Swedish Vallhund

[Troy]

The Swedish Vallhund

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=153 )

Group: Group 5 (Working Dogs)

General Appearance: Small, powerful, sturdily built working dog, with fairly long body. (Ratio of height at withers to length of body 2:3)

Characteristics: Appearance and expression denote a watchful, alert, energetic dog.

Temperament: Friendly, active, eager to please.

Head And Skull: Rather long and a clean cut, blunt wedge with almost flat skull and well defined stop. Viewed from above, shows an even wedge shape from skull to tip of nose. Muzzle, viewed from side, looks rather square, slightly shorter than skull. Lower jaw strong. Although a dark mask is acceptable, a well defined mask is highly desirable with lighter hair around eyes, on muzzle and under the throat, giving a distinct contrast to the upper mask. Tightly closed lips. Nose black.

Eyes: Medium size, oval, very dark brown.

Ears: Medium size, pointed, pricked, leather hard from base to tip, but fine smooth haired and mobile.

Mouth: Scissor bite-Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Long, strongly muscled with good reach.

Forequarters: Shoulder blades long and well laid. Upper arm slightly shorter than shoulder blade and set at a distinct angle. Upper arm lies close to ribs, but is still very mobile. Forearm, when viewed from front, slightly bent, just enough to give free action to chest's lower part; straight when viewed from side. Legs well boned.

Body: Back level, well muscled, with short, strong loin. Chest long with good depth. Well sprung ribs. Viewed from front, chest oval, from side elliptical. Reaching two-fifths of length of forearm. When viewed from side the lowest point of chest is immediately behind back part of foreleg. Sternum visible but not excessively pointed. Croup broad and slightly sloping. Belly slightly tucked up. Harness markings should be clearly defined.

Hindquarters: Well angulated, well bent stifles and low hocks, thighs strongly muscled. Legs well boned.

Feet: Medium, short, oval, pointing straight forward with strong pads. Well knuckled up.

Tail: Docked: Length not exceeding 10cms (4 ins) when adult. Set on as a continuation of croup line. May be raised at attention.

Undocked: May be born tailless. Any length. Natural carriage.

Gait/Movement: Free and active, elbows fitting closely to sides, forelegs moving well forward without too much lift, in unison with powerful thrusting hind action.

Coat: Medium length, harsh, close and tight topcoat, undercoat abundant, soft, woolly.

Colour: Steel grey, greyish/brown, greyish/yellow, reddish/yellow, reddish/brown with darker guard hairs on back, neck and sides of body, lighter hair same shade of colour as mentioned above is desirable on muzzle, throat, chest, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. Instead of these lighter shades, white markings are acceptable, but never in excess of one-third of total colour.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs 33-35 cms (13-13.75 ins) at withers

Bitches 31-33 cms (12-13 ins) at withers

The relation between height at withers and length of body should be 2:3.

Weight: 11.5-16 kgs (25-35 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Swedish Vallhund

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund Breeders

Swedish Vallhund Puppies For Sale

[Mim]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Owner

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not very common but slowly gaining more popularity.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Mid teens

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Valls are very loving and eager to please their owners. They are friendly, active, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

About a 30 min walk daily with playing during the day. They could easily go for longer periods of time but I'd say that's a good minimum to keep them happy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I think so, the owner will need to understand that a Vall may test them at times and they need boundaries.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Elle lived happily as a solo dog until she was 8 BUT we did have somebody home almost all the time so she wasn't completely alone. With activities to occupy them I think they would be okay although they do like the sound of their own voice and might bark if they get bored.

9. How much grooming is required?

Not much. A good brush when needed, more regularly when they are shedding. As with all double coated breeds, you have to be careful to completely dry them after swimming/bathing otherwise they can develop hot spots.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

They are great with kids. When my parents decided on the breed they specifically wanted a breed that would be good with kids and Elle is a dream. She lets kids poke and prod her and climb all over her without batting an eyelid. I imagine they would be just as gentle with infirm people.

[corvus]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner, sort of. My mother has one that isn't a great representative of the breed, but ultimately led me to get one of my own.

3. How common is it in Australia?

I think a wee bit more common than Finnish Lapphunds, but that's not very common!

