Swedish Vallhund vs Norfolk Terrier
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
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier 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.
Norfolk Terrier Overview
Norfolk Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a hard, wiry coat and expressive dark eyes. Their small, well-balanced frame carries a dignified bearing despite their diminutive size. Distinguished by their broad skull, short back, and well-sprung ribs, these terriers possess strong hunting instincts wrapped in an affectionate, spirited personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Vallhunds are more energetic than Norfolk Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Vallhunds require less grooming attention compared to Norfolk Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Vallhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norfolk Terriers.
- Trainability: Norfolk Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Norfolk Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Norfolk Terrier Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is characterized by being fearless, alert, fun-loving, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Swedish Vallhund and Norfolk Terrier, 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
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Norfolk Terrier
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.
Norfolk Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norfolk Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norfolk Terriers 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
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
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
Norfolk Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Compact size
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Prey drive
- Occasional health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Vallhund and Norfolk Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.