A day in the life told by a Swedish Vallhund
I wake up and stretch my short legs, ready for the day. My human laughs as I give a happy yip, my tail wagging like a little flag. We head outside, and I sniff every blade of grass, checking for news. Then we play fetch, and I run circles around the ball, barking with joy. I love helping herd the kids in the yard, myding them with soft nips. At evening, I curl up on the sofa, snoring softly, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Life is good, full of fun and love.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Swedish Vallhund tipFor a Swedish Vallhund, choose low-fat, single-ingredient treats and keep them to under 10% of daily calories, as this breed is prone to weight gain and pancreatitis. Offer dental chews or a dental diet to help manage their higher risk of dental disease, but always check with your vet first.
Source: petmd.com
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
- 1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
- Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
- Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
- Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Recipe from The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup
Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.
You need
- 1 cooking pumpkin
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
- ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
How
- Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
- Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
- Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.
How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.
Recipe from Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)
A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.
You need
- 1 egg
- 170g boiled chicken breast
- 100g cooked plain rice
- 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
- 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)
How
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
- Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
- Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
Recipe from Blue Cross
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Swedish Vallhund, and at what times?
Feed adult Swedish Vallhunds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help digestion, so choose a schedule that works for you.6
What should a Swedish Vallhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, keep these away from your Vallhund.7
How often should I bathe a Swedish Vallhund?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.8 Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Swedish Vallhund need brushing?
Brush your Swedish Vallhund about once a week, and increase to daily during heavy shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days for a tidy coat.3 Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Swedish Vallhund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.8 Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Swedish Vallhund need?
Your Swedish Vallhund needs about an hour of exercise daily, plus enjoys activities like agility, herding, and flyball. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.32 Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Swedish Vallhund's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Swedish Vallhund live?
Swedish Vallhunds typically live between 10 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups.32
Is a Swedish Vallhund good with children and other pets?
This friendly and sociable breed generally does well with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.14
Can a Swedish Vallhund be left alone?
Swedish Vallhunds are very sociable and prefer to be involved with their people, so they may struggle with long periods alone. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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