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

I think they tend to be quite confident, outgoing dogs if they have been well socialised. Very bold and tough and act like they are a lot bigger than they are. They are extremely clever! This makes them hugely fun to train, but they don't ever switch off the cleverness, so it pays to be aware of what they're up to and make sure they don't learn things you don't want them to. I have found they can't be taken for granted. If you want them to do something they have to want to do it. It's not hard to convince them they want to do it if rewards are on offer, but if you try to force them when they don't want to you'll end up with a dog that runs away from you. I've come to believe life is so much easier if I have Erik's willing cooperation, and in some cases I genuinely need it. That means a lot of work goes into teaching things like nail clipping and teeth checking and so on. They need a lot of socialisation early on, and mature slowly. They are quite biddable, but still have a streak of independence. They are very affectionate with their owners. Erik gives the most extreme, intense cuddles I've ever come across in a dog. We are used to it, now, but it took several months to stop being incredulous every time he threw himself backwards onto us, or snuggled up on someone's chest, or draped himself across their neck, or wriggled his way up to someone's face so he could put a paw on either side of their neck and lick them into oblivion. He is VERY cuddly when the mood takes him.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Erik is nearly 2 years old and is a very active and drivey Vallhund, and we have found that 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day is right for him. When he's had that much he settles well at home and we don't get him wandering around the house poking things, finding things he's not meant to have, poking around in cupboards and shelves, and demanding someone interact with him. I guess it depends on what you do with them at home. If Erik only got 40 minutes of exercise a day he'd be all right, but often needs to be given things to do at home on top of that. I think most of them don't need that much exercise, though. He's also at about his most active age.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Maybe if it was a nice gentle, laid back one. :D Maybe not an Erik, though. Erik has been quite challenging. But Erik is pretty extreme. Most Vallhunds aren't as full on as he is.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I'm not sure about this one. Erik has grown up with another dog and is very attached to him. He's not good on his own, but he's never had to be on his own, so it's not surprising.

9. How much grooming is required?

Hardly any. I'm yet to meet a Vallhund that doesn't adore being brushed. I brush my Lappie every few days, and usually Erik gets a brush as well because he likes it so much. He really only needs a brush when he's shedding, though. Just to help the process along.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

In general I don't think so. My mother's Vall is wonderful with kids and the infirm. He adores children despite never having much to do with them. Erik needs a bit more supervision, but he's a fair bit more highly strung. And he's still a youngster.

[WoofnHoof]

I'll just add a little bit as it's actually my mum's dog, she was from rescue but we were told she is a purebred Swedish Vallhund and she very much fits the descriptions above in terms of temperament however she is a cream colour which is actually a fault that sometimes occurs.

While I love the cream colour apparently the coat is not as hardy as the traditional colours and we have noticed that she does get some skin irritations that sometimes require treatment especially in summer, not sure whether this is common in creams though. Apart from this she is a very healthy and hardy little dog.

If she is representative of her breed they really are amazing little dogs huge character and drive she will fetch a ball for hours and will happily spend time with you on the couch we love her

[SDDU]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have owned and bred SVs for over twenty years,

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The breed has been around since the Viking area, this is why they are known as the Viking Legacy. They where resurrected after the second world war, like a lot of farm dogs they where in danger of becoming extinct. Full history of the saving of the Vallhund can be read at http://svclub.org.nz/history.php

3. How common is it in Australia?

The Vallhund arrived in Australia in 1981, it is a breed that I believe will come into its own now, we are growing in number, with numerous new bloodlines imported in the last few years the breed is in the best shape it has ever been !!

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 to 16 years although 20 year olds are not uncommon, if well looked after Valls can live a long and healthy life !

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

These dogs can be trained by children, are great for the motivated trainer and for the person who wants a loyal and responsive pet, the key to having the right Vallhund is conversing with the breeder, if the breeder knows what you want from your Vallhund they can help pick the temperament to suit your lifestyle.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Depends on the dog, I have some who love to spend the whole day mooching around helping me garden, after the first burst of morning energy then I have others who are on the go and need lots more stimulation, but at the end of the day they all like to curl up with a good owner on the couch

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes, buy from a reputable breeder, they will help with any hiccups, they really need attention, love and an understanding heart. Yes they can be open to taking advantage of an opportunity but that is why you should keep in touch with the breeder and with other owners.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, so long as they are stimulated and exercised when you are home, if you want a dog for the backyard, don't get a Vallhund, if you are home then they expect to be a part of the family and be doing whatever it is that you are doing ! They need LOTS of early exposure to anything and everything that goes on in the house, outside the house and everywhere else in the neighborhood.

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

This is a tough question, I have seen young Vallhunds get over excited and need extra guidance with young kids I have also seen young dogs sit on a child's sick bed for hours just quietly being there. Training is the key, train the dog with the child Usually an older dog is very well suited to infirm people, training again comes into it, but these dogs in general have subtle awareness of people/children in need !

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

No, there is an eye issue which is being researched, to date no firm answers have been uncovered.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be

Most breeders eye test and a clear eye cert on both parents is what you would look for.

Edited April 24, 2011 by SwedishDogsDownUnder

[hopenfox]

How do you think a SV would be for Agility? And as a Therapy Dog? And have the temperament to do both well? (Researching my next dog)

And how much herding instinct is still floating around in Australia's SVs? Are there any trialling in herding in Australia?

[corvus]

I started agility with Erik. He's fast, drivey, and nimble as a cat. We know another Vall that is also in agility training. Both are on the drivier end and so maybe not naturals at therapy as well. To me Erik is a bit highly strung to enjoy therapy, but again, that's him. There would be Valls much better suited to it. My mother has one that would be a wonderful therapy dog, but she tried flyball with him and he was very resistant to doing it quickly.

