Building Community

Preserving The Swedish Vallhund Legacy

Join us in celebrating and safeguarding this remarkable Nordic spitz breed.

Small Dogs, Big Hearts

About the Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund, often called the “Viking Dog,” is a small, sturdy, and energetic Nordic spitz breed with a rich history as a herding and farm dog in Sweden. Known for their wolf-like appearance, short legs, and agile build, Swedish Vallhunds are versatile, intelligent, and fiercely loyal companions. Their confident yet friendly demeanor makes them excellent family pets, herding partners, and competitors in dog sports like agility and obedience.

With a coat that thrives in various climates and a personality that balances playfulness with purpose, the Swedish Vallhund excels in both rural and urban environments. Their keen intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, while their affectionate nature ensures they form strong bonds with their families. Whether herding livestock, competing in conformation shows, or simply being a devoted companion, the Swedish Vallhund’s big heart shines through in all they do.

The SVCA is proud to champion this remarkable breed, supporting responsible breeding practices and educating owners about their unique needs. Explore our resources to learn more about the Swedish Vallhund’s history, health, and care requirements.

A Community for Vallhund Lovers

About Swedish Vallhund Club of America

Established in 1987, the Swedish Vallhund Club of America (SVCA) is the premier national breed club dedicated to the Swedish Vallhund in the United States. As an American Kennel Club-sanctioned organization, we strive to preserve the breed’s conformation, herding instincts, and exceptional temperament through education, responsible breeding, and community engagement.

Our international membership includes breeders, owners, and enthusiasts who share a passion for this unique Nordic spitz breed. The SVCA organizes events such as conformation shows, herding trials, and the annual National Specialty.

We also support health research, such as studies on Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy, and provide resources for owners, including breeder referrals and training tips. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or a new Vallhund owner, the SVCA welcomes you to join our vibrant community dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Swedish Vallhund.

Be Part of the Vallhund Family

Connect with Our Dedicated Swedish Vallhund Breeder Family

Join our community to access expert advice, health resources, and opportunities to participate in SVCA events. From the National Specialty to regional shows, our members celebrate the Swedish Vallhund’s versatility and spirit. Contact us to learn how you can become part of the Vallhund family today!

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Our Events

Explore Events

Regional Specialty & Herding Trial May 2025

We are having a combination of Herding Trials and Regional Spec in Calif this May 2025 Herding Trials in Patterson CA Tuesday May 27 and 28 2025 Regional Specialty in combination with the San Joaquin Valley KC Lodi CA
Friday May 30 2025

2024 National Specialty
Fletcher, North Carolina

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2026 National Specialty September 2026

Join us in the Phoenix, AZ area for the 8th Annual SVCA Herding trial. Dates are 12-14 December 2025. Friday is SV/Corgi only – 2 trials. Saturday and Sunday are all breed. Running cattle, geese and sheep with HT/PT offered in all 4 trials on goats.

2026 National Specialty: September 2026

AZ Herding Trial

Join us in the Phoenix, AZ area for the 8th Annual SVCA Herding trial. Dates are 12-14 December 2025. Friday is SV/Corgi only – 2 trials. Saturday and Sunday are all breed. Running cattle, geese and sheep with HT/PT offered in all 4 trials on goats.
Regional Specialty Orlando FL Saturday, December 13, 2025
2026 National Specialty: September 2026
2024 Herding Trial in Litchfield Park, AZ
2024 National Specialty in Fletcher, NC

Our Latest News

Latest News

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Committee Members

AKC Gazette

Laura Kiedaisch
📧 lkiedai@gmail.com

Ambassador – Liaison to Sweden

📧 svca.marri@gmail.com

Awards

Michelle Fromm
📧 calientecanine@gmail.com

Breeder Referral

Charlene Sayles
📧 akutchi@aol.com

Club Historian

Open

Constitution & By-Laws

Open

Health & Genetics Committee

Whitney Heiken, DVM
📧 Whitney.Heiken@gmail.com

Judges Education

Cheryl Rolfe
📧 cbrolfe@aol.com

Meet The Breeds

Open

Juniors

Christi Weger
📧 christiweger@gmail.com

Membership

Meg I. Hennessey
📧 Snowood.meg@gmail.com

Most Versatile Vallhund – National Specialty Award

Mike Singleton
📧 mchlsngltn@aol.com

Newsletter Editors

Susan Clingenpeel
Meg I. Hennessey
Laura Kiedaisch
📧 svcavikingtimes@gmail.com

Rescue

Lori Schaunaman
📧 svcarescue@gmail.com

Perpetual Trophy

Open

Versatility Committee

Open

Webmaster (Old Website)

Amanda Lowery
📧 amanda@alkemi.org

Webmaster (New Website)

Meg Hennesey
📧Snowood.meg@gmail.com

Members Area

Effective September 21, 2025
Officers & Board Term 2025 -2026

Officers

President
Diane Polito (NJ)
✉️ njcorgis@aol.com

Vice President
Maria Gunderson (CA)
✉️ gundrsn5@yahoo.com

Secretary
Marri Khalaj (MN)
✉️ svca.marri@gmail.com

Treasurer
Meg I. Hennessey (IL)
✉️ 1svcatreasurer@gmail.com

Board Directors

Susan Clingenpeel, DVM (GA)
✉️ roses4sjc@ymail.com

Laura Kiedaisch (IL)
✉️ lkiedai@gmail.com

Monique Mora (CO)
✉️ vettechmonique@gmail.com

Dana Reid, PT, DPT, CCRT (OR)
✉️ dana.reid11@gmail.com