Swedish Vallhund
Description
The Swedish Vallhund is a compact, muscular dog with a history stretching back to medieval Sweden, where it worked tirelessly as a herding companion on farms. Its short double coat comes in a variety of colors, including sable patterns and distinctive white markings, often paired with black, gray, or red shades. Despite their small stature—typically between 20 and 35 pounds—they carry the strength and stamina of much larger herding breeds. Known for their vocal nature, Vallhunds communicate with a range of barks and howls, reflecting their alert and watchful temperament. Their intelligence shines in training sessions, but their instinct to herd can lead to nipping if not managed early. This breed thrives on mental and physical challenges, making them excellent partners for active families who appreciate a dog with a strong personality and a rich heritage.
Grooming
Swedish Vallhunds have a short double coat that requires consistent care to keep it healthy and looking sharp. They shed heavily during spring and fall, so expect more frequent brushing during these seasons to manage loose undercoat. Regular brushing twice a week is sufficient most of the year, but daily grooming is necessary when the undercoat ‘blows’ to prevent matting and reduce shedding around the house. Key grooming points: - Brush 2× weekly; daily during heavy shedding - Use an undercoat rake on dense areas like the neck and tail base - Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks; ensure thorough drying to avoid skin issues - Avoid shaving the double coat, as it protects against weather extremes - Pay attention to white markings to keep them clean and bright Pro tip: Incorporate a professional de-shedding treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain coat health and minimize loose hair indoors.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Swedish Vallhunds need about 70 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to burn off their natural drive and keep them mentally satisfied. These dogs enjoy varied routes that challenge their senses and allow them to explore new scents, which taps into their herding instincts. A consistent walking routine helps reduce their tendency to bark excessively and keeps their muscles toned. Example routine: Morning: 35 minutes brisk walk with some off-leash sniffing in a secure area. Evening: 35 minutes of leash walking combined with obedience drills or agility exercises. This approach balances physical exercise with mental stimulation, which is crucial for this breed’s well-being.
Boarding
When boarding a Swedish Vallhund, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to accommodate their sturdy build comfortably. These dogs are playful and curious, so staff should schedule two active play sessions daily, incorporating scent work and brain games to engage their sharp minds. Their vocal nature means they may communicate frequently, so a calm environment with consistent interaction helps reduce stress. Enrichment should include puzzle feeders and scent trails to satisfy their herding-driven curiosity. Staff should be aware of their tendency to nip during play and redirect this behavior with positive reinforcement. Regular exercise and mental challenges during their stay will keep them happy and well-adjusted until they return home.