Swedish Vallhund
Breed Profile
Height
11 - 14
Weight
20 - 35
Life Span
12 – 15
Health
health
Patellar Luxation
What is it?:
Patellar Luxation is a condition caused due to multiple deformities in the hindlimb, involving the hip joint, femur, and tibia.
Clinical signs
The clinical symptoms of this condition may include -
Bunny hopping or feet dragging
Holding the leg up while walking or running
Stiffness in the leg
May see your dog skipping and jumping to slide the kneecap back in its place
The way of walking of the dog changes
There is discomfort or pain while walking
Treatment
The treatment for luxating patella depends on the severity of the medical condition. The treatment for luxating patella is:
Manage the weight of the dog, so as to reduce the pressure on the legs
Anti-inflammatory medications with help reduce the discomfort, pain, and swelling
Physical therapy and hydrotherapy could be given to dogs, to strengthen their muscles and make sure the knee cap does not snap out of place.
A realignment surgery can be performed on the dog in severe cases where there is a lot of pain and movement of the dog is difficult.
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?:
Hip Dysplasia is a condition caused during the growing period that causes an abnormality in the hip. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, exercise, hormones, weight and diet.
Clinical signs
The symptoms of Hip Dysplasia are:
Reduction in activity
Lameness in and weakness in the hind legs
Lethargy and reluctance in movement
Popping sound in the joint
Hopping while walking
Unusual sitting positions
Discomfort in standing
Treatment
Joint Supplements for better health of the bones
Anti- Inflammatory medications for pain relief and reduction in swelling of the joints
Physical therapy for a better range of movement
In severe cases where there is no other solution surgery is to be performed to improve the quality of life of the dog. Different options for hip surgery are Total hip replacement, Femoral head ostectomy, and Double or triple pelvic osteotomy.
Personality
Active
The Swedish Vallhund is an active and energetic dog breed. They are good at sports and can be assigned jobs to do in the house to keep them occupied and their energy flowing.
Friendly
They are a friendly and not shy dog breed. They love to play and interact with their families, children, and even strangers.
Alert
The Swedish Vallhund is also an alert breed and can be a barker. They may bark and the mailman or any new stranger the dog until trained.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The Swedish Vallhund has a medium double coat, with the undercoat being soft and fluffy while the top coat is rough.
Colors
Their coat colors include red, gray, mahogany white, sable, or a combination of any of these.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The Swedish Vallhund has a coat that is generally clean and requires brushing only once a week to maintain its health, remove tangles and prevent matting. Twice a year during the shedding period they may require regular brushing.
Training
The Swedish Vallhund is a people-pleasing breed and are quick learner. They are extremely trainable and quick learners. They should be taught with positive praise and consistent training. They are moderate when it comes to meeting strangers.
The Swedish Vallhund is an old dog breed of Sweden. They date back to the 8th or 9th century. Their roots lie in the county of Västergötland, in Sweden. They are a spitz-type dog breed that was used for guarding, herding, and keeping people company. It is believed that the Vikings bought the Swedish Vallhund or the corgi version of them back with them after they raided Britain. They are said to be related to the Scandinavian spitz-type dog as well. They are counted as one rare dog breeds.
Swedish Vallhund: Introduction to the Breed
Swedish Vallhund Physical Characteristics:
Long, short body
Triangle erect ears
Wedged head
Oval shaped eyes
Swedish Vallhund Best suited for pet owners:
Who are active
Who has time to groom their pets
Who can tolerate their barking
Who has time to train their pet
Things to know before deciding to own a Swedish Vallhund
One of the interesting facts about the breed is that their tails can be different, from full length to no tail at all.
The Swedish Vallhund has a strong herding instinct and might need to be trained to not bite ankles.
The Swedish Vallhund is a social dog breed but they are also alert all the time which is why they should be trained at an early stage to socialize.
They might shed a lot twice a year and need regular grooming to keep the fur from matting and getting tangled.
What should a Swedish Vallhund eat?
The Swedish Vallhund needs to be fed two meals a day which consists of a balanced diet of proteins, fats, and nutrients. They should have access to clean water at all times. As the pet is energetic in nature they need to be fed appropriately. Their weight should be monitored to prevent them from piling up.
Conclusion
The Swedish Vallhund is an extremely cheerful and energetic dog breed. They may be alert and aloof from strangers with good herding instinct but if you are looking for a dog that loves sports or any sort of play then you are in for a treat with the Swedish Vallhund. They are lovely family dogs and love interaction with their families. They also serve to be great watchdogs and at the same time are the best companions to stay at home with.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
Sources: