Herding breed Small size 9-14 kg

Vastgotaspets

A sturdy little Swedish herder full of energy and smarts - a fun family dog that needs a job to do.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
9-14 kg, 30-35 cm at the shoulder
High
Exercise needs
Energetic; enjoys activity and games
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles normal days if kept busy
Easy
Training
Smart and eager to please
Moderate
Coat care
Double coat sheds; weekly brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Playful and good with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable; may herd smaller pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia

The Vastgotaspets typically weighs 9-14 kg, stands 30-35 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, hardy dog with a big personality and no fragility,
you enjoy training games, tricks, or dog sports like agility,
you can give daily walks plus mental work, not just a potty break,
you do not mind a vocal, alert dog that likes to comment on things.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a quiet lapdog that is happy to lounge all day,
barking would be a problem in your home or building,
you cannot brush a shedding double coat and vacuum regularly,
you have no time for daily activity and enrichment.

A typical day with a Vastgotaspets

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    30-45 min brisk walk or a game of fetch
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Chew or puzzle toy, then a nap
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and a quick training session
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Trick practice or a family play session
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    A longer walk or agility-style games
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily after a busy day

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Energy High
Vocality High
Herding instinct Moderate
Sociability High
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Treating it like a couch lapdog and skipping real exercise · Letting alert barking become a habit instead of managing it early · Underestimating how much mental work a small herder needs

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and sturdy with children; may try to herd running kids by nipping heels.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable and fits multi-dog homes.
Cats Good
Usually fine, especially raised together; may herd them.
Apartment Conditional
Workable with daily exercise, but the barking can carry.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard is a bonus, but does not replace walks and training.
City Suitable
Adapts well to town life with enough activity.
Countryside Ideal
Space and a farm to patrol suit its herding roots.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited vision loss; a DNA test exists
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; watch for limping
Dental Disease Plaque buildup; routine cleanings help
Obesity Watch portions; extra weight strains a long back

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar short-legged herder
Welsh Corgi Pembroke
A bright, outgoing herder that fits family life well - guard the waistline and the long back or the vet bills follow.
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Comparable size and drive
Welsh Corgi Cardigan
A big dog on short legs - smart, sturdy and adaptable, though the long back, heavy shedding, and easy weight gain need active management.
View profile →
Another small, trainable herding breed
Shetland Sheepdog
A bright, sensitive small herder with a Border Collie work ethic in a manageable package - just be ready for the shedding and the barking.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vastgotaspets a good family dog?
Yes. This Swedish Vallhund is friendly, playful, and sturdy enough for active family life. It bonds closely with its people and does well with children who treat it kindly. It is not a passive pet, though: it wants daily exercise, games, and a bit of training to stay happy.
Does the Vastgotaspets bark a lot?
It can. This is an alert, vocal herding breed that likes to announce visitors and comment on activity. With early training you can keep it manageable, but if noise is a serious issue in your home, factor that in before choosing one.
How much exercise does a Vastgotaspets need?
Aim for around an hour of activity a day split across walks, play, and training. Despite the short legs, it has real herding-dog energy and enjoys agility, fetch, and trick work. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise.
How much does a Vastgotaspets cost?
It is an uncommon breed outside Scandinavia, so expect a waitlist and a limited number of breeders in the US, with puppies usually running about $1,500-$2,500. Beyond the purchase price, budget for lifetime care of a small, generally healthy dog: food, routine vet visits, and occasional issues add up to roughly $12,000-$20,000 over its life.