A happy, bold little working dog that is alert and full of energy. It is friendly and clever, loves to be busy, and is known for a wide range of chatty vocal sounds.14
how to spot oneSwedish Vallhund coat and colours
medium-short, hard, tight topcoat with soft, dense undercoat
A small, long-bodied and low-set herder with a wedge-shaped head and upright ears. Its harsh outer coat lies close over a soft undercoat, and tails range from a full length to a natural bob.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Swedish Vallhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
by countryIs the Swedish Vallhund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Swedish Vallhund in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksSwedish Vallhund exercise needs
Moderate to high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day; it also enjoys agility, obedience, herding, flyball and tracking.32
the hands-on bitsSwedish Vallhund grooming and care
The short, weather-resistant coat needs brushing about once a week, a bit more during shedding.3
where they are happiestSwedish Vallhund at home
Adaptable to many homes as long as it gets daily activity; a hardy dog that was bred for farm work.34
who they like aroundSwedish Vallhund with people and other pets
A sociable dog that likes being involved with its people and having something to do.4
where it all beganSwedish Vallhund history
Low-set cattle dogs have herded in Sweden since the Viking era. By the 1940s the type was nearly gone, until Count Björn von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten found dogs in Västergötland and bred them back up. The Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1943 under the name Västgötaspets.123
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Puppies are born with tails that range from none at all to full length.2
2
It is often called the Viking dog because of its ancient roots in Sweden.4
3
It is a heeler, moving cattle by nipping at their heels.1
4
It is thought to share roots with the Welsh Corgi and Lancashire Heeler.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed's name, Vallhund, translates to 'herding dog' in English, as the Swedish Vallhund was originally bred as a drover and herder of cows over 1,000 years ago. The Swedish name Västgötaspets comes from Västergötland, the county where the breed was rescued from extinction in the 1940s.2
stars of the breedFamous ones
MERTK LINE-1 insertion carrier A Swedish Vallhund with a specific LINE-1 insertion in the MERTK gene was studied to identify the genetic cause of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the breed.5
I wake up and stretch my short legs, ready for the day. My human laughs as I give a happy yip, my tail wagging like a little flag. We head outside, and I sniff every blade of grass, checking for news. Then we play fetch, and I run circles around the ball, barking with joy. I love helping herd the kids in the yard, myding them with soft nips. At evening, I curl up on the sofa, snoring softly, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Life is good, full of fun and love.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 14 (Västgötaspets), Group 5, Section 3 (Nordic Watchdogs and Herders); standard dated 29 Oct 20131
For a Swedish Vallhund, choose low-fat, single-ingredient treats and keep them to under 10% of daily calories, as this breed is prone to weight gain and pancreatitis. Offer dental chews or a dental diet to help manage their higher risk of dental disease, but always check with your vet first.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Swedish Vallhund, and at what times?
Feed adult Swedish Vallhunds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help digestion, so choose a schedule that works for you.6
What should a Swedish Vallhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, keep these away from your Vallhund.7
How often should I bathe a Swedish Vallhund?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Swedish Vallhund need brushing?
Brush your Swedish Vallhund about once a week, and increase to daily during heavy shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days for a tidy coat.3Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Swedish Vallhund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Swedish Vallhund need?
Your Swedish Vallhund needs about an hour of exercise daily, plus enjoys activities like agility, herding, and flyball. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Swedish Vallhund's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.8Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Swedish Vallhund live?
Swedish Vallhunds typically live between 10 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups.32
Is a Swedish Vallhund good with children and other pets?
This friendly and sociable breed generally does well with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.14
Can a Swedish Vallhund be left alone?
Swedish Vallhunds are very sociable and prefer to be involved with their people, so they may struggle with long periods alone. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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