Swedish Walhund - description of the breed and character of the dog

The external characteristics of the Swedish Walhund are somewhat reminiscent of Corgi, except that the color of the two representatives of the breed is completely different. The breed belongs to the Spitz family, however, with small lumps of wool it is not at all similar in appearance. The valhundas are energetic, shepherds, with great pleasure go hunting and help with the housework. The breed has long been recognized as independent, so we will touch on everything related to it. Let's not drag out, let's get started.

Historical data

1. To date, it has not been established for certain how exactly the Valhunds occurred, who stood at the origins of the formation of the modern breed. According to some reports, the dogs came to the British territory with the Vikings, then they were firmly rooted and began to develop. If we take into account the second theory, then Walhund appeared already in Sweden.
2. The birthplace of the breed is Westgoth Valley, located among 2 lakes. The local people have long been engaged in cattle breeding, the population took themselves to help Corgi or Spitz. According to some scholars, these breeds are at the origins of the development of the Walhund.
3. When the Second World War began, representatives of the breed declined in number. Only a small part of the individuals remained, the Valnunds were on the verge of extinction. Then the breed was restored again.
4. The most extraordinary breeders took a direct part in this. They stubbornly went to their goal, as a result of which the dogs gained world status and were recognized as an independent breed.
5. An amateur breed club has been created, which includes about 600 members. As for registered dogs, their number is 200 individuals.

Description

Like Corgi, walhounds mean individuals with a shepherd's destiny. Dogs ideally manage to drive cattle, but not for these qualities, the breeders fell in love with the breed. Particular attention is drawn to the bright appearance of pets, their obedience, physical and mental abilities.

Based on generally accepted standards, a wahlund means a brave, brisk, medium-sized, squat and physically developed individual. Even after your first acquaintance, you can appreciate that the dogs are not cowardly, attentive to little things, moderately kind to strangers.

1. Height. Dogs are squat, males are slightly larger than females. In the former, growth varies between 31–34 cm, in the latter, 29–32 cm. However, one cannot say for sure what growth a particular individual should have. Experts first of all pay attention to the dimensions and complexity of the case.
2. Head. With a clearly defined silhouette, symmetrical to the entire body, when viewed from the side, it is slightly dull. The format is wedge-shaped, with a wide frontal section, pronounced stop. The lips are dense, medium in thickness, fleshy, pressed well to the jaws, not sagging. Eyes are oval, small, with a brownish iris to match the coat. The tip of the nose is pigmented in black, the nostrils are wide and open. Teeth fully equipped, scissor bite, correct. Ears are thick and hard, medium in size, set low, rounded at the tips. The format of the ears is a triangle.
3. Body. The neck seems long, the dog is stocky and elongated. Short-footed, with a powerful physique. The withers are visible weakly, gently flowing into a straight back and sloping croup. The loin is even, in general, the dog looks harmonious. The oval format of the chest is deepened, descends to the elbows, wide moderately. The ribs are arched, not long. The groin is not dried, picked medium.
4. Limbs. Short, with strong bone.Set naturally, they do not bend inward, but also do not bulge to the sides. The front legs are shorter, the rear legs are wider and longer in size. The hips are muscular, sloping, looking proportionate in view of the average size. The joints are strong, but not huge, the tibia is elongated. The brushes are collected in a lump, oval, with fleshy pillows.
5. Tail. Usually, owners prefer not to stop it, especially if the animal helps in hunting. The tail is medium in length. When evaluating exhibition pets, the tail length does not count, it does not attach much importance. By standard, stopping is optional. The tail should not be with creases. The dog carries it confidently.
6. Woolen cover. The undercoat is soft, overly dense, oily impregnated at the base, which protects from moisture. The outer hair is much tougher, but due to this quality, it does not stray into tangles, which is very convenient. Any weather is subject to the dog, whether it be severe frosts or the wind knocking down.
7. Color. As a rule, all dogs are gray, gray-brown, reddish-brown, red-gray. If the dog is famous for a two-tone coat, the presence of a black shade is allowed. A pure white color is not possible, but marks may be present on the chest, neck, and muzzle. The highest ball in the exhibition career will receive a dog that shows a "harness" of dark-colored wool on the back and sides. This pattern is located on a light background.