As far as herding goes, I would bet that there is plenty of herding instinct floating around in Australian SVs. I have heard there are a few on small hobby farms that do a decent job moving livestock. SDDU would know if there are any trialling.

[hopenfox]

Thanks corvus. I was actually eyeing the bigger pup from the litter you chose Erik from. It sounded like he may have been therapy dog material...but of course I was nowhere near ready for my next dog right then. It'll probably be around 5 years before I'm ready (after Hope's gone).

[SDDU]

Thanks corvus. I was actually eyeing the bigger pup from the litter you chose Erik from. It sounded like he may have been therapy dog material...but of course I was nowhere near ready for my next dog right then. It'll probably be around 5 years before I'm ready (after Hope's gone).

Hopenfox did you ge my email ?

I am so having trouble with these forums

Eriks brother is really a softy and I think he would have made a great therapy dog, I am not sure you are going to get an agility/therapy type in one dog, well you might but it would take a special type of dog in any breed I think !

[LisaJ]

None of my dogs are "certified" therapy dogs, they just know (with some guidance from me) how to behave when we visit my elderly neighbours and friends. We have a few friends who are well into their eighties, a visit from my boys and girls is always appreciated.

My dogs also visit people with special needs, they are always "considerate" and gentle in their approach, it seems like they take cues from the person they are interacting with how much of the devil within they can unleash. Some of the people my dogs visit have what most think of as unusual behaviours.

Many years ago at one of the state royals I got talking to a young boy (about 11ish), on the way to the doggy toilet we stopped to let him pass and he wanted to know what breed my dog was, his name, how old etc, etc. I could see he was itching to give my dog a huge cuddle so I asked if he wanted the dog to jump up in his lap (the boy was in a wheelchair). Yes he would like that. My dog jumped up and landed soft as a cat in his lap. The boy was beaming and my dog melted into his arms, looking so at home. After some minutes the boys mum reminded him that they had a lot they wanted to see at the show, maybe he should let the dog get down. When he continued on I heard him tell his mum "This is the BEST EVER show I have been to." Made me feel the same way actually.

This is the same dog who went 8-900 meters out in a paddock and brought back a herd of 30 something young cows to me when we visited friends in the country. No training, no instructions from me. Just a calm and confident dog, proud of himself after the job was done.

Had I only had a more competative nature he could have collected a few more agility titles. I like to train but competition is not my passion.

[hopenfox]

Thanks for sharing that LisaJ and what a nice story about the boy in the wheelchair ;) .

[Lhok]

How active is active though? My husband likes these little guys but I don't think I could cope with a dog like Corvus' Eric

but more to the point I don't think my husband could as it would be his dog.

--Lhok

[corvus]

Lhok, I think all our Vallhund gurus are caught up in Vallhund related activities at the moment!

I think that activity level in the breed varies quite a bit, but it's not impossible to tell from an early age who is going to be a handful and who is going to be a walk in the park. Erik is pretty full on much of the time, but even he sleeps from about 10am to 4pm. And he usually settles on someone's lap after he has his dinner for the rest of the evening. Provided he's had his exercise! My mum's Vall is not all that typical, but he barely needs any exercise at all. He's very lazy. Likes his walks and he's very agile, but he has a very stable temperament and he spends most of his time snoozing. Preferably by someone's foot. He could do with more mental activity than he gets, though. They are a clever breed. I think you need to take care of their mental stimulation and give them things to do, but some need more than others. Erik needs lots! Mum's Vall currently doesn't get any, but he is very good at finding ways to get to food left on kitchen counters or tables. He finds his own mental challenges. ;)

[WoofnHoof]

My mums Val loves just being around people, she will fetch a ball forever so that's always good fun and an easy way to keep her occupied

[Dju]

I think it depends on the Vall with how active they are, Hugo loves to play fetch too but after 15 throws or so, he'll lay down and chew on whatever you were throwing. He's also okay if we don't do walks every day and he'll nap throughout the day too. But introduce him to another dog and (provided the other dog is up for it) Hugo can do a good solid half an hour of zoomies and wrestling.

[LisaJ]

How active is active though?

--Lhok

Lhok

Swedish Vallhunds have active and inquisitive minds, they love to be around people and in particular their owner/s.

Anything new must be investigated and they like to "supervise" their human/s in most tasks the human/s engage in.

They can also be taught to "help" by staying put on their mat/bed or where ever you think their "help" is needed.

Some Sw Vallhunds have a bigger thirst for action and interaction than others.

In the country of origin it is a very popular breed with people in or close to retirement age.

Mature age people in Sweden are just like mature age people in Australia, some active and some not so active.

Talk to some breeders, get to meet a few different dogs.

No matter where you are I am sure the meeting of dogs can be organised (might take a bit of effort and time though).

If you and your husband decide this is the breed for you the breeder will help you find the puppy with the right temperament for your family.

When you get a puppy you shape it from day one to understand and be content with the routine in your household.

Cheers