At a glance the quick version
FCI ideal is 33 cm (plus or minus 2) for males and 31 cm (plus or minus 1) for females.
The Royal Kennel Club lists over 10 years; Wikipedia gives an average of about 15 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-short, hard, tight topcoat with soft, dense undercoat
A small, long-bodied and low-set herder with a wedge-shaped head and upright ears. Its harsh outer coat lies close over a soft undercoat, and tails range from a full length to a natural bob.12
Personality what they are like
A happy, bold little working dog that is alert and full of energy. It is friendly and clever, loves to be busy, and is known for a wide range of chatty vocal sounds.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day; it also enjoys agility, obedience, herding, flyball and tracking.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, weather-resistant coat needs brushing about once a week, a bit more during shedding.3
Home where they are happiest
Adaptable to many homes as long as it gets daily activity; a hardy dog that was bred for farm work.34
Company who they like around
A sociable dog that likes being involved with its people and having something to do.4
The story where it all began
Low-set cattle dogs have herded in Sweden since the Viking era. By the 1940s the type was nearly gone, until Count Björn von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten found dogs in Västergötland and bred them back up. The Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1943 under the name Västgötaspets.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 14 (Västgötaspets), Group 5, Section 3 (Nordic Watchdogs and Herders); standard dated 29 Oct 20131
- Svenska Kennelklubben
- Recognised in 1943 (per Wikipedia)2
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Pastoral group3
- AKC
- Recognised as Swedish Vallhund4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Swedish Vallhund. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Swedish Vallhund, and at what times?
Feed adult Swedish Vallhunds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help digestion, so choose a schedule that works for you.5
What should a Swedish Vallhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, keep these away from your Vallhund.6
How often should I bathe a Swedish Vallhund?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Swedish Vallhund need brushing?
Brush your Swedish Vallhund about once a week, and increase to daily during heavy shedding. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every three days for a tidy coat.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Swedish Vallhund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Swedish Vallhund need?
Your Swedish Vallhund needs about an hour of exercise daily, plus enjoys activities like agility, herding, and flyball. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Swedish Vallhund's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Swedish Vallhund live?
Swedish Vallhunds typically live between 10 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups.32
Is a Swedish Vallhund good with children and other pets?
This friendly and sociable breed generally does well with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.14
Can a Swedish Vallhund be left alone?
Swedish Vallhunds are very sociable and prefer to be involved with their people, so they may struggle with long periods alone. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI breed standard No. 14: Västgötaspets fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, use
- Wikipedia: Swedish Vallhund en.wikipedia.orgused for history, SKK recognition year, lifespan, tails, related breeds
- The Royal Kennel Club: Swedish Vallhund royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
- AKC: Swedish Vallhund akc.orgused for recognition, temperament, Viking nickname
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.