A Little History
The Swedish Vallhund is a centuries-old dog first bred by the Vikings.
Closely related to the Corgi and quite possibly ancestor of the Corgi, the Swedish Vallhund--or Viking Dog--was developed
as a cattle herding dog.
Like most herding dogs, the Swedish Vallhund exhibits
high intelligence and superb decision-making skills as well as
lightning speed.
For decades after the Viking era, farmers throughout Scandinavia relied on the little Viking Dog to herd their
cattle, sheep and goats.
With keen hearing, an excellent sense of smell, and a healthy bark that belies their pint -size physiques, Vallhunds
also made excellent watchdogs.
By the 1940s, however, with few examples of the breed left in Scandinavia, two Swedes, Count Bjorn
von Rosen and Karl-Gustav Zettersten, began working to bring back the breed.
Scouring their homeland, the intrepid pair found several Vallhunds on farms in the province
of Vastergotland, southwest of Stockholm. Hence the Swedish name for the breed, Vastgotaspets, which means "Spitz
dog of West Gotland." Slowly but surely, the breed was resurrected throughout Scandinavia.
In the early 1980s, the first Swedish Vallhunds were imported into the United States. For many years since
then, this rare breed has enjoyed full membership in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Rare Breed
Association (ARBA).
In September 2005, after tireless lobbying by the Swedish Vallhund Club of America, Swedish Vallhunds were accepted
for limited AKC/Foundation Stock Service (FSS) membership, allowing Vallhunds to compete in the Miscellaneous
Class at most AKC trials.
In June 2007, the Swedish Vallhund received full AKC recognition as a member of the Herding Group.
And in February 2008, eight Swedish Vallhunds made history as they participated in New York City's prestigious
Westminster Kennel Club Show for the first time ever!
There are now about 650 Swedish Vallhunds in the United States--and their numbers are growing every year!
Vallhunds of Today
Today's Swedish Vallhunds are very much like the Vallhunds of yesteryear. These
all-purpose "can-do" dogs can be found in the show ring or the backyard agility course. They may work as herding dogs on
farms and ranches, or as search-and-rescue dogs. Indeed, Swedish Vallhunds are found anywhere where natural
speed and athleticism, self-confidence and boldness are assets.
Standing about 12-14 inches high at the shoulders (or withers), and
weighing about 20-30 pounds, Swedish Vallhunds are short and sturdy with longish muzzles, medium-size prick ears,
and dark brown eyes. Some say they resemble dwarf German Shepherds or small wolves. But Swedish Vallhunds are,
most certainly, a breed unto themselves.
Vallhunds come in two main colors: gray sable, a grayish wolf-like coloration with hints of cream, tan
and/or white, and red sable, a reddish color tipped with black guard hairs, and accented by cream, white
and/or tan markings. They also sport distinctive harness markings--light-colored lines of fur around the shoulders.
There are several tail variations for Swedish Vallhunds. Like many Spitz breeds, the Swedish Vallhund can
have a long, somewhat bushy tail that curls over its back. Or it may have a short stub of a tail. Or a tail
that's been deliberately docked by the breeder in the first few days of life. Or your Swedish Vallhund--like
our Axel--may be born with a natural bob tail that's really no tail at all! All four tail types are acceptable
under the Official Breed Standard.
