History of the Swedish Vallhund
from the Swedish Vallhund Club of America
The Swedish Vallhund (SV) is a very old Spitz type breed known since the time of the Vikings. Sweden states the Swedish Vallhund dates back over 1000 years to the time of the Vikings when it may have been known as the “Vikingarnas Dog”. During the eighth or ninth century, historians state either the SV was brought to Wales or the Corgi was taken to Sweden, hence the similarities between the two breeds. The historian, Clifford Hubbard thought the Swedish Vallhund was the older of the two breeds. The SV is an alert, eager to please and learn, energetic, hardy dog that is longer legged, but not as long in body, nor as stocky as the Corgi. The Swedish Vallhund was bred to work on farms and ranches and originally herded cattle. Sweden has declared that this breed is a “Lantras”. This designation includes the exhibition of qualities such as: long life, patience to hardship, and hardiness.
By 1942, the breed was almost extinct. In this year, Bjorn von Rosen, who had worked to save several old Swedish breeds from extinction, remembered the SV from his boyhood and became involved. After placing an advertisement in the papers asking for information from anyone regarding these beloved dogs from his childhood, K. G. Zettersten responded. Together they began a partnership to save the breed. The men scoured the country to find the best breed specimens they could fine. They started with one male named Mopsen and three females named Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy. According to Nicky Gascoigne in her book, The Swedish Vallhund (Dalsetter Designs, 1989), Mopsen and Lessi produced a dog, Jerry 265OTT; a breeding of Mopsen and Vivi produced a female, Tessan 3999VV; and a breeding of possibly Topsy with Mopsen produced Borgalls Mopsan 7871VV. Together these five Swedish Vallhunds were the foundation of their new breeding program.
In 1943, after a year of exhibition showing, the Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed. In 1964, with the Swedish standard revised, the breed became known as Vastgotaspet after the Swedish province Vastergotland in which the revived breeding program originated. In English speaking countries the breed became known as the Swedish Vallhund, where “Vallhund” meant “herding dog.” In 1974, the first Swedish Vallhund came to England. Ms. Nicky Gascoigne helped organize the Breed Society in 1980. Championship Status for the breed was received in 1985 from the Kennel Club in the UK.
The first “Little Viking Dogs” were imported to the USA to California in early 1983. In 1985 while visiting England, Marilyn Thell of Rhode Island, being of Swedish descent, brought two SVs to the United States The first litter of nine SVs in the United States was whelped at Jonricker Kennel, September 4, 1986.
The Swedish Vallhund is now recognized and found in many countries. Among them are: the United States, Sweden, Britain, Finland, USA, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Holland, Denmark, and Switzerland. The Swedish Vallhund is a breed that exhibits many original canine behaviors such as long cycles between seasons, natural mating, easy births, and good maternal instinct. It is hardy, resistant to disease, patient to hardship, long-lived, and able to find food and take initiatives on its own. It is hardy dog that is longer-legged, not as long in body, nor as stocky as the Corgi. The SV was used as an all-purpose farm dog capable of guarding home and family, controlling rodents and herding cattle. They also can herd sheep and other farm animals. The SV is low to the ground and herds by rounding up and nipping at the hocks. The teeth are large for the size of the skull. Moreover, Vallhunds intrinsically have variation in many attributes such as color and size. They are most often red-sabled or gray-sabled in color with specific harness markings; however, they come in all the colors that are seen in a wolf. It is interesting to note that within a given litter, Swedish Vallhund puppies may be born with different tail lengths–from none at all to a full Spitz tail.
Swedish Vallhunds are self-confident, lively, inquisitive, courageous, loyal and independent. They are agile, fast,enthusiastic muscular, energetic, and eager to please, as well as friendly, healthy and hardy. SVs have delightful personalities. Their temperaments are sound, loving, and sweet. They are calm and adaptable, and delight in sharing your life. The SV is alert, watchful and will stand his ground to observe what is happening, but is not aggressive. While the SV is easily trained, he requires consistent positive reinforcement and leadership from his owner from an early age. The breed has a wonderful sense of humor, and is often chatty in nature. These dogs do not hesitate to announce strangers or their joy of living. Being a Spitz breed, they sometimes have a tendency to bark; however, this can be corrected with training. They find new uses for toys and are quite good at problem-solving. They enjoy being stimulated by learning new tasks.
