Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund (Västgötaspets) is a alert, intelligent and very friendly small dog. It is a popular family and sporting dog, and is still used for herding cattle on farms in its county of origin.

About the breed

The origin of the Swedish Vallhund (västgötaspets) is not known. However, the breed is thought to originate from the time of the Vikings.

The grey wolf colour and the spitz-like look give us reason to believe that the Swedish Vallhund is an authentic Swedish breed although the low legs are considered untypical for all Nordic spitz breeds.

The Swedish Vallhund is a low-legged spitz. The body is longish and very strong. Its appearance should always be of utmost alertness, animation and energy. The tail is often a natural stumpy tail, whether short or long, all kinds of length and carriages are acceptable.

The coat is double, fairly short, close lying and the colour is usually steel grey, greyish yellow or reddish yellow. Shades of darker hair are found on the neck, the back and on the sides of the body. So called "wolf-markings" in a lighter nuance are very typical.

The ideal height at the withers for males is 33 cm, for females 31 cm, with an acceptable variation of 2 cm.

Swedish Vallhund is known for its intelligens and high energy level. The breed is quick learner, enjoy engaging in various activities and is a great sport dog. The breed is incredibly loyal to its family, loves children and makes a wonderful addition to any active family.

With its distinctive appearance and charming personality, Swedish Vallhund is sure to win hearts wherever it goes. 

FCI Group : n°5 - Spitz and primitive types

FCI breed standard (eng)

Whether the Vikings brought their low-legged spitz to the British Isles where it might have played a part in the background of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke or vice versa, whether the Vikings brought the Corgi back to Sweden, we will never know for sure.

The Swedish Vallhund was rescued from extinction in the early 1940s, and all the foundation dogs were found in the West Gothia County (Västergötland in Swedish, hence the Swedish breed name Västgötaspets). The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943.

  • Västgötaspets
  • Swedish vallhund
  • Vallhund suédois - Spitz des Wisigoths
  • Vallhund sueco - Spitz de los Visigodos
  • Schwedischer Vallhund
  • Västgøtaspets
  • Länsigöötanmaanpystykorva