Border Terrier 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.
Border Terrier
Terrier Group
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Border Terrier Overview
Border Terriers possess a distinctive otter-like head, alert expression, and sturdy, well-proportioned frame. Their rough double coat, typically grizzle and tan or blue and tan, provides protection in all weather conditions. Standing 12-15 inches at the shoulder, these agile terriers combine a determined spirit with an affectionate nature, displaying remarkable stamina and intelligence in their movements.
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: Border Terriers are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Border Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Border Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Swedish Vallhunds.
- Trainability: Swedish Vallhunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Vallhund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Vallhunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Border Terrier and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Border Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Border Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 11-15 lbs 5-7 kg | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Border Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Happy, Plucky | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Border Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Border Terrier Temperament
The Border Terrier is known for being affectionate, happy, plucky, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Border Terrier 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
Border Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Border Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Border Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Terriers 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, Border Terriers 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
Border Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- SLEM
- Heart defects
- Epilepsy
- Eye problems
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Border Terrier
Pros
- Excellent with families
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Low grooming requirements
- Good with children
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May dig and bark
- Needs consistent exercise
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 Border Terrier and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.