slightly longer body than tall, he is well-muscled, powerful and robust, with a keen alert attitude. The topcoat is medium short harsh but closely fitting and a soft woolly undercoat.

The colour of the coat varies from light to dark shades of grey or reddish yellow with lighter shades found on the cheeks, throat, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. A hallmark of the breed is its distinctive and most desirable lighter facial mask, although a dark mask is acceptable, and harness markings near the shoulder and upper arm.

The tail is a distinguishable feature, with many puppies being born without a tail or a short stump, while others may be born with varying lengths through to a full tail.

To fully convey the temperament of the Swedish Vallhund is difficult with one not fully understanding the extent of this breeds personality until you are owned by one. They have a strong herding instinct with a natural ability to herd. It is not unusual for their owners to find their dogs coming in behind in an attempt to drive them along. The breed has a sense of humour, with a happy disposition and is important that he be included in the family activities enjoying being the principle character. The Swedish Vallhund is a willing positive, honest worker who easy to teach is proud, open, frank and unafraid.

The Swedish Vallhund is happiest when playing with other Swedish Vallhunds, with the play often appearing to be rough and noisy, yet rarely hurting themselves. This breed needs stimulation and is most comfortable when there is plenty of activity around or activities for them to participate in. They require freedom and are intelligent but also strong willed requiring a steady hand with training commencing at an early age.

The breed gets on well with other dogs and children. They are low maintenance with a water resistant coat that repels dirt or mud and do not have a doggy odour.

The dog is larger and more masculine looking than the bitch, but both should be strong and capable of doing a good days work.

 The preferred height for Males is 33 to 35 cm (13 to 13.75), Females 31 to 33 cm (12 to 13). Weight: 11.4 15.9 kg (25-35lbs)

Health

The Swedish Vallhund is primarily a robust health breed. The average life span of the breed is approximately fifteen years, with the oldest official recorded age being twenty seven years.

It is important, prior to purchasing a puppy to ensure you have done your research on the breed and the breeders within the breed, check the breeders credentials, ensuring the breeder undertakes health checks on their dogs such as hip scores and eye tests. Ask to look at the sire and dam if possible to determine the temperament of the breeding stock.

The breed generally has few health concerns although there have been a small percentage of dogs that have had a genetic health issue.