The Origin of the Swedish Vallhund
Västgötaspets
The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient herding breed which originated in Swedish during the 8th-9th century at the time of the Vikings. Possibly known as the "Vikingarnas Dog" in their land of origin. They are a primitive, spitz type, land race which developed naturally. Used as an all-around farm dog as a herder, watch dog and ratter. They were a common sight up until after WW1 where their numbers started to decline.
During the 1940s, the breed was on the brink of extinction as the world was in the midst of WW2. It was then, a man by the name of Bjorn Von Rosen, remembered the little robust, hard working dogs from his childhood. He had been involved with the saving of other Swedish breeds. He placed an advert, looking for these little dogs. K. G. Zettersten responded and together, they set out to travel across the land to find the best specimens of the breed.
They found one male named Mopsen and three females named Vivi, Lessi, and Topsy.
Mopsen and Lessi produced a dog, Jerry 265OTT
A breeding of Mopsen and Vivi produced a female, Tessan 3999VV
And a breeding of possibly Topsy with Mopsen produced Borgalls Mopsan 7871VV.
These five Swedish Vallhunds were the foundation for the breeding program that was to save these dogs from extinction.
Greve Björn Von Rosen with the foundation dogs.
Mopsen
Topsy
Vivi
The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed In 1943 and in 1964, with the standard revised, the dog became known as the Västgötaspets after the Swedish province Västergötland, where the breeding program to save these dogs originated.
In English countries, the name translated to Swedish Vallhund (Vallhund meaning herding dog).
In 1985, Champion status was received from the UK Kennel Club.
The first Swedish Vallhunds arrived in the US in California in 1983.
In 1985, Marilyn Thell, of Swedish decent, brought back two Swedish Vallhund to the United States from England.
It was on Sep 4th 1986, the first litter of Swedish Vallhunds were born in the United States at Jonricker Kennel.
And in 2007, the breed was first officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The breed is making a comeback in these modern days with the amazing efforts of Vallhund breeders and enthusiasts who are so passionate about this breed.