Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Water Spaniel Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund
- The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
- Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
- Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Swedish Vallhund
- The Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
- Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
- Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Swedish Vallhund
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Swedish Vallhunds?
- Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are similar in size. The Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Swedish Vallhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs 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.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund
| Factor | Irish Water Spaniel | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 22 to 35 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 156 | 155 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is 81 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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund
Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund
The Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund.
Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 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 Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is 13.5 years.
Swedish Vallhunds live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Temperament of the Irish Water Spaniel Versus the Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Irish Water Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Water Spaniel is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 30 Irish Water Spaniels and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.
The Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel versus Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Swedish Vallhund is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Water Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Swedish Vallhund is 155 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Water Spaniel is 156 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Water Spaniel
Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
| Year | Irish Water Spaniel Popularity Rank | Swedish Vallhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 141 | 147 |
| 2014 | 152 | 158 |
| 2015 | 144 | 155 |
| 2016 | 150 | 163 |
| 2017 | 164 | 149 |
| 2018 | 159 | 169 |
| 2019 | 170 | 159 |
| 2020 | 174 | 147 |
Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Irish Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Swedish Vallhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Swedish Vallhund.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Swedish Vallhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Water Spaniels and in Swedish Vallhunds.
Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems
Irish Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Water Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Irish Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Water Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Irish Water Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels here.
Swedish Vallhund Health Problems
Swedish Vallhunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Swedish Vallhund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Swedish Vallhund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Swedish Vallhund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Swedish Vallhunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Swedish Vallhunds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Irish Water Spaniels and Swedish Vallhunds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Irish Water Spaniel Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Water Spaniel ranks 5 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 111 Irish Water Spaniels, 7 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Irish Water Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Swedish Vallhund Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Swedish Vallhund ranks 38 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 217 Swedish Vallhunds, 6 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Swedish Vallhunds, and how common these diseases are in Swedish Vallhunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Irish Water Spaniel and in Swedish Vallhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund:
| Disease | Irish Water Spaniel Rank | Swedish Vallhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 5 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 9 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 18 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 31 out of 144 dog breeds | 106 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 104 out of 198 dog breeds | 112 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 105 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 150 out of 182 dog breeds | 38 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Swedish Vallhund
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels 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.
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 Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Swedish Vallhund
Irish Water Spaniels have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels and Swedish Vallhunds?
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Swedish Vallhund?
Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Swedish Vallhunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Water Spaniel and how the Swedish Vallhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and of the Swedish Vallhund to other breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Plott Irish Water Spaniel versus Cavapoo Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund Irish Water Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Boerboel Irish Water Spaniel versus Shichon Irish Water Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Bloodhound Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu Irish Water Spaniel versus Beaglier Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren Irish Water Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Scottish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Havanese Irish Water Spaniel versus Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel versus American Bulldog Irish Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus English Toy Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Siberian Husky Irish Water Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro
Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Swedish Vallhund versus Kai Ken Swedish Vallhund versus Biewer Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Bulldog Swedish Vallhund versus Labradoodle Swedish Vallhund versus Border Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Papipoo Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Setter Swedish Vallhund versus Akita Swedish Vallhund versus Black Mouth Cur Swedish Vallhund versus Sealyham Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Pyrenean Mastiff Swedish Vallhund versus Maltese Swedish Vallhund versus Scottish Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus German Shepherd Dog Swedish Vallhund versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Akita Chow Swedish Vallhund versus Belgian Malinois Swedish Vallhund versus Australian Cattle Dog Swedish Vallhund versus Yorkshire Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Spanish Mastiff Swedish Vallhund versus Cesky Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Field Spaniel Swedish Vallhund versus Miniature Schnauzer Swedish Vallhund versus Afghan Hound
Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.