Swedish Vallhund vs Harrier
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
Harrier
Hound 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.
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Vallhunds are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Vallhunds require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Vallhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Harriers 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 Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Swedish Vallhund and Harrier, 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
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.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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, Harriers 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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
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
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Vallhund and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.