Bulldog 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.
Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bulldog Overview
Muscular and compact, the Bulldog features a distinctive wrinkled face, pushed-in nose, and undershot jaw. Their broad shoulders and low-slung body create an imposing yet endearing appearance. Known for their gentle demeanor despite their tough exterior, these dogs display a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent companions.
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: Bulldogs are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bulldogs require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bulldogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Swedish Vallhunds.
- Trainability: Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bulldog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bulldogs 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 Bulldog and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bulldog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bulldog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bulldog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Courageous, Calm | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bulldog | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog Temperament
The Bulldog is known for being friendly, courageous, calm, 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 Bulldog 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
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bulldogs 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 medium coat coat, Bulldogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Cherry eye
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Heart problems
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Bulldog
Pros
- Great with families
- Low exercise needs
- Calm temperament
- Adaptable to small spaces
Cons
- Health issues common
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and drooling
- High medical costs
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 Bulldog and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.