Shikoku 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.
Shikoku
Foundation Stock Service
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shikoku Overview
A medium-sized spitz breed with a muscular build and distinctive fox-like appearance, the Shikoku showcases a dense double coat in sesame, red, or black and tan colors. Athletic and agile, these dogs possess erect triangular ears, a curled tail, and sharp, alert facial features that reflect their keen hunting heritage. Their balanced proportions and confident stance embody the noble bearing characteristic of Japanese breeds.
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: Shikokus are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shikokus require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shikokus 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: Shikokus 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 Shikoku and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shikoku | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shikoku | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-22 inches 43-56 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs 16-25 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 | Shikoku | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Alert, Enthusiastic | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shikoku | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shikoku Temperament
The Shikoku is known for being energetic, alert, enthusiastic, 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 Shikoku 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
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shikoku
Rating: 1/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Shikoku Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shikokus 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, Shikokus 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
Shikoku Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Allergies
- Dental Issues
- Joint Problems
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Shikoku
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Athletic and agile
- Excellent hunting instincts
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be aloof with strangers
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 Shikoku and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.