Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Shih Tzu Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
- Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
- Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund
- The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
- Lifespan of Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Swedish Vallhund
- Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
- The Popularity of Shih Tzu versus Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
- Do Shih Tzus shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Do Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Swedish Vallhund
- Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund?
- Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Shih Tzus and Swedish Vallhunds?
- Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Shih Tzu Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund.
Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is a tiny-sized dog while the Swedish Vallhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund
| Factor | Shih Tzu | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 9 to 16 pounds | 22 to 35 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2300 | $2500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 77.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 18 | 155 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu is 86 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 not better or worse than the Shih Tzu. So, you can get the Swedish Vallhund or the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund
Below is a list of where the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund
The Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund.
Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches 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 Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Swedish Vallhund is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund by measuring the temperaments of 49 Shih Tzus and 4 Swedish Vallhunds.
Price of Shih Tzu versus Price of Swedish Vallhund
The average price of the Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of a Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
| Shih Tzu | Swedish Vallhund | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1820 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2300 | $2500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Shih Tzu and Swedish Vallhund. For different price points, the charts show how many Shih Tzu puppies or how many Swedish Vallhund puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Shih Tzus. 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Swedish Vallhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Swedish Vallhund is 155 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Shih Tzu
Popularity of Swedish Vallhund
| Year | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank | Swedish Vallhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 147 |
| 2014 | 17 | 158 |
| 2015 | 19 | 155 |
| 2016 | 20 | 163 |
| 2017 | 20 | 149 |
| 2018 | 20 | 169 |
| 2019 | 20 | 159 |
| 2020 | 20 | 147 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Shih Tzus shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.
Does the Shih Tzu Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Shih Tzu vs. Swedish Vallhund
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Shih Tzus good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus and Swedish Vallhunds?
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Shih Tzu Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Shih Tzu Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Shih Tzu or the Swedish Vallhund?
Shih Tzus are very good for new dog owners.
Swedish Vallhunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
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 Shih Tzu and how the Swedish Vallhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Shih Tzu and of the Swedish Vallhund to other breeds:
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shih Tzu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shih Tzu versus Westiepoo Shih Tzu versus Maltese Shih Tzu versus Bordoodle Shih Tzu versus Norfolk Terrier Shih Tzu versus Black and Tan Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Berger Picard Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Shiloh Shepherd Shih Tzu versus Havanese Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Buhund Shih Tzu versus Dogo Argentino Shih Tzu versus Australian Kelpie Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund Shih Tzu versus American Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Pointer Shih Tzu versus English Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian Shih Tzu versus Kuvasz Shih Tzu versus Sussex Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian
Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Swedish Vallhund versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Swedish Vallhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Swedish Vallhund versus Bull Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Cavapoo Swedish Vallhund versus American Eskimo Dog Swedish Vallhund versus Boykin Spaniel Swedish Vallhund versus Japanese Spitz Swedish Vallhund versus Bedlington Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Boxer Swedish Vallhund versus Schipperke Swedish Vallhund versus German Longhaired Pointer Swedish Vallhund versus Finnish Spitz Swedish Vallhund versus Shihpoo Swedish Vallhund versus Affenpinscher Swedish Vallhund versus Fila Brasileiro Swedish Vallhund versus Bloodhound Swedish Vallhund versus Bracco Italiano Swedish Vallhund versus Mudi Swedish Vallhund versus Dalmatian Swedish Vallhund versus Kai Ken Swedish Vallhund versus Bloodhound Swedish Vallhund versus Lhasa Apso Swedish Vallhund versus Pyrenean Shepherd Swedish Vallhund versus Tibetan Terrier Swedish Vallhund versus Akita
Conclusion: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu and the Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.