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VASGOTASPETS
VASGOTASPETS
VIZSLA
VOLPINO ITALIANO

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COUNTRY: Sweden
WEIGHT: 20-32 pounds
HEIGHT: 13-16 inches
COAT: Medium length, thick and hard
COLOR: Shaded gray preferred, followed by shaded red, then brindle, blue-gray; white markings, if any, must be less than 40 percent
OTHER NAMES: Swedish Vallhund, Swedish Cattledog
REGISTRY: TKC
GROUP: Herding
VASGOTASPETS


An old, indigenous breed from the Vastergot-land plains of Sweden, known for its cattle herds, the Vallhund's similarity to the Welsh Corgis—especially the Pembroke—is intriguing. Pembrokeshire is accessible to the coast, and Viking raiders struck along the Irish and Welsh coast. Whether the Vikings introduced the short-legged dog to the Welsh or seized the hardworking little dog as part of their spoils is speculated, but uncertain, and tends to be colored by whether it is a Vallhund or Corgi owner telling the story.
The Vasgotaspets, meaning spitz of the West Goths, was known at one time as the Vikingar-nas Dog. It has very small prick ears and a natural bobtail (more than four inches is a standard disqualification, as is docking). This Corgi-type dog is higher on leg and shorter in body than its close relative in Great Britain. Its head is foxy, even more so than the Corgi's. The breed is used on farms, not only for cattle droving, but also as a vermin catcher, watchdog and over-all farm dog.

With the Vallhund, forest dog, in danger of extinction in the 1930s, dedicated Swedish breeders, led by Count Bjorn von Rosen, motivated a comeback for this handsome little dog. Officially recognized by the Swedish KC in 1948, the breed is now quite popular in its homeland and has found some following in other countries. A good number live in England where it was granted recognition in 1984, and the Swedish herding dog has recently been introduced to America.
Exhibiting a unique sense of humor, he is a natural showoff. Once he realizes a particular stunt brings laughter or applause, he will repeat it over and over. Affectionate and sensitive to his owner's mood, the Swedish herder reflects joy or quiet contemplation. The Vasgotaspets is intelligent and spirited and does not hesitate to vocalize his joy at being alive. He is a sturdy little dog and is easy to care for.