The Swedish Vallhund was brought back from near-extinction in the 1940s by an impassioned dog fancier, his schoolteacher friend, and their students who foraged through the Swedish countryside by bicycle to find the dogs that would restore the breed.

The Swedish Vallhund means "Swedish herding dog." In 1964, they were renamed the "Västgötaspets," or "Spitz of the Westh Goths."

This breed is perfect for cattle herding: their long backs, short legs, and low to the ground stature make them simultaneously able to nip at the heels of livestock and avoid kicks to the head. Their tails can be small tufts or long, spitz-like plumes.