Swedish Vallhunds are versatile family dogs and companions as well as working dogs, and they take well to training. They can accompany their owners on hiking and riding trails, drives, and vacations. They are playful, friendly, and marvelous with children, adults and other animals. SVs are great all-around pets and companions. They have become champions at conformation shows and have. successfully competed in obedience, agility, herding, and flyball.
By 1942, the breed was almost extinct. In this year, Bjorn von Rosen, who had worked to save several old Swedish breeds from extinction, remembered the SV from his boyhood and became involved. After placing an advertisement in the papers asking for information from anyone regarding these beloved dogs from his childhood, K. G. Zettersten responded. Together they began a partnership to save the breed. The men scoured the country to find the best breed specimens they could fine. They started with one male named Mopsen and three females named Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy. According to Nicky Gascoigne in her book, The Swedish Vallhund (Dalsetter Designs, 1989), Mopsen and Lessi produced a dog, Jerry 265OTT; a breeding of Mopsen and Vivi produced a female, Tessan 3999VV; and a breeding of possibly Topsy with Mopsen produced Borgalls Mopsan 7871VV. Together these five Swedish Vallhunds were the foundation of their new breeding program.
In 1943, after a year of exhibition showing, the Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed. In 1964, with the Swedish standard revised, the breed became known as Vastgotaspet after the Swedish province Vastergotland in which the revived breeding program originated. In English speaking countries the breed became known as the Swedish Vallhund, where “Vallhund” meant “herding dog.” In 1974, the first Swedish Vallhund came to England. Ms. Nicky Gascoigne helped organize the Breed Society in 1980. Championship Status for the breed was received in 1985 from the Kennel Club in the UK.
The first “Little Viking Dogs” were imported to the USA to California in early 1983. In 1985 while visiting England, Marilyn Thell of Rhode Island, being of Swedish descent, brought two SVs to the United States The first litter of nine SVs in the United States was whelped at Jonricker Kennel, September 4, 1986.
The Swedish Vallhund is now recognized and found in many countries. Among them are: the United States, Sweden, Britain, Finland, USA, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Holland, Denmark, and Switzerland. The Swedish Vallhund is a breed that exhibits many original canine behaviors such as long cycles between seasons, natural mating, easy births, and good maternal instinct. It is hardy, resistant to disease, patient to hardship, long-lived, and able to find food and take initiatives on its own. It is hardy dog that is longer-legged, not as long in body, nor as stocky as the Corgi. The SV was used as an all-purpose farm dog capable of guarding home and family, controlling rodents and herding cattle. They also can herd sheep and other farm animals. The SV is low to the ground and herds by rounding up and nipping at the hocks. The teeth are large for the size of the skull. Moreover, Vallhunds intrinsically have variation in many attributes such as color and size. They are most often red-sabled or gray-sabled in color with specific harness markings; however, they come in all the colors that are seen in a wolf. It is interesting to note that within a given litter, Swedish Vallhund puppies may be born with different tail lengths–from none at all to a full Spitz tail.
Swedish Vallhunds are self-confident, lively, inquisitive, courageous, loyal and independent. They are agile, fast,enthusiastic muscular, energetic, and eager to please, as well as friendly, healthy and hardy. SVs have delightful personalities. Their temperaments are sound, loving, and sweet. They are calm and adaptable, and delight in sharing your life. The SV is alert, watchful and will stand his ground to observe what is happening, but is not aggressive. While the SV is easily trained, he requires consistent positive reinforcement and leadership from his owner from an early age. The breed has a wonderful sense of humor, and is often chatty in nature. These dogs do not hesitate to announce strangers or their joy of living. Being a Spitz breed, they sometimes have a tendency to bark; however, this can be corrected with training. They find new uses for toys and are quite good at problem-solving. They enjoy being stimulated by learning new tasks.
