Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog
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
Icelandic Sheepdog
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog Overview
Icelandic Sheepdogs are sturdy, agile herding dogs with distinctive spitz-like features, including a thick double coat that comes in various colors. Their alert, pointed ears and curled tail complement a well-proportioned frame built for endurance. Known for their cheerful expression and medium size, these dogs exhibit remarkable agility and stamina suited to their herding heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Vallhunds are more energetic than Icelandic Sheepdogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Vallhunds require less grooming attention compared to Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Vallhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Icelandic Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Icelandic Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm |
| Weight | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdog is characterized by being friendly, playful, inquisitive, 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 Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog, 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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, Icelandic Sheepdogs 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
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Weather resistant coat
- Excellent herding instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.