The Swedish Vallhund is an enthusiastic, yet stable little herding breed. Like most herding dogs, they have an abundance of energy and must have an outlet in order to dispel it. Luckily, because of their short stature, a jog will go a long way toward working off that energy. Even still, your Vallhund would appreciate a job to do that will work his mind as well as his body. Obedience is a great task for this, as well as herding and/or agility. You will appreciate that he is a fast learner, which makes teaching him new tasks a lot of fun!
Because the Vallhund is such an intelligent dog, he may make up his own “games”. Those games may or may not be things you actually want him to do (AKA: excessive barking or general destructiveness) so be prepared to enforce the house rules. Consistency is key. The Swedish Vallhund has a spitz background, meaning that some of his ancestors were quite independent and stubborn. All the more reason why it is important to teach him your house rules from a young age.
Another thing to be aware of is his fondness for herding everything that he can – whether it be you, your children, or your other pets. He may try to do this by nipping. This is a common herding breed trait, and must be managed through obedience.
Often alert, many make good watchdogs for the home and will “sound the alarm” whenever people come near. That said, Vallhunds are friendly to those who are introduced to them. Many love meeting new people!
“Västgötaspetsar” by Sören T Eriksson