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

According to the external characteristics of the Swedish Valkhund something like corgi, except that the color of the two representatives of the breed is completely different. Consideration of the breed belongs to the family of spitz-like, but with small clumps of wool is not similar in appearance. Walchunds are assertive, shepherd, with great pleasure go on the hunt and help with the housework. The breed has long been recognized as independent, so we will touch on everything connected with it. Let's not delay, let's start.

Historical data

1. To date, it has not been established for sure how exactly the Walchunds, who stood at the origins of the formation of the modern breed, occurred. According to some reports, the dogs came to British territory with the Vikings, then firmly rooted and began to develop. If we take into account the second theory, the Walchund appeared already in Sweden.
2. Homeland representatives of the breed - Vestgotskaya Valley, located among 2 lakes. The local people have long been engaged in cattle breeding, the population took to help corgi or Spitz. According to some scientists, these rocks also stood at the beginnings of the development of the Walchunds.
3. When the Second World War began, the representatives of the breed were reduced in number. A small part of the individuals remained, the vallundas were on the verge of extinction. Then the breed was able to recover again.
4. The most extraordinary breeders were directly involved 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. Created an amateur breed club, which includes about 600 members. Regarding registered dogs, their number is 200 individuals.

Description

Like the corgi, the Walchunds are individuals with a shepherd's purpose. Dogs ideally manage to drive cattle, but not for these qualities breeders love the representatives of the breed. Particular attention attracts the bright appearance of pets, their obedience, physical and mental abilities.

If you start from the generally accepted standards, a valkhund means a brave, bold, medium-sized, squat and physically developed individual. Even after the first acquaintance, it is possible to estimate that dogs are not cowardly, attentive to trifles, moderately kind to strangers.

1. Growth. The dogs are squat, the males are slightly larger than the females. In the former, growth varies within 31–34 cm., In the latter, 29–32 cm. However, one cannot say for sure how tall a particular individual should be. Experts first of all pay attention to the size and complexity of the body.
2. Head. With a clearly defined silhouette, symmetrical to the whole body, when viewed from the side it is slightly blunt. The format is wedge-shaped, with a wide frontal section, pronounced foot. Lips are dense, medium in thickness, fleshy, pressed well to the jaws, not sagging. The eyes are oval in shape, small, with a brownish iris to match the coat. The tip of the nose is pigmented with black, the nostrils are wide and open. Complete teeth, bite in the shape of scissors, correct. The ears are thick and hard, medium in size, set low, rounded at the tips. The format of the ears is a triangle.
3. Housing The neck seems long, the dog is stocky and elongated. Korotkolapaya, possessing a powerful physique. Withers looks weak, gently flows into a straight back and sloping croup. The loin is flat, in general, the dog looks harmonious. The oval format of the chest is deepened, drops to the elbows, broad moderately. The ribs are arched, not long. Groin not dried, matched medium.
4. Limbs. Short, with strong bone tissue. Set naturally, do not bend inward, but do not protrude to the side. The front legs are shorter, the hind legs are wider and longer in size. Thighs muscular, sloping, look proportionate due to their medium size. The joints are strong, but not huge, the shin is elongated. Brushes are collected in a ball, oval, with fleshy pillows.
5. Tail. Usually, the owners prefer not to stop it, especially if the animal helps in the hunting industry. The length of the tail is average. When evaluating exhibition pets, the length of the tail does not count, it does not attach much importance. According to the standard, cupping is optional. The tail should not be worn. The dog carries him confidently.
6. Wool cover. The undercoat is soft, overly dense, with oily impregnation at the base, which protects against moisture. Ostev hair is much tougher, but due to this quality it does not go astray, which is very convenient. Dog is subject to any weather, whether it is the strongest frosts or the wind, knocking down with its paws.
7. Color As a rule, all dogs are gray, gray-brown, reddish-brown, red-gray. If the dog is famous for the two-color wool cover, the presence of a black shade is allowed. Pure white is not possible, but marks may be present on the chest, neck, and muzzle. The highest mark in the show career will be given to a dog who will show a “harness” of dark-colored wool on the back and sides. This pattern is located on a light background.