Character

1. The representatives of the breed are very energetic, kind, loyal and quick-witted. They are endowed with vigilance, always trying to stay alert. The dog needs a long walk, so it suits the active owner. The pet acts as a great jogging companion. The animal cannot be alone, therefore it is better not to leave it at home.
2. If earlier dogs were bred and kept exclusively for cattle pasture, today these animals act as rescuers. Walhund will quickly take the track, and its small size will help to penetrate even in inaccessible places. Usually, dogs are taken with them after natural disasters to the scene, the Walhounds are included in many search groups.
3. Dogs are brought up in large families, because the animal at the same time gets along well with all households. If guests appear in the apartment, the Walhund will always be on his guard, watching people from his place. The dog annoys some with a love of life and good nature, but it will never be imposed.
4. Representatives of the breed group get along well with the younger generation, they can understand that in front of them is a small child. Dogs prefer large companies, with pleasure they will frolic with a child in nature and indulge all his pranks. If the pet is left without walking and attention, it will carry everything around, because the energy needs to be put somewhere.
5. The dog cannot be called inadequate. She weighs her decisions, can independently cope with complicated situations. The animal is easy to train, moreover, daily training will be held with pleasure. Wallhounds have no behavioral defects; they are suitable for living in apartment conditions or in a private home.
6. Since the representatives of the breed love to play, it is advisable that another pet, able to support the venture, live with the Valhund. Calm cats will not like this behavior, but frisky young cats will gladly embark on an adventure. In general, we can say that the breed gets along with other pets.
7. A dog must not be left with strangers if you are going on vacation. Otherwise, the pet of the family may become depressed and experience extreme stress. Therefore, for those who often travels, this dog is not suitable (if no one else lives in the house). The breed feels good in the car, likes to travel and learn new places.

Training

1. Dogs of the breed in question are quickly trained, easy to train, understand a person by intonation and gestures. The dog will be ready to do anything, if only it would not be left at home alone. If you are aiming to teach the animal teams, parenting begins with puppyhood.
2. Dogs love freedom, so concentration can be a problem. Experts advise to start training in less crowded places so that no one distracts the pet.
3. Previously, dogs made decisions on their own, it was deposited in the genes. Therefore, this feature is expressed quite clearly. You cannot force the Walhound to do what is required if the dog considers otherwise. Therefore, the owners go to different tricks, wanting to teach the dog teams.
4. As can be understood from all of the above, dogs learn quickly, but cannot concentrate in public places. Therefore, before starting education, conduct an early socialization. Let the animal fully understand the world around it and meet other pets.
5. So that in the end, the training did not go into the confrontation between man and dog, learn to understand your pet. Do not impose on him the execution of commands if the animal is in the wrong mood. Postpone parenting until later; in no case do not punish the dog for its omnipresence.

Care

1. Dogs of the breed can be called the most unpretentious in terms of content. Walhund must be combed out every day during the molting period. In normal times, hair care is given a couple of hours a week.
2. Pets should not be bathed with frequent intervals, because their skin will lose the lipid layer. Water procedures are carried out 4-5 times a year.
3. Dogs walk in rainy and snowy weather. To prevent wool from getting dirty, buy a special raincoat. After walking do not forget to wash your paws.
4. It is necessary to look after not only wool, but also teeth. To avoid plaque, it is recommended to give the animal dried tendons, moslaks and other goodies.
5. If you walk the dog every day for 1.5-2 hours, then the claws will be erased. However, in all other cases, you will have to arm yourself with a clipper and begin the procedure as the claws grow.
6. The eyes are wiped with a strong chamomile broth or ordinary black tea. It is enough to moisten the cosmetic sponge in the composition, and then wipe the contaminated places. Dogs usually have watery eyes when they eat sugary foods.
7. The ears are given special attention, it is necessary to buy a special lotion and clean the ears as they become dirty. Lotion is purchased special, designed for dogs.
8. The pet must be dewormed in a timely manner, taken for vaccination. In case of deterioration of well-being, the animal is shown to the veterinarian.

Today you got acquainted with an interesting breed, which is both an excellent companion and au pair. There is no particular difficulty in keeping pets of this breed. Features of training and care are described in detail.

Video: Swedish Walhund dog breed