The Swedish Vallhund as the name suggests originally comes from Sweden where they were mainly developed to move livestock. The breed has kept its working ability and many are still used for there original purpose, although that is not to say that all vallhunds will have the herding instinct as just with other working breeds there are some who just don't have any interest. Ones who do have this instinct may try to herd people like joggers or bikers as well as animals, so owners will need to keep this in mind. As puppies can be prone to nipping ankles and feet as this is how they would move cattle, but this trait can be trained out of them.
The breed is intelligent, affectionate, active, eager to please and are fast learners. They combine the trainability of a herding breed with the independence of a spitz breed, so they will pick things up very quickly but will also think for themselves. They can be strong willed and if under stimulated will get board and make up there own fun. They are generally good with children, dogs and other animals when socialised with them.
The breed is short legged but don't let their size fool you they may be small but their a strong, fast and agile breed. Vallhunds can excel in agility, obedience, heal work to music and flyball along with other activates. Being an active breed they need enough exercise to meet there needs, an hour of exercise a day is about right for an adult vallhund but they will easily take more.
There grooming needs are minimal most of the time with a quick brush once a week and a bath only when necessary about 2-3 times a year. Being double coated it insulates them and acts as a natural weather proofing by the top keeping the under coat dry. This means that dirt will normally just brush out and will dry quickly when they have been out in the rain. However the breed does shed more than some other breeds. They will have two moults a year where the under coat comes out leaving white fur on your furniture, so if shedding is not something you can tolerate this breed is not for you.
5 Reasons to own a vallhund
1) Their Loyal and will want to be you constant companion, your never alone with a vallhund.
2) They pick up training quickly.
3) They can accept living with other animals.
4) There small but sturdy.
5) There fun loving and will cheer you up even on the darkest days.
5 Reasons Not to own a vallhund
1) If you don't like Velcro dogs, your never alone with a vallhund even when your using the bathroom.
2) They will pick up bad habits just as fast as training.
3) They can try to herd people/animals when you don't want them to.
4) Can sometimes be stubborn.
5) Can be vocal.
The breed is intelligent, affectionate, active, eager to please and are fast learners. They combine the trainability of a herding breed with the independence of a spitz breed, so they will pick things up very quickly but will also think for themselves. They can be strong willed and if under stimulated will get board and make up there own fun. They are generally good with children, dogs and other animals when socialised with them.
The breed is short legged but don't let their size fool you they may be small but their a strong, fast and agile breed. Vallhunds can excel in agility, obedience, heal work to music and flyball along with other activates. Being an active breed they need enough exercise to meet there needs, an hour of exercise a day is about right for an adult vallhund but they will easily take more.
There grooming needs are minimal most of the time with a quick brush once a week and a bath only when necessary about 2-3 times a year. Being double coated it insulates them and acts as a natural weather proofing by the top keeping the under coat dry. This means that dirt will normally just brush out and will dry quickly when they have been out in the rain. However the breed does shed more than some other breeds. They will have two moults a year where the under coat comes out leaving white fur on your furniture, so if shedding is not something you can tolerate this breed is not for you.
5 Reasons to own a vallhund
1) Their Loyal and will want to be you constant companion, your never alone with a vallhund.
2) They pick up training quickly.
3) They can accept living with other animals.
4) There small but sturdy.
5) There fun loving and will cheer you up even on the darkest days.
5 Reasons Not to own a vallhund
1) If you don't like Velcro dogs, your never alone with a vallhund even when your using the bathroom.
2) They will pick up bad habits just as fast as training.
3) They can try to herd people/animals when you don't want them to.
4) Can sometimes be stubborn.
5) Can be vocal.