Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhunds live 11 to 13 years. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur in the breed. A condition unique to the breed called Swedish Vallhund retinopathy affects some lines, so request eye testing from breeders. Myelopathy and hip issues also appear. Source carefully and schedule annual vet visits with eye evaluation.

Your Swedish Vallhund has a dense double coat that needs brushing two to three times a week. Shedding increases during seasonal coat blows. Bathe every six to eight weeks. Check ears weekly, trim nails monthly, and brush teeth regularly. The coat stays relatively clean between baths.

Your Swedish Vallhund needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Walks, agility, herding games, and active play match their athletic, energetic nature. Despite their short legs, they move fast and have real stamina. Without enough activity, they become restless and vocal.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent, quick learners. They respond very well to positive reinforcement. Start socialization early since they can be reserved with strangers. This breed excels in agility, herding, and obedience. Vary training to keep their interest since they bore with repetition.

Feed a quality small to medium breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Swedish Vallhunds can gain weight if exercise drops. Monitor body condition monthly and keep treats minimal. Two meals per day works better than one large serving.

The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient breed with roots in Scandinavia stretching back over a thousand years. Vikings likely brought the breed to Wales, where it may have contributed to the development of the Welsh Corgis. Swedish farmers used Vallhunds to herd cattle, hunt rats, and guard farms. The breed nearly went extinct in the 1940s before Swedish breeders revived it from a small number of surviving dogs. The AKC recognized the Swedish Vallhund in 2007.