Swedish Vallhund
Also known as Västgötaspets, and Spitz des Wisigoths in French
- Height at the withers
- 30 to 35 cm
- Weight
- 9 to 14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Sweden
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, powerful spitz-type herding dog with short legs, pointed ears, a curled tail and wolf-like markings. This ancient, fearless breed is often called “the Viking dog.”
History and origins
An ancient Swedish breed dating back more than 1,000 years to the Viking age, used as a versatile farm dog for driving cattle, controlling vermin and guarding. Also called the Västgötaspets, it probably shares ancestry with the Welsh Corgi.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Retinopathy (progressive retinal atrophy)
- Hip dysplasia
- Back problems
- Obesity
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Swedish Vallhund FAQ
How big does the Swedish Vallhund get?
The Swedish Vallhund stands 30 to 35 cm at the withers and weighs 9 to 14 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Swedish Vallhund shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Swedish Vallhund live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Swedish Vallhund need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Swedish Vallhund good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Swedish Vallhund live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are retinopathy and hip dysplasia.
