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The Swedish Vallhund dog breed was nearly extinct by the mid-20th century, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, it has made a comeback. These small, energetic herding dogs were once used by Vikings to herd cattle and guard their homes. However, as farming practices changed, the breed began to decline in numbers. In the 1940s, a group of breed enthusiasts worked to revive the Vallhund, and today it is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is a beloved companion to many. The story of the Vallhund serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our canine companions for future generations.
Pets
The Swedish Vallhund is a spitz breed known for its friendly and energetic personality, making it a great family pet. While its thick double coat may shed heavily twice a year, this ancient breed is generally easy to care for and has few health problems. However, the Swedish Vallhund was once close to extinction.
The Almost Lost Breed
By the 1940s, few Swedes had seen a Swedish Vallhund, and the breed was on the verge of disappearing. It wasn’t until BjГ¶rn von Rosen, a breeder dedicated to saving ancient Swedish dog breeds, remembered the Swedish Vallhund of his youth, that measures were taken to increase its numbers. Von Rosen placed an advertisement in a newspaper, and eventually, he and K.G. Zettersten began a breeding program to bring the Swedish Vallhund back to life. With the discovery of five suitable dogs, the breed was revived, and by 1943, it was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club. It took until 1986 for the breed to expand outside Sweden, and in 2007, it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Charming Characteristics
The Swedish Vallhund is a small breed, standing at 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 centimeters) tall and weighing up to 35 pounds (16 kilograms). However, it is big on personality, with enthusiasts drawn to its friendly and outgoing nature. This breed still retains its herding instincts, making it an active and playful companion. Its thick coat comes in various colors, and while it can shed heavily twice a year, it generally requires minimal grooming. The Swedish Vallhund is also known for its plumed, curled tail, although some may be born with no tail or a bobbed tail due to natural genetic mutations.
The Swedish Vallhund is a breed of dog that is known for its high energy level and love of play. This breed requires at least two hours of daily exercise and is very friendly towards children. They are also quite intelligent and easy to train. Swedish Vallhunds are typically cheerful and friendly with other pets and can be quite vocal.
According to Sharon Steigerwald, who has two Swedish Vallhunds, they make a unique sound known as “argle bargles” to communicate with their owners. Swedish Vallhunds are ideal companions for those who enjoy hiking or jogging, as they require both mental and physical challenges. However, it is important to note that their herding instinct can cause them to chase moving objects, including cars, so obedience training is necessary for their safety.
The Swedish Vallhund is often referred to as “little Viking dogs” due to their wolf-like coloring and short legs. They were originally bred by Vikings for herding animals and guarding property. It is believed that some of the Swedish Vallhunds that accompanied the Vikings to Britain were bred with Welsh corgis, which may account for their diminutive height. However, they are actually more closely related to the spitz family of dogs once used for hunting in Scandinavia.
Despite their small size, Swedish Vallhunds are sturdy and have double coats that make them well-suited to cold weather. They were bred to work and are known for their ability to nip at the heels of cattle or sheep without getting kicked. This ability is reflected in their name, as “Vallhund” means herding dog in Swedish.
FAQ
1. What is the Swedish Vallhund dog?
The Swedish Vallhund is a small herding dog breed that originated in Sweden. They are also known as Västgötaspets or Swedish Cattle Dogs. The breed is known for its short legs, wedge-shaped head, and playful personality.
2. Why was the Swedish Vallhund almost lost to history?
The Swedish Vallhund was almost lost to history because of a decline in the popularity of herding dogs in the 20th century. In the 1940s, there were only a few Swedish Vallhunds left in Sweden. However, a breeding program was established to save the breed, and it was successful.
3. What is the temperament of the Swedish Vallhund?
The Swedish Vallhund is an affectionate and playful dog breed. They are highly intelligent and have a strong herding instinct. They are also known for their loyalty and love for their families. They make great family pets and are good with children.
4. What is the average lifespan of a Swedish Vallhund?
The average lifespan of a Swedish Vallhund is between 12 and 14 years. With proper care and nutrition, some dogs can live even longer.
5. What kind of health issues do Swedish Vallhunds face?
Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. It is important to work with a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these issues.
6. Are Swedish Vallhunds easy to train?
Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent dogs and are generally easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques and to be patient and consistent.
7. What kind of exercise do Swedish Vallhunds need?
Swedish Vallhunds are an active breed and require regular exercise. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports such as agility and obedience. They also love to play with their families and need plenty of mental stimulation.
8. Are Swedish Vallhunds good with other pets?
Swedish Vallhunds can be good with other pets if they are socialized properly from a young age. They have a strong herding instinct, so they may try to herd other pets, but with proper training, they can learn to get along with them.
9. Are Swedish Vallhunds good apartment dogs?
Swedish Vallhunds can adapt to apartment living if they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are an active breed and do best in homes with a yard where they can run and play. They also require regular socialization and training to prevent behavior problems.
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