Swedish Vallhund

Grooming a Swedish Vallhund is pretty simple compared to more high-maintenance dog breeds, but these dogs do shed. Here are some grooming tips for your Vallhund:

• Brushing: To prevent a cloud of fluffy fur in your living room, give your Swedish Vallhund dog a good brushing at least once a week (two to three times a week is ideal). For everyday brushing, a slicker brush will remove excess fur and knots, but when they shed more heavily in the spring and fall, you may find that a deshedding brush is your best bet to remove the mounds of fur that your Vallhund emits.
• Bathing: Their rough outer coat is pretty good about repelling dirt, so unless your Vallhund is rolling in mud puddles, you’ll generally only need to bathe your dog once a month to keep their coat clean.
• Dental care: When it comes to keeping your Vallhund’s pearly whites clean, brush their teeth daily. Start your Vallhund puppy with twice-a-week brushing to get them used to it. And don’t forget to visit your vet for a yearly dental cleaning.
• Nail trimming: If you hear the pitter-patter of little nails on your floors when your Vallhund is by your side (which is more often than not), it’s probably time for a nail trimming, which you should do every other week.

One of the most endearing Swedish Vallhund characteristics is their need to please, which makes training these pups a pleasure. Plus, their intelligence is off the charts, and these smart cookies learn quickly and are happily motivated by (dog) cookies or toys. These pups do have a sensitive streak, so always keep training sessions upbeat and fun to avoid hurt feelings.

You may see some stubbornness when it comes to potty training. Small pups are often harder to train; they have small bladders and need more frequent potty breaks, and their cues aren’t as obvious as a bigger dog, like the Greyhound. Encouragement, rewards for success and a consistent schedule are keys to acing this skill. And be sure to take your pup out about 20 minutes after every meal and bring treats with you. (Reward them outside; don’t wait to come in.)

And while their herding instincts may make them inclined to nip at your heels, that’s a behavior you can nip in the bud with positive training—rewarding with treats, toys or praise the behavior you want (no nips) and ignoring those you don’t (nipped ankles). The same goes for their chatty Cathy tendencies when they start talking (and talking, and talking …) at inappropriate times. Talking when people enter your yard? Tell me more! Talking during a movie? Stop trying to spoil the ending!

When it comes to a Swedish Vallhund’s diet, they typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). When choosing the best food, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can give you a good idea of how much and how often to feed your pooch based on their small size and age.

Because Vallhunds are such active dogs who are always on the move, a high-protein diet may benefit them. But again, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.

Although treats are a great training aid with Vallhunds, remember that too much of a good thing can lead to a portly pup. While Vallhund dogs don’t suffer from back problems as much as their distant cousins, the Corgis, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight (between 20 to 35 pounds) to prevent issues with mobility.

Although the Swedish Vallhund might be short in stature, they are big in exercise needs and high in energy, so plan on spending up to an hour every day giving this type of farm dog the exercise they need.

As their pet parent, be ready to shower them with praise as they show off in dog sports like agility, which helps them burn off excess energy while bonding with you and engaging their minds and muscular little bodies (win-win-win).

Games of fetch, flyball, tracking and barn hunt are all favorites of Vallhunds who are known for their lightning-fast speed, as are herding competitions (which they dominate with their mad skills). And of course, daily walks are a must.

Not all activity has to be physical. These dogs love engaging with puzzle toys and playing hide-and-seek with you indoors too. (They will find you!) This keeps these problem-solving pups on their toes mentally, giving their minds a good daily workout.

While a lot of land gives the Vallhund space to happily herd all those children/sheep/unsuspecting visitors you’ve got hanging around, these pups are just as content living in the big city as long as they have plenty of toys to play with and time exploring the outdoors with you, their new bestie.

Swedish Vallhunds are loyal family dogs who get along well with children (under proper supervision and with proper training) and other pets, including cats. Remember to teach your kiddos how to politely interact with your Swedish Vallhund puppy, though, before introducing them. And when raising a Swedish Vallhund puppy, socialize them to strangers to ensure they turn into a social butterfly instead of Sergeant No Fun when company visits.

Like their Scandinavian forefathers, these dogs do well in cooler climates. Just don’t expect their short legs to get them through huge snowdrifts. They also thrive in warmer climates, too, but shouldn’t be left out in extreme weather (both cold and warm).