Swedish Vallhunds are versatile family dogs and companions as well as working dogs, and they take well to training. They can accompany their owners on hiking and riding trails, drives, and vacations. They are playful, friendly, and marvelous with children, adults and other animals. SVs are great all-around pets and companions. They have become champions at conformation shows and have. successfully competed in obedience, agility, herding, and flyball.
Breed Standard
The breed standard for each breed of dog is distinct, giving a detailed “word picture” of the appearance and behavior of an idealized dog of that breed. These are considered by the breed club to be the most important for the breed. The standard contains externally observable details of appearance, temperament, and faults.
Herding Group - The Swedish Vallhund is proud to be part of the American Kennel Club Herding Group.
General Appearance
The Swedish Vallhund (SV) is a very old Spitz-type breed known since the time of the Vikings. For centuries the SV has been kept as a farm dog and used for herding cattle. The SV is a small, powerful, fearless, sturdily built Spitz herding dog. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 2:3. The SV has a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and a close-fitting hard coat of medium length and sable coloring. The double coat and the characteristic “harness markings” are essential features of this breed. Tail may be natural (long, stub, or bob) or docked. The appearance of the Swedish Vallhund conveys intelligence, alertness and energy. Balance, outline, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The SV is a thoroughly sound animal, versatile in its desire to do traditional herding or with proper training compete in companion events such as obedience, tracking and agility, and/or serve as a family companion.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height– Height at the withers for dogs ranges from 12.5 – 13.5 inches and bitches 11.5 – 12.5 inches. Minor variations may be seen; however, more important is the proportion. Proportion–The relationship of height to length of body, as measured from the prosternum to the rearmost portion of the buttocks, should be 2:3. Substance– Strong, well boned, well developed, neither refined nor coarse, and a solidly built, muscular body.
Head
Rather long and clean. Viewed from above, the head forms an even wedge from skull to tip of nose and is well filled-in under the eyes.Eyes– Medium size, oval in shape and dark brown with black eye rims. Ears– Medium size, pointed, prick. Set at the outer edge of the skull above a line drawn from the corner of the eye. Ear leather should be firm from base to tip, smooth-haired and mobile. The dog should make good use of them. Skull– Broad and almost flat. Stop– Well defined. Muzzle– Viewed from the side, the muzzle should look rather square, slightly shorter than the skull. Planes– The top lines of the muzzle and skull are parallel to each other. Nose– In profile, the nose is on the same line as the muzzle and does not extend beyond the forepart of the muzzle. Pigmentation– Black. Lips– Black and tight with no noticeable flews. Teeth– Strong, well developed, with full dentition in a scissors bite. Any deviation is a serious fault.
Neck, Topline & Body
Neck– Long, strongly muscled with good reach. Topline– Level when standing or moving. Chest– Good depth. The ribcage is long with fairly well sprung ribs. Viewed from the front, the chest should be oval; from the side, elliptical. In a mature dog it should reach down two-fifths of the length of the forelegs and, when viewed from the side, the lowest point of the chest is immediately behind the back part of the foreleg. The prosternum is visible and not excessively pronounced. Underline– Slightly tucked up. Back– Well muscled. Loin– Short and strong. Croup– Broad and slightly sloping. Tails– Tails may be long, stub, or bob. May be shown natural or docked. All tail types are equally acceptable.
Forequarters
Shoulders– Strongly-muscled. Shoulder blades– Long and well laid back. Upper arms– Slightly shorter than the shoulder blades, set at an approximate 90 degree angle, close fitting to ribs, but still very mobile. A line perpendicular to the ground can be drawn from the tip of the shoulder blade through the elbow to the ground. Elbows– Move parallel to the body, turning neither in nor out. Forearms– When viewed from the front, slightly curved to give free action against the lower part of the chest; the pasterns and feet are parallel. Viewed from the side the forearms are straight. The height from ground to elbow is almost half the height from ground to withers. Legs– Well boned. Pasterns– Slightly sloping, elastic. Dewclaws– May be removed. Feet– Medium sized, short, oval, pointing straight forward. Toes– Tightly knit and well knuckled. Pads– Thick and strong.
