Welcome to our site and to the wonderful world of Swedish Vallhunds. My husband and I live in London and are absolutely hooked by this special breed. I have owned this breed since 1992 and never looked back. They are such a healthy and happy breed and just wish to join in with all your activities but are also happy to relax at home with you on the sofa. The most common colours are greys but they can also come in reds. I used to own German Shephards in the 80’s but wish to down size to a smaller breed but similar in temperament. Then in 1990 I came across a gentlemen “ the late Ted Manning”with two Swedish Vallhunds at my local dog show and I knew straight away that was exactly what I was looking for. After much research and waiting two years for a litter to be available I owned my first Vallhund. Her name was Faith “ Linmays Island Magic At Tanellis” We had some wonderful times Showing her with some success. She also did well in obedience. Our second Vallhund was Disa “ Kirkhome Disa At Tanellis”. She also did well at dog showing. We had our first litter from her in 1995. I retired the girls when they were 7 years of age so had a 10 year gap from the show scene. After losing both girls at the at the age of 14 we decided it was time to have another Swedish Vallhund. A Male dog became available from one of the top breeders Ada West (Starvon). We were delighted with our Rupert at 13 month old and he had a lot to learn about living in the City. He is a handsome dark Male with a good pedigree behind him. Although he’s 8 now we decided to use him in our breeding program to bring much needed new bloodlines. He has done well in dog showing but he is now semi-retired so he is only lightly shown. Our girl Ella “Hurstfield Renen Vixen At Tanellis” is such a delight to own. She’s done us & her breeder ( the late Jacqui Bayliss) proud. She has gained 2CC & 4RCC. We are waiting for that crowning 3rd one to become a Champion. Hopefully this year.... *Newsflash* Ella is now a new CHAMPION.
BREED STANDARD.
General Appearance. Small, powerful, steadily built working dog, with fairly long body. Ratio of height at withers to lengths of body 2:3
Characteristics. Appearance and expression denote a watchful, alert, energetic dog.
Temperament. Friendly, active, eager to please.
Head and Skull. Rather long and a clean-cut, blunt wedge with almost flat skull and a well defined stop. Viewed from above, shows an even wedge shape from skull to tip of nose. Muzzel, viewed from side, looks rather Square, slightly shorter than the skull. Lower jaw strong. Although a dark mask is acceptable, a well-defined mask is highly desirable with lighter hair around eyes, on muscle and under the throat, given a distinct contrast to the upper mask. Tight the close lips. Nose black.
Eyes. Medium-size, oval, very dark brown.
Ears. Midium-size, pointed, pricked, leather hard from base to tip, but fine, Smoothed -haired and mobile.
Mouth. Scissor bite-jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck. Long, strong muscled with good reach.
Forequaters. Shoulder blades long and well laid. Upper arm slightly shorter than shoulder blade and set at a distinct angle. Upper arm lies close to ribs, but is still very mobile . Forearm, when viewed from front, slightly bent, just enough to get free action to chest’s lower part, straight when viewed from side. Legs well boned.
Body. Back level, well muscled, with short, strong loin. Chest long with good depth. We’ll sprung ribs. Viewed from front, chest oval,from side elliptical. Reaching two-fifths Of length of forearm. When viewed from side the lowest point of chest is immediately behind back part of foreleg. Sternum visible but not excessively pointed. Croup broad and slightly sloping. Belly slightly tucked up. Harness markings should be clearly defined.
Hindquarters. Well angulated, well bent stifles and low hocks, thighs strongly muscled. Legs well boned.
Feet. Medium, short, oval, pointing straight forward with strong pads. Well knucked up.
Tail. Previously customarily docked or may be born tailless. Set on as a continuation of croup line. Docked: Lengh not exceeding 10 cms (4ins) when adult. May be raised at attention. Undocked: Any length. Natural carriage.
Gait/Movement. Free and active, elbows fitting closely to sides, forelegs moving well forward without to much lift, in unison with powerful thrusting hind action.
Coat. Medium lengh, harsh, close and tight topcoat, undercoat abundant, soft, woolly.
Colour. Steel grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow, reddish brown with darker guard hairs on back, and sides of body. Lighter hair same shade of colour as mentioned above is desirable on muzzel, throat, chest, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. Instead of these lighter shades, white markings are acceptable, but never in excess of one-third of the total colour. Any colour other than the above, including white and blue or any non-standard colour, it’s highly undesirable.
Size. Height at Withers, dogs, 33 to 35 cm, bitches 31 to 33 cm. The relation between high at Withers the length of body should be 2/3. Weight 11.5-16kgs.
Faults. Any departure from the foregoing point should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be it exact proportions to its degree and its affect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.