Swedish Lapphund 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.
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
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: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Swedish Vallhunds.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Swedish Vallhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Swedish Lapphund and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | 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 | Swedish Lapphund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 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 | Swedish Lapphund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is known for being playful, intelligent, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Swedish Lapphund 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
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Lapphunds 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, Swedish Lapphunds 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
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
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 Swedish Lapphund and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.