Hindquarters
Angulation– To balance the front. Well angulated at stifle and hock. Legs– Well boned. Upper and lower thighs are strongly muscled. Lower thigh is slightly longer than the distance from hock to ground. Stifles– Well bent. Hocks (Metatarsal bones)– Perpendicular to the ground and viewed from the rear, parallel. Feet, toes and pads– Same as forefeet.
Coat
Medium length hair, harsh; topcoat close and tight. Undercoat is soft and dense. Hair is short on the head and the foreparts of the legs and slightly longer on neck, chest and back parts of the hind legs. Dogs are to be shown in an untrimmed, natural state. Faults include wooly, curly, or open coats. Fluffy coats (longer hair on body and furnishings, with ear fringes) are a serious fault.
Color
A sable pattern seen in colors of grey through red and combinations of these colors in various shades. All are equally acceptable. Lighter shades of these colors are desirable on the chest, belly, buttocks, lower legs, feet and hocks, with darker hairs on back, neck, and sides of the body. Lighter harness markings are essential. Although a dark muzzle is acceptable, a well-defined mask with lighter hair around eyes, on muzzle and under the throat, giving a distinct contrast to the head color is highly desirable. White is permitted as a narrow blaze, neck spot, slight necklace, and white markings on the legs, and chest. White in excess of one third of the dog’s total color is a very serious fault. Any color other than described above is a very serious fault.
Gait
Sound with strong reach and drive. The Swedish Vallhund is a herding dog requiring agility and endurance. Viewed from the front, the legs do not move in exact parallel planes, but incline slightly inward to compensate for shortness of leg and width of chest. The forelegs should reach forward in a free stride without too much lift. Hind legs should drive well under the body and move on a line with the forelegs, with hocks turning neither in nor out. Feet should travel parallel to the line of motion with no tendency to swing out, cross over or interfere with each other. Short, choppy movement and overly close or wide movement is faulty.
Temperament
The breed is watchful, energetic, fearless, alert, intelligent, friendly, eager to please, active, and steady, making a good herding and companion dog. Sound temperament, neither vicious or shy.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.
The following faults are to be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate the dog from competition: Fluffy coat, any color other than that described above, nose not predominantly black, more than one-third white, any bite other than scissors.
Approved 10/18/04
Effective September 1, 2005
Herding Group - The Swedish Vallhund is proud to be part of the American Kennel Club Herding Group.
General Appearance
The Swedish Vallhund (SV) is a very old Spitz-type breed known since the time of the Vikings. For centuries the SV has been kept as a farm dog and used for herding cattle. The SV is a small, powerful, fearless, sturdily built Spitz herding dog. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 2:3. The SV has a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and a close-fitting hard coat of medium length and sable coloring. The double coat and the characteristic “harness markings” are essential features of this breed. Tail may be natural (long, stub, or bob) or docked. The appearance of the Swedish Vallhund conveys intelligence, alertness and energy. Balance, outline, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The SV is a thoroughly sound animal, versatile in its desire to do traditional herding or with proper training compete in companion events such as obedience, tracking and agility, and/or serve as a family companion.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height– Height at the withers for dogs ranges from 12.5 – 13.5 inches and bitches 11.5 – 12.5 inches. Minor variations may be seen; however, more important is the proportion. Proportion–The relationship of height to length of body, as measured from the prosternum to the rearmost portion of the buttocks, should be 2:3. Substance– Strong, well boned, well developed, neither refined nor coarse, and a solidly built, muscular body.
Head
Rather long and clean. Viewed from above, the head forms an even wedge from skull to tip of nose and is well filled-in under the eyes.Eyes– Medium size, oval in shape and dark brown with black eye rims. Ears– Medium size, pointed, prick. Set at the outer edge of the skull above a line drawn from the corner of the eye. Ear leather should be firm from base to tip, smooth-haired and mobile. The dog should make good use of them. Skull– Broad and almost flat. Stop– Well defined. Muzzle– Viewed from the side, the muzzle should look rather square, slightly shorter than the skull. Planes– The top lines of the muzzle and skull are parallel to each other. Nose– In profile, the nose is on the same line as the muzzle and does not extend beyond the forepart of the muzzle. Pigmentation– Black. Lips– Black and tight with no noticeable flews. Teeth– Strong, well developed, with full dentition in a scissors bite. Any deviation is a serious fault.
