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Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhund
Origin
Sweden
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Intelligent
Energetic
Loyal
Playful
Protective
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,550 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 21 Aug 2025
Quick Introduction to the Swedish Vallhund Dog Breed
Swedish Vallhund, also known to be ‘Swedish Herder Spit’z or ‘Swedish Cattle Dog’ is a long but short-legged sociable herding dog breed that is considered to be one of the most ancient known dogs. These are energetic dogs with a loyal personality and thrive in active households. Their agility and stamina make them well-suited for various tasks.
In our next section, we shall look into their history and origin.
Origin and History of Swedish Vallhunds
Scandinavian Vikings conquered large areas of Britain between the 8th and 11th centuries and settled here. One of the reminders of Vikings is the Vallhunds, which are believed to be a cross between Scandinavian Spitz dogs and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. However, there is no exact proof of when this breed was developed.
Their primary function was to herd cattle, but they also performed the duty of watchdogs and ratters. Swedish Vallhunds were almost extinct during the 1930s, but thanks to the effort of Count Bjorn von Rosen and other supporters who dedicatedly bred these dogs and increased the number. Swedish Vallhunds then gained popularity as show dogs as well as family dogs. They were recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1940, and in the late 1980s, they were recognized by the UK Kennel Club.
Swedish Vallhund Life Expectancy
Swedish Vallhund's lifespan can vary from 12 to 15 years on average. With good care, medical care, proper nutrition, exercise, and a high-quality lifestyle, they can outlive their peers and other dogs. Some records say that the oldest living Swedish Vallhund was 27 years old, showing an exceptionally long life.
Physical traits of Swedish Vallhunds
- Height: The males stand tall at a height of 33-35 cm, whereas the females are 31-33 cm tall.
- Weight: The average weight of a Swedish Vallhund varies from 11.5 to 16 kg.
- They have intelligent faces with attractive perked-up ears. They have a thickly furred tail that curls tightly over the back.
- Sometimes, they have small white markings on their fur.
Check the full breed standard given by the American Kennel Club.
Sneak Peek into Swedish Vallhund Personality
- Looking at the personality of Swedish Vallhunds, they are clever and lively.
- They are active dogs and enjoy different types of activities.
- They are naturally herding dogs, hence, they stay alert and inform their owners of anything suspicious.
- Swedish Vallhunds are loyal, friendly, and amenable dogs who enjoy the company of their people.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Swedish Vallhund Price Guide
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
The average price of Swedish Hounds can vary from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 100,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breeders, lineage, and health conditions.
Several factors should be considered while purchasing a Mudhol Hound puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no inbreeding taking place.
- The cost of puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and the breeder's reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a puppy home, i.e., to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to the Swedish Vallhund-
Drever | Danish-Swedish Farmdog | Swedish Lapphund | Norwegian Buhund | Finnish Lapphund |
Prerequisites to pet a Swedish Vallhund
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Appropriate Climate
Are you ready to get a Swedish Hound home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: You must make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment, needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Nutritional Guide to Swedish Vallhund Dogs
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000
Calories per day
Puppies: 1200 kcal
Adults: 600 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Mutton
Home made meals
Vegetables
As we already know, Swedish Vallhunds are active dog breeds and require a balanced diet to cater to all their nutritional requirements. Here are some of the important guidelines every pet parent should know to ensure their dog is provided with proper nutrition.
- When you are designing a diet for your Swedish Vallhund, you should keep in mind factors like their age, activity level, size, whether they are neutered/spayed or not, and also health conditions.
- Make sure the commercial dry food or homemade food that you are choosing for your dog meets all the AAFCO standards. This ensures your dog gets all the necessary nutrients needed for their growth and development.
- Make sure you are keeping up with the schedule of feeding your dog - like 3-4 times a day for a puppy and twice a day for an adult dog. Of course, this depends on each dog and their activity level.
- Proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fiber are vital nutrients for any dog. You should make sure you cover all these nutrients in their diet.
Now that you have gotten an overview of all the nutrient needs of your Swedish Vallhund in our next section, let us explore in detail all the foods that can be fed to your dog.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Guide to choose the right food for your Swedish Hound
- Proteins are essential nutrients that promote muscle development and improve immunity in dogs. Food items like chicken, lean meat, and lamb contain high levels of protein.
- Brown rice, barley, oats, whole wheat, and potatoes are sources of carbohydrates that provide energy to carry out daily activities. Hence, a balanced amount of carbohydrates is to be fed to your dog, but make sure not to overfeed as that leads to obesity.
- Alongside proteins and carbohydrates, you should also feed them vegetables like spinach, beans, carrots, cucumbers, celery, and cabbage to provide minerals and fiber.
- Fruits like apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pears, etc, are high sources of antioxidants and vitamins. These food items provide necessary vitamins without any added sugar.
- Water is also a very important part of a balanced diet. Keeping your dog hydrated by providing adequate amounts of water is necessary to keep their internal organ function smooth, and this maintains body temperature.
Above are some of the important tips that can help you come up with a balanced diet for your dog. Now that you are familiar with all the necessary food items, going further, you should also be aware of the food items that can cause serious damage to your dog’s health.
