Torvall Swedish Vallhund Breeders

Torvall Kennels - Swedish Vallhund Breeders

Torvall Swedish Vallhund Kennel is now located near Ongaonga in the heart of Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

We currently have five of these wonderful characters at home. Our initial criteria was an intelligent, friendly dog that would meet both Kath's love of corgis (we previously had one) and Greg's love of German Shepherds. After a lot of looking, the Swedish Vallhunds seemed to fit the bill. Kathy rang Rose Madsen of Valkrista Kennels and to make a long story short, Callisto (Cally) arrived Christmas Eve 2004.We have been sold on the breed ever since. Cally has done well at Obedience & Conformance & in 2010 won Swedish Vallhund BEST OF BREED at the National Dog Show

Sirius, our 2nd Swedish Vallhund, joined us in October 2005 as a playmate for Cally and Tessan arrived in October 2008 as a new show-girl - both from Valkrista. Tessan became an NZ Champion in May 2009 and she is now living with friends in Wellington.

In September 2009 Cally delivered Bobbie to us, a singleton litter, who we decided to keep and show. Jack has joined us recently form Vallarity Kennels & is already doing well in the show ring.

At present we have a wee pup from our last litter, Nunavit, that we have decided to keep for the meantime. He & Jack are great mates & get up to all kinds of mischief!!!

Welcome to our website, we are glad you found us. Please take a closer look at "Our Dogs" page & also at photo gallery. Check out our links and email us if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you.

~ Greg and Kathy ~

The Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient breed of dog from the Spitz group of dogs. They were used as all purpose farm dogs in the flat cattle country of Sweden and mostly found in the West and Southern provinces. With their shorter legs, strong agility and speed they are ideally suited to stock herding.

The colour of the Swedish Vallhund coat varies from light to dark shades of grey or reddish yellow with lighter shades found on the cheeks, throat, belly, buttocks, feet and hocks. A hallmark of the breed is its distinctive and most desirable lighter facial mask, although a dark mask is acceptable, and harness markings near the shoulder and upper arm.

The tail is a distinguishable feature, with many puppies being born without a tail or a short stump, while others may be born with varying lengths through to a full spitz tail.

To fully convey the temperament of the Swedish Vallhund is difficult with one not fully understanding the extent of this breed's personality until you are owned by one. They have a strong herding instinct with a natural ability to herd. It is not unusual for their owners to feel a nose "blatt" in the calf as a hurry-along. The breed has a sense of humour, with a happy disposition and is important that he be included in the family activities enjoying being the principle character. The Swedish Vallhund is a willing positive, honest worker who is easy to teach; is confident, friendly, sunny natured and family oriented.

The Swedish Vallhund is happiest when playing with other Swedish Vallhunds, with the play often appearing to be rough and noisy, yet rarely hurting themselves. This breed needs stimulation and is most comfortable when there is plenty of activity around or activities for them to participate in. They require freedom and are intelligent but also strong willed requiring a steady hand with training commencing at an early age.

The breed gets on well with other dogs and children. They are low maintenance with a water resistant coat that repels dirt or mud and do not have a doggy odour.

We are N.Z.K.C registered

Member of:

NZ Kennel Club