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
Comes ingreygreyish browngreyish yellowreddish yellowreddish brown12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Swedish Vallhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery week
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
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
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
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
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.5
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.6
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.7
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.3
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.7
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.32
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.7
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.
what to watchSwedish Vallhund health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Swedish Vallhund. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Swedish Vallhund retinopathy
An inherited retinal disease that can slowly affect sight; a DNA test and eye screening are recommended. Royal Kennel Club best-practice health tests: DNA test for retinopathy and BVA/KC/ISDS eye testing. ↗
Hip dysplasia
A malformed hip joint; hip scoring is advised before breeding. Royal Kennel Club lists BVA/KC hip scoring as best practice. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Swedish Vallhund costs
Running costs for a Swedish Vallhund, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Swedish Vallhund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Swedish Vallhund in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Swedish Vallhund tip
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
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
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.
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
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Lancashire Heeler
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