Swedish Vallhund vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Swedish Vallhund: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Bernese Mountain Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Swedish Vallhund: Eager to Please1.0
Bernese Mountain Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Swedish Vallhund: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Bernese Mountain Dog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Swedish Vallhund5/5
Bernese Mountain Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Swedish Vallhund3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog5/5
Good with Strangers
Swedish Vallhund3/5
Bernese Mountain Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Swedish Vallhund
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development issue
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy: Vision
Intervertebral Disk Disease: Spine
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision
Bernese Mountain Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development problem
Cancer: Higher than average risk
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pros
Gentle and patient with children
Loyal family companion
Good working dog capabilities
Excellent guard dog instincts
Cons
Short lifespan
Heavy shedding
Heat sensitivity
Significant grooming needs
Swedish Vallhund Fun Fact
Swedish Vallhunds were nearly extinct in the 1940s but were saved by the efforts of one breeding pair!
Bernese Mountain Dog Fun Fact
Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs were historically known as 'cheese dogs' for helping transport dairy products.
Heritage & Purpose
Swedish Vallhund
Origin:
Dating back to the Viking Age in Sweden, these dogs served as versatile farm helpers, excelling in cattle herding and vermin control throughout Västergötland.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin:
Swiss farmers in the canton of Bern relied on these dogs for drafting, droving cattle, and guarding property during the 1800s. Their versatile working abilities made them invaluable.
Special Considerations
Swedish Vallhund
Regular grooming during shedding seasons, daily exercise requirements, and early socialization to manage herding instincts are essential care aspects.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Regular brushing needed to manage heavy shedding. Exercise must be moderated in warm weather. Joint health supplements recommended throughout life.
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