Swedish Vallhund vs Rottweiler
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
Rottweiler
Working 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.
Rottweiler Overview
Powerful and muscular, Rottweilers showcase a robust, balanced build with a broad head and strong jaws. Their black coat with mahogany markings complements their confident stance and alert expression. Distinguished by their natural guarding instincts, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility, displaying a calm yet watchful demeanor that reflects their working heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Vallhunds are more energetic than Rottweilers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Vallhunds require less grooming attention compared to Rottweilers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Vallhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rottweilers.
- Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg | 80-135 lbs 36-61 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful | Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Vallhund | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Rottweiler Temperament
The Rottweiler is characterized by being loyal, loving, confident guardian, 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 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 Rottweiler, 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
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 2/5
Rottweiler
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.
Rottweiler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rottweilers 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, Rottweilers 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
Rottweiler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Eye Issues
- Osteosarcoma
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
Rottweiler
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent guard dog
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Trainable
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires firm training
- May be too powerful for novice owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Vallhund and Rottweiler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.