Character

1. Representatives of the breed are very energetic, kind, loyal and quick-witted. They are endowed with vigilance, always trying to be alert. The dog takes a long walk, so it is suitable for an active owner. Pet acts as an excellent companion for jogging. An animal cannot be alone, therefore it is better not to leave it at home.
2. If earlier dogs were bred and kept exclusively for livestock pasture, today these animals act as rescuers. Walhund will quickly take a trail, and its small size will help to penetrate even into hard-to-reach places. Usually dogs take with themselves after natural disasters to the scene, Walchunds are included in many search groups.
3. Dogs are raised in large families, because the animal simultaneously gets along well with all the household members. If there are guests in the apartment, the Walchund will always be on the lookout, to watch people from your 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 they face a small child. Dogs prefer large companies, will be happy to frolic with a child in nature and indulge in all his pranks. If you leave your pet without walking and attention, he will spread everything around, because the energy must be put somewhere.
5. Dog can not be called inadequate. She weighs her decisions, can independently cope with confusing situations.The animal is easy to train, moreover, daily training will be held with pleasure. Walchunds have no behavioral defects, they are suitable for living in a residential environment or in a private dwelling.
6. Since representatives of the breed like to play, it is desirable that another pet live with a Walchund who is able to support the venture. Calm cats do not like this behavior, but the frisky young cats will gladly enter into an adventure. In general, it can be said that the breed gets along with other pets.
7. The dog should not be left with strangers if you are going on vacation. Otherwise, a family pet may become depressed and experience extreme stress. Therefore, for those who often travels, this dog is not suitable (if no one lives in the house anymore). The breed feels good in the car, likes to travel and learn new places.

Training

1. Dogs of the breed discussed quickly learn, easy to train, understand the person by intonation and gestures. The dog will be ready to do anything, if only she is not left at home alone. If you are aiming to train the animal to commands, raising begins with puppyhood.
2. Dogs love freedom, so there can be problems with concentration.Experts advise to start training in poorly populated places so that no one distracts the pet.
3. Previously, dogs made decisions on their own, it is deposited in the genes. Therefore, this feature is expressed quite clearly. You cannot force the Walchund to do what is required if the dog thinks otherwise. Therefore, the owners go to different tricks, wanting to teach the dog commands.
4. As can be understood from the above, dogs learn quickly, but cannot concentrate in public places. Therefore, before starting education, spend an early socialization. Allow the animal to fully experience the world and meet other pets.
5. In the end, the training does not go into the confrontation between man and dog, learn to understand your pet. Do not force him to execute commands if the animal is not in the same frame of mind. Postpone upbringing for 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.Walchund must be combed every day during the molting period. In the usual time care for wool spend a couple of hours a week.
2. Pets should not be bathed at 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 keep the coat from getting dirty, buy a special rain coat. After walking do not forget to wash your paws.
4. Care should be taken not only for the coat, but also for the teeth. To avoid plaque, it is recommended to give the animal dried tendons, moslaki and other delicacies.
5. If you walk your dog every day for 1.5-2 hours, then the claws will wear out. However, in all other cases, you will have to arm yourself with a clipper and begin the procedure as the claws grow.
6. Eyes rubbed with strong chamomile broth or ordinary black tea. It is enough to moisten in the composition of the cosmetic sponge, then wipe contaminated places. Dogs usually have eyes when they eat sugary foods.
7. The ears are given special attention, you need to buy a special lotion and clean the ears as it gets dirty.Lotion is purchased special, designed for dogs.
8. Pet must be timely dewormed, led to vaccinations. In case of deterioration of health, the animal is shown to the veterinarian.

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

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