Breeding guidelines for Vestgotaspets

Breeding guidelines for Vestgotaspets
Established by SKV 15th of March 1997

In Nov 11th 1981 established by the Västgötaspetsringen (SKV was at that time not a specialty club but a member of SSD, the specialty club of companion- and dwarfdogs)

The breeding program for the Swedish Vallhund should be concentrated on keeping the breed original and natural with good fertility, preserved herding instincts, stable mentality and versatility. Genetic diversity is an important goal to keep the breed sound and healthy for future generations, with a wide spread within the Swedish Vallhund population (gene pool). This should be achieved by using many different bloodlines and avoiding breeding related animals. Additionally, a given breeding pair should be limited to one normal-sized litter. A wide breeding foundation is of vital importance in small breeds. In a Swedish Vallhund breeding program, many active individuals, preferably as many males as females, are needed. A female should not have more than around 20 pups, and a male not more than 40 - with a SPREAD over its entire lifespan, with no more than half (ca 20) in its first three years of breeding. From a breeding point of view all dogs reaching standard are of equal value. Championship titles shall not dictate the choice of breeding material. To choose a stud or brood bitch based solely on show performance (wins) will result in the elimination of many perfectly good breeding animals resulting in decreased genetic diversity. Championship titles and good breeding value are not the same thing. To preserve the stub tail gene it is recommended that one of the parents in every combination is a natural bob. A good sex drive and capacity for reproduction is vital (essential). Natural breeding, where the couple are unassisted, is the aim (or goal). Hormone treatment, artificial insemination, or any other human intervention should be avoided. Individuals with recurring lameness, delivery problems, poor health (i.e. regularly medicated), or having other structural weaknesses should not be used in breeding. Some sensitivity to loud noise (such as gunshots), is present in the breed and should not be ignored. Mental health has high priority. Hip dysplasia occurs in isolated cases within the breed but individuals that suffer from it seldom have any clinical problems. Taking hip X-rays of breeding animals is recommended. Results from X-rays and sensitivity to high noise should neither be ignored nor over emphasized, but should be carefully monitored and be included in the overall selection of a breeding animal. Dogs that are EXTREMELY scared of gunshots should be excluded from the breeding program. Increased documentation of breeding results is desirable, and increased participation in evaluating quality should be encouraged, primarily in (SKV's) conformation to type and herding test, temperament testing and/or character testing plus hip X-Rays. It is particularly important that more young animals participate. The breeding guidelines specify the desired development for the breed. They form the basis for the breeding committee/council's activity and guidelines for the individual breeder. The final responsibility, however, lies with the individual breeder.
Desirable characteristics of the Vallhund in order of priority. Condition Sound health with good stamina and longevity (healthy, mobile, strong, robust). Natural sexual function (males with normal sexual drive without excessive male aggresivity, females with good regularity between heats and willingness to mate). Instinctive mothering (females with good mothering instincts). Mental health Lively and attentive (not overexcitable) Independent and secure (without tendencies to shyness or aversion, not excessively dependent on its handler) Composed (ability to relax between activities) Suitability Lively and attentive (not overexcitable). Interest for independent work (initiative). Ability to concentrate (for individual activities). Mobility and stamina ( ability to move freely at different gaits - not coarse or clumsy) Herding instinct (interested in herding). Correct Conformation Breeding stock should have the equivalent of a very good or excellent rating at shows.
	Established at annual meeting March 15 1997
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