The history of the Swedish Vallhund dates back to the eighth century Sweden where the breed worked as farm dogs, primarily herding cattle. The breed was nearly extinct in 1942 when Count Bjorn Von Rosen and K. G. Zettersten made a concerted effort to revive the breed. They tracked down the best remaining speimens in the country and carefully bred them to a standar written by Count Von Rosen. The breed was recoginized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1943. In 1964, the name in Sweden was changed to "Vasgotaspets," after the province of Vastergotland where the breed continues to flourish. In Sweden, it is believed that the Vallhund may have traveled to Wales with Viking raiders and became the ancestor of the Corgi breeds, but no definite relationship has been proven between the breeds. Some even say they may be decendants of the wolves. These dogs were first brought to the states in the 1980's by Marily Thell. They are a self-confident dog, lively, inquistivie, agile and fast. Being willing to please, they take well to training, but they also are willing to "test" their owners. They are very energetic andrequire plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training they can be very successful in obedience, agiliaty, tracking and any other activity in which they are free to take an active part in. The breed matures slowly and individual dogs may not reach their prime until as late as four years of age. They are a versatile breed.
For the full standard of the breed visit the Swedish Vallhund Club of America.
