Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is described by the AKC as friendly, energetic, watchful, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Sweden.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 12.5-13.75 inches (male), 11.5-12.75 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20-35 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Energetic / Watchful [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Sweden [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 152 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
There is quite a bit of individual variability in terms of exercise needs in the breed. Some Swedish Vallhunds have more energy than others. Keep in mind that while this isn't a breed intended to run all day, the Vallhund is a working farm dog and needs regular exercise. [1]
Grooming
Swedish Vallhunds need a good, down-to-the-skin brushing occasionally and a bath when they get dirty. They shed their undercoat twice a year, which will make you wonder just how many dogs you have, going by the snowdrifts of hair. Vallhunds are very easy dogs to manage when it comes to grooming. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia. A genetic test for an eye issue called Swedish Vallhund retinopathy was developed in 2017; breeders can now identify carriers and breed them accordingly to ensure they do not produce affected offspring. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, SV Retinopathy - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Swedish Vallhund in 2007. [1]
- It ranked No. 152 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 155 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “SV, Vallhund, Viking Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Sweden as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Swedish Vallhunds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Swedish Vallhund get?
AKC breed information lists height 12.5-13.75 inches (male), 11.5-12.75 inches (female) and weight 20-35 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Swedish Vallhund?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Swedish Vallhund, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.