Deutscher Wachtelhund 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.
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Foundation Stock Service
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Deutscher Wachtelhund Overview
Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium-sized hunting dog with a robust build and distinctive wavy coat in brown, red, or parti-colored variations. Their muscular frame supports remarkable agility and endurance, while their intelligent expression and medium-length ears reflect their keen hunting abilities. Known for exceptional scenting capabilities and versatile hunting skills, they possess a balanced temperament combining determination with friendliness.
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: Deutscher Wachtelhunds are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Deutscher Wachtelhunds require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Deutscher Wachtelhunds tend to be more reserved 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: Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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 Deutscher Wachtelhund and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Deutscher Wachtelhund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Deutscher Wachtelhund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-21 inches 46-53 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 40-55 lbs 18-25 kg | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Deutscher Wachtelhund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Versatile, Determined | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Deutscher Wachtelhund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Deutscher Wachtelhund Temperament
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is known for being friendly, versatile, determined, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Deutscher Wachtelhund 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
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Rating: 5/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Rating: 1/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Deutscher Wachtelhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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, Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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
Deutscher Wachtelhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Allergies
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Versatile working abilities
- Strong tracking skills
- Good family dog
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not suitable for apartment living
- Requires experienced handler
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 Deutscher Wachtelhund and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.