DogsLifeBreed profile
Swedish Vallhund: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Swedish Vallhund, called Västgötaspets in Sweden, is a low, sturdy, wolf-like spitz of 31–33 cm and 9–15 kg (SKK). Originally a cattle herder, it is fearless, lively and very easy to train.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 9–15 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 31–33 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise needs
- Moderate · 30–60 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Swedish Vallhund specifically. SKK notes that the breed can live to a great age, so it is worth watching for the gradual sleep changes of an older dog; see our guide to senior dog sleep.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club guideline is up to an hour a day. SKK stresses that the Vallhund needs some kind of job to feel good, and it does well in obedience, agility, tracking and herding. SKK also notes the breed values running free, which requires solid recall training first. The dense double coat handles Nordic winters well; on hot days, walk early and late.
Potty training
Vallhund puppies learn fast, so a consistent routine usually gives quick results. Take the puppy out on waking, after meals, after play and before bed, and reward right away.
As a herding breed it may nip at heels when excited, especially on the way out of the door. Teach a calm sit before the door opens, and offer a toy to carry.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
SKK describes the Vallhund as robust and hardy. Puppies usually get three or four meals a day, adults two. Keep them lean: a long, low body carries extra weight poorly.
Use part of the daily ration for training; a quick learner gets plenty of practice out of its ordinary food.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Västgötaspets?
It is the Swedish name for the Swedish Vallhund, a native Swedish herding spitz.
How much exercise does a Swedish Vallhund need?
Up to about an hour a day according to the Royal Kennel Club, plus a job to do, as SKK recommends.
Sources
- Västgötaspets – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Swedish Vallhund dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Swedish Vallhund breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club