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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Västgötaspets or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd" Compare Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd. Which is better: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Swedish Vallhund German Shepherd
OriginsSweden flagSweden Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1492
Reviews319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Västgötaspets Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Is the Swedish Vallhund bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Swedish Vallhund smaller than a German Shepherd?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
25-35 pounds (11-15 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Is a Swedish Vallhund taller than a German Shepherd?
12-16 inches (30-40 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (35 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd?
$500-$600 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The Swedish Vallhund is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Alert
Friendly
Fearless
Watchful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
High: Swedish Vallhund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Swedish Vallhunds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Swedish Vallhund indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Swedish Vallhund dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Swedish Vallhund bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Swedish Vallhund more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Swedish Vallhund has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Heart Problems
Retinal Dysplasia
Skin Allergies
Spina Befida
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Frequent
The Swedish Vallhund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhund: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Swedish Vallhund can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Swedish Vallhund dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Does the Swedish Vallhund breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Swedish Vallhund's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Thick Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd color? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Swedish Vallhund requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Do Swedish Vallhund dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Swedish Vallhund has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
The Swedish Vallhund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Can a Swedish Vallhund and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Swedish Vallhund dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Swedish Vallhund dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Swedish Vallhund is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Swedish Vallhunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Swedish Vallhund or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Swedish Vallhund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can Swedish Vallhund and German Shepherd have? Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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