Foods that are poisonous to your Swedish Vallhund
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Garlic
Almonds
Grapes
Avocados
Lemon
Cherries
Milk Products
Cinnamon
Mushrooms
Coffee / Tea
Onions
Dairy
Salt
Fruit seeds
Sugar
- Steer clear of human foods like chocolates, raisins, grapes, alcohol, almonds, onion, and garlic. These can cause serious damage to their digestive system and can be poisonous at times.
- While choosing any commercial food, check the label and avoid those foods that do not have animal-based proteins in them.
- Avoid food items that contain high amounts of oil, like fried food, and those that are over-processed, like mutton or meat. This can cause obesity in dogs.
- Food items that have excessive amounts of salt or sugar should be avoided as this can cause an imbalance in blood pressure, diabetes, and illness in the long term.
- Consult a veterinarian and understand if your dog has any kind of food allergies. If you find any, make sure you do not include those foods in your dog’s diet.
- Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so make sure not to feed dairy or milk-based products to your dogs.
An Overview of Healthcare for Swedish Vallhund Dogs
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 600 - ₹ 1,200
Common Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Skin Allergies
Ear Infections
Eye Disorders
Heart Disease
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
60 - 90 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Common health conditions found in Swedish Vallhunds
Swedish Vallhunds are generally a healthy dog breed, but like any other dog, few common health issues are found in them. The Swedish Vallhund Club of America has recognized some of them, like -
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy: This is a hereditary form of PRA particularly found in Swedish Vallhunds. Here, the photoreceptor cells of the retina degenerate, affecting the vision of your dog at night and gradually leading to blindness. There is no effective treatment for this, however, responsible breeders screen this condition at an early stage and avoid breeding with dogs that have this condition.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition in dogs, including Swedish Hounds. Here, the hip joint is not developed properly, causing pain and swelling in the hip joint, leading to arthritis. This can be treated using joint supplements and a balanced diet; in extreme cases, surgery is performed.
- Cataract: This is quite frequently found in Swedish Vallhunds compared to other dogs. This is caused mostly in aged dogs as protein and fibers in the eye lens break down, causing the lens to become cloudy. Many times it is inherited but is also caused by diabetes mellitus, leading to blurry vision and vision loss. This can be treated by using surgery.
- Dental Disease: Dental issues are most commonly found in small dogs, especially when they are aged. This is because of bacterial accumulation leading to dental decay. The best way to prevent this is to clean their teeth frequently, preventing the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
- Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the knee cap slips out of its original position, causing discomfort and pain in dogs. This can be addressed by anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements with a vet’s consultation.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Canine Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
14-16 Weeks
Rabies
12-16 Months
DHPP Booster, Rabies Booster
Annually
Rabies, DHPP Boosters, and Leptospirosis (if at risk)
Guide to Senior Swedish Vallhund Dog Care
As your dog ages, their needs in terms of nutrition, medical care, and exercise also change. Here are simple yet effective tips to help you take care of your senior dogs and ensure a quality lifestyle as they age -
- Regular vet checkups are essential as they age. This helps you to make sure your dog is healthy and also to detect any signs of ailments or diseases.
- A balanced diet is the key to keeping them healthy. Make sure their food comprises all the necessary ingredients that promote their overall well-being. Some pet food brands have specialized food designed for senior dogs, you can also opt for it.
- Give them regular exercise to maintain their health and avoid obesity, but make sure not to over-exert them, as that can lead to joint pain.
- Provide a comfortable place to live with access to all the necessary things. As they age, their stamina reduces, and to avoid unnecessary movement, keep all the things they need in one place.
- Keeping them mentally stimulated is also very important for senior dogs. Dogs like Swedish Hounds are primarily active dog breeds that need activity. Keep them engaged with interactive toys and puzzle , and keep them socialized.
Comprehensive Grooming Guide for the Swedish Vallhund Dog
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Swedish Hounds are moderately shedding dogs, however, they need regular grooming. Here are a few simple grooming tips that will help you in grooming your dog -
- Brushing: Even though they are moderately shedding dogs, expect a heavy shedding during spring and fall. So, brush them regularly using a soft bristle brush to remove tangled and loose hair. This keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
- Bathing: Bathe them as and when needed or if they are particularly dirty. Use specialized shampoo or cleanser to avoid any skin irritation or allergies.
- Ear cleaning: Clean their ears regularly using vet-recommended cleaning liquid to avoid the accumulation of any kind of dirt or debris. This avoids any type of ear infections in dogs.
- Nail Trimming: Trim their nails when you find any overgrowth. You can use nail trimmers designed for dogs. Overgrown nails cause discomfort in walking.
- Eye Care: Swedish Vallhunds do not have any particular eye care routine. Use a wet wipe if you find any debris at the corner of their eyes.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Swedish Vallhunds good family pets?
Yes, they are loving, vigilant and active. Socialized early, they get on well with children and other pets.
Do Swedish Vallhunds bark a lot?
They can bark when alert or excited, but through training, one can lessen nuisance barking.
Are they easy to train?
Yes! They are highly intelligent, eager to learn, and they thrive on positive feedback.
How much grooming do they need?
Moderate. Brush 2-3 times a week and more frequently during the shedding seasons. They are generally clean dogs.
