Swedish Vallhund

Published: March 5th, 2016 Last updated: August 17th, 2022 by Kyle J. Larson

Average size and lifespan

Height: 1ft 0in - 1ft 1in
Weight: 22-35lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years

Behavior

Affection5/5
Kid-Friendly4/5
Stranger-Friendly5/5

Dog-Friendly3/5
Barking Amount3/5

Care

Grooming Difficulty1/5
Shedding Amount3/5
Easy to Train4/5

Can Be Alone3/5
Exercise Need5/5

Environment

Cold Tolerance4/5
Heat Tolerance3/5

Apartment-Friendly3/5

Swedish Vallhund Information

The Swedish Vallhund has so many distinctive qualities. A long, stout body; short, stumpy legs; erect ears; a curled-up, puffy tail; and a unique, multi-colored coat. The breed is indigenous to Sweden and dates back over 1,000 years to the time of the Vikings. Used as a herding dog, the the low-riding Swedish Vallhund was able to nip at the heels of cattle while avoiding kicks to the head.

Friendly and even-keeled, this breed loves being part of a family and is happy to curl up with a loved one. They are cheerful and social, alert and intelligent. This healthy, hearty pup makes a great addition to any home.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Swedish Vallhunds be apartment dogs?

Swedish Vallhunds aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.

Can Swedish Vallhunds be left alone?

While Swedish Vallhunds prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Swedish Vallhunds good with kids?

Swedish Vallhunds do well with kids. As with any dog they should be monitored closely, they're unlikely to become aggressive.

Are Swedish Vallhunds friendly with strangers?

Swedish Vallhunds love other people and will tend to run up to them for affection. They quickly become great friends with anyone.

Do Swedish Vallhunds get along with other dogs?

Although Swedish Vallhunds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.

Do Swedish Vallhunds bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Swedish Vallhunds bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.

Do Swedish Vallhunds shed a lot?

Swedish Vallhunds shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Swedish Vallhunds need a lot of grooming?

With a Swedish Vallhund you won't need to dedicate any extra time to special grooming. Their coats are easy to deal with.

Do Swedish Vallhunds need a lot of exercise?

Expect Swedish Vallhunds to have high energy levels and need a lot of exercise. You'll need to find options to release this energy or they may exibit bad behavior.

Are Swedish Vallhunds easy to train?

Typically, Swedish Vallhunds are easy to train. They enjoy the bonding process with their owner and are quick to learn.

Can Swedish Vallhunds handle cold weather?

Swedish Vallhunds do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.

Can Swedish Vallhunds handle hot weather?

Although Swedish Vallhunds can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.