Alt Names: Swedish Cattle Dog Country of Origin: Sweden

History: During the eighth or ninth century, historians state that 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 that 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, not as long in body, and not as stocky as the Corgi. The Swedish Vallhund was bred to work on farms and ranches and originally herded cattle. The SV is low to the ground and herds by rounding up & nipping at the hocks. In 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. He placed an advertisement in the paper regarding these beloved dogs from his childhood and luckily got a response from K. G. Zettersten. They worked together to save the breed. The men found a few of the old SV’s and began a breeding program to revive this old breed which had been common prior to World War I. They started with one male named Mopsen and three females named Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy.

The first two USA SV’s were imported to California around early 1985 but were not bred at that time. Also in 1985, Marilyn Thell of Rhode Island, was visiting England and saw SV’s at Crufts. Being of Swedish descent, she wanted to know more about the Swedish Vallhund. After learning more about the breed’s background, Marilyn brought two SV’s to the United States in July 1985. Two others followed shortly and the first litter of nine SV’s in the United States was whelped at Jonricker Kennel, September 4, 1986.

The breed is most common in Sweden, Britain, Finland, Norway and Australia and is becoming better known in the USA. SV’s are recognized by the United Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association, the Canadian Kennel Club and several other registries in North America. The SV is registered with AKC-FSS. The SVCA is working to gain AKC recognition of the breed.

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.

Temperament: SV’s are self-confident, lively, inquisitive, courageous, loyal and independent. They are agile, fast, and eager to please and take well to training. They are friendly, healthy and hardy. The SV is alert, watchful and will stand his ground to observe what is happening but is not aggressive.

SV’s have delightful personalities. Their temperaments are sound, loving, and sweet. They are calm and adaptable and delight in sharing your life. 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. They can accompany their owners on hiking and riding trails, drives, and vacations. Swedish Vallhunds are playful, friendly, and marvelous with children, adults and other animals. They have a fox-like appearance and are enthusiastic. SV’s are great all-around pets and companions. They have become champions at conformation shows and have received titles in obedience, herding, and agility.