The Swedish Vallhund is a very old Scandinavian herding breed and the newest member of the AKC Herding Group. The Vallhund does tend to bark a lot and this makes him a very good alarm dog.
Vallhunds are an ancient breed, said to possibly be the ancestors of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. As a herding dog, the Vallhund was used primarily as a cattle dog, but also worked other kinds of stock as needed such as sheep, etc.
Vallhunds are natural heelers and are able to duck quickly out of the way of a kick from the animals, such as cattle, they are herding.
Vallhund means "shepherd dog". They are self-confident dogs, and are also lively and inquisitive. They are good family dogs and are friendly, healthy and hardy.
Watch one of these dogs in action
As a watch dog, the Swedish Vallhund is alert and prepared to stand its ground, but they are not aggressive. Because of its cattle-heeling background, it has been known to give people a quick shove or nip on the back of the leg.
The Vallhund has a water-repellant double coat. A band of lighter hair, running from near the withers to behind the elbow is known as "harness markings." These are strongly preferred. These dogs range in height from 12 to 14 inches at the withers. Desirable weight is from 23 to 35 pounds.
Country of origin: Sweden Lifespan: 12-17 years Colors: Any shade of gray, red or yellow/brown sable or any combination of these colors as long as they are sabled Known health problems: No specific health problems in the breed
