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Dog breed

Swedish Vallhund

Small, powerful spitz-type herding dog with short legs, pointed ears, curled tail, and distinctive wolf-like markings. This ancient and fearless breed is often referred to as 'the Viking dog' and features a weather-resistant double coat.

Life span
12–15 years
Origin
Sweden
Swedish Vallhund dog breed

Profile

Important information

Species / Genre
Dog
Life span
12–15 years
Temperament
Alert, energetic, friendly, intelligent, courageous, playful, eager to please
Origin
Sweden
Breed group
Herding
Weight
9–16 kg
Height
32–35 cm

About

Swedish Vallhund

Description

Small, powerful spitz-type herding dog with short legs, pointed ears, curled tail, and distinctive wolf-like markings. This ancient and fearless breed is often referred to as 'the Viking dog' and features a weather-resistant double coat.

History

Ancient Swedish breed dating back over 1,000 years to the Viking era, used as an all-purpose farm dog for herding cattle, vermin control, and guarding. Also called Västgötaspets, believed to share ancestry with the Welsh Corgi. Recognized by Swedish Kennel Club in 1943, AKC in 2007.

Temperament

Personality traits

Alert energetic friendly intelligent courageous playful eager to please

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Related content

Care and training for Swedish Vallhund

Health general

Dog Weekly Checkup Health General Guide

weekly checkup can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, bathr...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Travel Preparation Health General Guide

travel preparation can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, b...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Cold Weather Plan Health General Guide

cold weather plan can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, ba...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
Health general

Dog Rainy Day Plan Health General Guide

rainy day plan can help you notice changes in your dog's normal patterns. Track appetite, water, energy, bathr...

This is general information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis. Do not give medicine or change treatment without consulting a veterinarian.
safety

Dog Weekly Checkup Safety Guide

Use weekly checkup to reduce avoidable risk for your dog. Check the home setup, storage, weather, travel gear,...

behavior

Dog Hot Weather Plan Behavior Guide

hot weather plan works best when your dog has predictable routines, enough rest, and reward-based guidance. No...

grooming

Dog Hot Weather Plan Grooming Guide

Make hot weather plan part of a calm grooming rhythm for your dog. Keep sessions short, reward relaxed behavio...

feeding

Dog Hot Weather Plan Feeding Guide

Use hot weather plan as a simple feeding checkpoint for your dog. Keep meals predictable, provide fresh water,...

advanced

Dog Advanced Sit

A advanced dog lesson for sit using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Stay

A advanced dog lesson for stay using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Recall

A advanced dog lesson for recall using short, reward-based practice.

advanced

Dog Advanced Leash Walking

A advanced dog lesson for leash walking using short, reward-based practice.