Swedish Vallhund

Švédský vallhund

Swedish Vallhund – front view — Photo: TS Eriksson, CC BY 3.0, source

Swedish Vallhund – head — Photo: SheltieBoy from USA, CC BY 2.0, source

Swedish Vallhund – in motion — Photo: Ron Armstrong from Helena, MT, USA, CC BY 2.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of origin	Sweden
Category	Small

Recognition features

Small, low-set sturdy dog in grey to reddish-brown shades
Height-to-length ratio 2:3; tail long or naturally short
Lighter harness markings on shoulders and cheek markings

Purpose

Swedish herding dog (heeler) that nips cattle at the heels; low and sturdy.

History

Considered an authentic Swedish breed, though its relationship to the Welsh Corgi remains uncertain: whether Vikings took corgi-type dogs to Britain or brought them to Sweden cannot be settled. Credit for recognition goes to Count Björn von Rosen and headmaster Zetterstén, who in the early 1940s found uniform dogs in West Gotha and began breeding.

Coat

Medium-length, hard, close topcoat with soft dense undercoat; grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow or reddish brown with lighter harness markings.

Similar breeds

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.