Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Swedish Vallhund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Working Group
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog stands as a testament to ancient guardian breeding. With a muscular build, thick double coat, and imposing presence, these dogs command respect through their noble bearing. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pendant ears, and a curled tail, while their protective instincts and independent nature reflect centuries of livestock guardian heritage.
Swedish Vallhund Overview
Swedish Vallhunds are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive wolf-like features and characteristic spitz-type traits. Their muscular build, alert expression, and medium-length double coat reflect their Viking heritage. Standing at 12-13 inches tall, these agile dogs possess a unique combination of strength and nimbleness, with their short legs and long body giving them a distinctive silhouette.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Swedish Vallhunds.
- Trainability: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Anatolian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Swedish Vallhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Turkey | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-29 inches 69-74 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 80-150 lbs 36-68 kg | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Independent, Reserved | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is known for being loyal, independent, reserved, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Swedish Vallhund Temperament
The Swedish Vallhund is characterized by being friendly, energetic, watchful, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Swedish Vallhund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 2/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Swedish Vallhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Vallhunds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Swedish Vallhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Independent nature
- Weather-resistant coat
- Low grooming needs
- Loyal to family
Cons
- Strong-willed and challenging to train
- Requires extensive socialization
- Not suitable for small spaces
- Can be territorial
- Independent decision-making
Swedish Vallhund
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Seasonal shedding
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.