Is the Patterdale Terrier Better than the Swedish Vallhund as a Pet? Answer…

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Patterdale Terrier Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund.

Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund

Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview

A very important difference between the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Patterdale Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Swedish Vallhund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund

Factor Patterdale Terrier Swedish Vallhund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 22 to 35 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 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
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $680 $2500
Price Range $550 – $950 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund

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

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund.

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 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 Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Swedish Vallhund

    The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-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 Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.

    Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Swedish Vallhund

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.

    Patterdale Terrier Swedish Vallhund
    Average Price $680 $2500
    Price Range $550 to $950 $2500 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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: Patterdale Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Swedish Vallhund

    Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and Swedish Vallhunds?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Patterdale Terrier or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • German Longhaired Pointer (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs German Longhaired Pointer.
  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Border Collie (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Border Collie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Maltipoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Patterdale Terrier versus Borzoi     Patterdale Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Patterdale Terrier versus French Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomsky     Patterdale Terrier versus Akita Chow     Patterdale Terrier versus Pointer     Patterdale Terrier versus Boerboel     Patterdale Terrier versus English Setter     Patterdale Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Patterdale Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomsky     Patterdale Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Patterdale Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Patterdale Terrier versus Leonberger     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     

    Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Swedish Vallhund versus American Hairless Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Affenpinscher     Swedish Vallhund versus English Cocker Spaniel     Swedish Vallhund versus Miniature Poodle     Swedish Vallhund versus Redbone Coonhound     Swedish Vallhund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Swedish Vallhund versus Whippet     Swedish Vallhund versus Cane Corso     Swedish Vallhund versus German Shepherd Dog     Swedish Vallhund versus Bluetick Coonhound     Swedish Vallhund versus Tibetan Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Spinone Italiano     Swedish Vallhund versus Maltese     Swedish Vallhund versus Bouvier des Flandres     Swedish Vallhund versus Bullmastiff     Swedish Vallhund versus Harrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Collie     Swedish Vallhund versus Komondor     Swedish Vallhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Swedish Vallhund versus Affenpinscher     Swedish Vallhund versus Giant Schnauzer     Swedish Vallhund versus Scottish Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Standard Poodle     Swedish Vallhund versus Goldador     Swedish Vallhund versus Belgian Malinois     

    Conclusion: Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.