Neck, Topline & Body
Neck– Long, strongly muscled with good reach. Topline– Level when standing or moving. Chest– Good depth. The ribcage is long with fairly well sprung ribs. Viewed from the front, the chest should be oval; from the side, elliptical. In a mature dog it should reach down two-fifths of the length of the forelegs and, when viewed from the side, the lowest point of the chest is immediately behind the back part of the foreleg. The prosternum is visible and not excessively pronounced. Underline– Slightly tucked up. Back– Well muscled. Loin– Short and strong. Croup– Broad and slightly sloping. Tails– Tails may be long, stub, or bob. May be shown natural or docked. All tail types are equally acceptable.
Forequarters
Shoulders– Strongly-muscled. Shoulder blades– Long and well laid back. Upper arms– Slightly shorter than the shoulder blades, set at an approximate 90 degree angle, close fitting to ribs, but still very mobile. A line perpendicular to the ground can be drawn from the tip of the shoulder blade through the elbow to the ground. Elbows– Move parallel to the body, turning neither in nor out. Forearms– When viewed from the front, slightly curved to give free action against the lower part of the chest; the pasterns and feet are parallel. Viewed from the side the forearms are straight. The height from ground to elbow is almost half the height from ground to withers. Legs– Well boned. Pasterns– Slightly sloping, elastic. Dewclaws– May be removed. Feet– Medium sized, short, oval, pointing straight forward. Toes– Tightly knit and well knuckled. Pads– Thick and strong.
Hindquarters
Angulation– To balance the front. Well angulated at stifle and hock. Legs– Well boned. Upper and lower thighs are strongly muscled. Lower thigh is slightly longer than the distance from hock to ground. Stifles– Well bent. Hocks (Metatarsal bones)– Perpendicular to the ground and viewed from the rear, parallel. Feet, toes and pads– Same as forefeet.
Coat
Medium length hair, harsh; topcoat close and tight. Undercoat is soft and dense. Hair is short on the head and the foreparts of the legs and slightly longer on neck, chest and back parts of the hind legs. Dogs are to be shown in an untrimmed, natural state. Faults include wooly, curly, or open coats. Fluffy coats (longer hair on body and furnishings, with ear fringes) are a serious fault.
Color
A sable pattern seen in colors of grey through red and combinations of these colors in various shades. All are equally acceptable. Lighter shades of these colors are desirable on the chest, belly, buttocks, lower legs, feet and hocks, with darker hairs on back, neck, and sides of the body. Lighter harness markings are essential. Although a dark muzzle is acceptable, a well-defined mask with lighter hair around eyes, on muzzle and under the throat, giving a distinct contrast to the head color is highly desirable. White is permitted as a narrow blaze, neck spot, slight necklace, and white markings on the legs, and chest. White in excess of one third of the dog’s total color is a very serious fault. Any color other than described above is a very serious fault.
Gait
Sound with strong reach and drive. The Swedish Vallhund is a herding dog requiring agility and endurance. Viewed from the front, the legs do not move in exact parallel planes, but incline slightly inward to compensate for shortness of leg and width of chest. The forelegs should reach forward in a free stride without too much lift. Hind legs should drive well under the body and move on a line with the forelegs, with hocks turning neither in nor out. Feet should travel parallel to the line of motion with no tendency to swing out, cross over or interfere with each other. Short, choppy movement and overly close or wide movement is faulty.
Temperament
The breed is watchful, energetic, fearless, alert, intelligent, friendly, eager to please, active, and steady, making a good herding and companion dog. Sound temperament, neither vicious or shy.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.
The following faults are to be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate the dog from competition: Fluffy coat, any color other than that described above, nose not predominantly black, more than one-third white, any bite other than scissors.
Approved 10/18/04
Effective September 1, 2005
