Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dutch Shepherd and for the Swedish Vallhund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Swedish Vallhund.

Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund

Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are Herding Dogs. This means both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the Swedish Vallhund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund

Factor Dutch Shepherd Swedish Vallhund
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 22 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $2500
Price Range $900 – $2000 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Swedish Vallhund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Swedish Vallhund is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Swedish Vallhund is a better pet than the Dutch Shepherd. So, you should get the Swedish Vallhund!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Swedish Vallhunds weigh 22 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Swedish Vallhunds are 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Swedish Vallhund

    The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Dutch Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Swedish Vallhund has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Swedish Vallhund

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Swedish Vallhund puppy is $2500. The price of the Swedish Vallhund typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of the Swedish Vallhund can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Swedish Vallhund puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Swedish Vallhund is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Swedish Vallhund
    Average Price $1590 $2500
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $2500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Swedish Vallhund. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Swedish Vallhund puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Swedish Vallhunds?

    A breakdown of the prices of Swedish Vallhunds?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the Swedish Vallhund puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Swedish Vallhund

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Swedish Vallhunds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Swedish Vallhund

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Swedish Vallhunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Swedish Vallhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Swedish Vallhunds?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Swedish Vallhunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Swedish Vallhund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Swedish Vallhund:

  • Dalmatian (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Dalmatian.
  • German Longhaired Pointer (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs German Longhaired Pointer.
  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Border Collie (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Border Collie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Swedish Vallhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Swedish Vallhund to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Dutch Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomsky     Dutch Shepherd versus Whoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Miniature Pinscher     Dutch Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Dutch Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Dutch Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Dutch Shepherd versus Puli     Dutch Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     Dutch Shepherd versus Whippet     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Dutch Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler     Dutch Shepherd versus Australian Cattle Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Azawakh     Dutch Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino     Dutch Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Border Collie     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomchi     Dutch Shepherd versus Valley Bulldog     Dutch Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     

    Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Swedish Vallhund versus Australian Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Korean Jindo Dog     Swedish Vallhund versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Swedish Vallhund versus Norfolk Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus German Shepherd Dog     Swedish Vallhund versus Spanish Mastiff     Swedish Vallhund versus Norwich Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Swedish Vallhund versus West Highland White Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus French Spaniel     Swedish Vallhund versus Lakeland Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Patterdale Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Swedish Vallhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Swedish Vallhund versus Great Pyrenees     Swedish Vallhund versus Afghan Hound     Swedish Vallhund versus Kai Ken     Swedish Vallhund versus Lancashire Heeler     Swedish Vallhund versus Weimaraner     Swedish Vallhund versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Swedish Vallhund versus Stabyhoun     Swedish Vallhund versus Pekingese     Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dutch Shepherd and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.