Swedish Vallhund vs Belgian Malinois
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Swedish Vallhund
Herding Group
Belgian Malinois
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Belgian Malinois Overview
Belgian Malinois dogs showcase a powerful, well-muscled physique with distinctive upright ears and alert expression. Their short fawn-colored coat features black masking and ears. Athletic and graceful in movement, they possess a square-built frame with proud carriage. Their intelligent eyes and confident stance reflect their working heritage as exceptional herders and protectors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Vallhunds are more energetic than Belgian Malinoiss, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Vallhunds require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Malinoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Vallhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Malinoiss.
- Trainability: Belgian Malinoiss may be slightly easier to train due to their Belgian Malinois's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Malinoiss 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 Swedish Vallhund and Belgian Malinois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg | 40-80 lbs 18-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful | Confident, Smart, Hardworking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Vallhund Temperament
The Swedish Vallhund is known for being friendly, energetic, watchful, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is characterized by being confident, smart, hardworking, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Vallhund and Belgian Malinois, 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 Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Vallhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Vallhunds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Swedish Vallhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Belgian Malinois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Malinoiss 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, Belgian Malinoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
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
Belgian Malinois
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working ability
- Athletic
- Loyal
- Protective
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense drive requires management
- Can be too protective
- Needs experienced handler
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Vallhund and Belgian Malinois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.