The Västgötaspets is considered to be a genuine Swedish breed although uncertainty still exists as to the relationship with the type like Welsh Corgi. If the Vikings brought Corgi-type dogs back from the British Isles to Sweden or Västgötaspets-like dogs from Sweden to Britain will never be solved, but modern cynological research believes that the Västgötaspets is of Swedish origin. Regardless of the breed's origin, credit for its recognition goes to Count Björn von Rosen. In the early 1940´s von Rosen was told that the old type of herding dog still existed and an inventory took place in the County of West Gothia. Particularly on the plains around the town of Vara, specimens of homogeneous type were found, few in numbers, but enough to start breeding. The practical breeding was mainly organized by headmaster K G Zetterstén. Breed type was well established without losing the working ability.

Small, short on legs, sturdy and fearless
Appearance and expression denote a watchful, alert and energetic dog

Ratio of height at withers to length of body 2:3
Ideal size dogs:     33 cms (12,99")
Ideal size bitches:  31 cms (12.21")
Variation of 1 cm over or under ideal height is permitted

Watchful, energetic, fearless and alert

Head

Head clean cut and rather long. Viewed from above, evenly tapering towards the nose

Viewed from the side, rather square, just slightly shorter than skull. Lower jaw strong and blunt but not prominent

Perfect regular scissors bite with even and well developed teeth

Medium size, pointed, pricked leather hard from base to tip, smooth-haired and mobile. Not set too low

Long, strongly muscled with good reach

Chest long with good depth. Fairly well sprung ribs. Viewed from front, chest oval, from the side elliptical. Reaching two-fifths of length of forearm. When viewed from the side the lowest point of chest is just behind back part of foreleg. Sternum visible but not excessively pronounced

Two types of tail occur; long or natural short tail. In both cases all variations are acceptable

LIMBS/FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders long, set an angle of 45⁰ towards the horizontal plane

Upper arm slightly shorter than shoulder blade and set at a right angle to shoulder blade. Close fitting to ribs, but still very mobile

Fore arm, when viewed from front, slightly bent, just enough to give free action at chest´s lower part

Parallel when viewed from behind. Strong bone

Lower thigh slightly longer than metatarsal (measured from hock joint to pad)

Undercoat very dense and soft with medium length, harsh, close and tight topcoat. Smooth on head and front of legs, longer on neck, throat, chest and backside of legs

FAULTS

- Coat soft, loose, parted, long, lacking undercoat, too short or with other colours than mentioned in the standard