Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Samoyed Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
- Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
- Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund
- The Similarities Between the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
- Lifespan of Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
- Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Samoyed
- Price of Samoyed versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
- The Popularity of Samoyed versus Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
- Health Problems of Samoyed versus Health Problems of Swedish Vallhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
- Do Samoyeds shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Does the Samoyed Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Do Samoyeds Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Samoyed vs. Swedish Vallhund
- Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Are Samoyeds good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Samoyeds and Swedish Vallhunds?
- Is the Samoyed Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Samoyed Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund.
Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
Both the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund are similar in size. The Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Samoyed belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund
| Factor | Samoyed | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 60 pounds | 22 to 35 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2460 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $3000 | $2500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 80.3 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 61 | 155 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Samoyed 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 Samoyed is 71 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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund
Below is a list of where the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund
The Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund.
Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 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 Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 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 Samoyeds.
Temperament of the Swedish Vallhund Versus the Samoyed
The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Samoyed.
This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 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 80.3 percent, the Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 294 Samoyeds and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.
Price of Samoyed versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
The average price of the Samoyed puppy is $2460. The price of the Samoyed typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of a Samoyed can be as low as $800 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Samoyed 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 Samoyed.
| Samoyed | Swedish Vallhund | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2460 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $3000 | $2500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Samoyed and Swedish Vallhund. For different price points, the charts show how many Samoyed puppies or how many Swedish Vallhund puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Swedish Vallhunds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Samoyed 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.
The Popularity of Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Samoyed is more popular with dog owners than the Swedish Vallhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Samoyed is 61 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Swedish Vallhund is 155 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Samoyed
Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
| Year | Samoyed Popularity Rank | Swedish Vallhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 67 | 147 |
| 2014 | 68 | 158 |
| 2015 | 61 | 155 |
| 2016 | 65 | 163 |
| 2017 | 57 | 149 |
| 2018 | 59 | 169 |
| 2019 | 58 | 159 |
| 2020 | 56 | 147 |
Health Problems of Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed is prone to more genetic health problems than the Swedish Vallhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Samoyed than for the Swedish Vallhund.
5 health tests are recommended for Samoyed while 2 tests are recommended for the Swedish Vallhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Samoyeds and in Swedish Vallhunds.
Samoyed Health Problems
Samoyeds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Samoyed 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 Samoyed puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Samoyed 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 Samoyeds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds 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 Samoyed Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Samoyed ranks 46 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 486 Samoyeds, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Samoyeds, and how common these diseases are in Samoyeds 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 Samoyed and in Swedish Vallhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund:
| Disease | Samoyed Rank | Swedish Vallhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 46 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 50 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 98 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 100 out of 144 dog breeds | 106 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 103 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 110 out of 198 dog breeds | 112 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 123 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: Samoyed versus Swedish Vallhund
Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.
Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Samoyeds shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
Samoyeds 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 Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund
Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.
Does the Samoyed Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.
Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Samoyed vs. Swedish Vallhund
Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Swedish Vallhunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.
Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Samoyeds good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds and Swedish Vallhunds?
Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Samoyed Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Samoyed Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Samoyed or the Swedish Vallhund?
Samoyeds 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 Samoyed
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed:
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 Samoyed and how the Swedish Vallhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Samoyed and of the Swedish Vallhund to other breeds:
Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds
Samoyed versus Doberman Pinscher Samoyed versus Chow Chow Samoyed versus American Water Spaniel Samoyed versus Kuvasz Samoyed versus Skye Terrier Samoyed versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Samoyed versus Doberman Pinscher Samoyed versus Aussiedoodle Samoyed versus Field Spaniel Samoyed versus Cane Corso Samoyed versus Briard Samoyed versus Pomeranian Samoyed versus Bernese Mountain Dog Samoyed versus Norwegian Lundehund Samoyed versus Cavachon Samoyed versus Lowchen Samoyed versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Samoyed versus Basenji Samoyed versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Samoyed versus Kai Ken Samoyed versus Goldador Samoyed versus Bloodhound Samoyed versus Bracco Italiano Samoyed versus West Highland White Terrier Samoyed versus Border Collie
Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Swedish Vallhund versus Black Mouth Cur Swedish Vallhund versus English Toy Spaniel Swedish Vallhund versus Italian Greyhound Swedish Vallhund versus Tibetan Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Maltipoo Swedish Vallhund versus French Bulldog Swedish Vallhund versus Lakeland Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Cockapoo Swedish Vallhund versus Lancashire Heeler Swedish Vallhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Swedish Vallhund versus Kerry Blue Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Swedish Vallhund versus Komondor Swedish Vallhund versus Standard Schnauzer Swedish Vallhund versus Golden Cocker Retriever Swedish Vallhund versus Westiepoo Swedish Vallhund versus Karelian Bear Dog Swedish Vallhund versus Dalmatian Swedish Vallhund versus Belgian Malinois Swedish Vallhund versus Sealyham Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Puggle Swedish Vallhund versus Pointer Swedish Vallhund versus Cavapoo Swedish Vallhund versus Xoloitzcuintli Swedish Vallhund versus Bullmastiff
Conclusion: Samoyed 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 Samoyed and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.