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Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Västgötaspets or Canis Islandicus?

"Find similarities and differences between Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog" Compare Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Swedish Vallhund Icelandic Sheepdog
OriginsSweden flagSweden Iceland flagIceland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank149144
Reviews33
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Västgötaspets Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
25-35 pounds (11-15 kg) 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13 kg) 25 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog? Is a Swedish Vallhund taller than an Icelandic Sheepdog?
12-16 inches (30-40 cm) 12-16 inches (31-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (35 cm) 14 inches (36 cm)

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?
$500-$600 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog?
Frequent: The Swedish Vallhund is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are quite easy to train.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are good watchdogs.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
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Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Alert
Friendly
Fearless
Watchful
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
High: Swedish Vallhund dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are a social breed.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog? 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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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed.
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A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Swedish Vallhunds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.
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 recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Swedish Vallhund dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog?
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Swedish Vallhund has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Swedish Vallhund dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Swedish Vallhund bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhund: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?
Swedish Vallhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
Frequent
The Swedish Vallhund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Heart Problems
Retinal Dysplasia
Skin Allergies
Spina Befida
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are high-energy dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Swedish Vallhund dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog?
Swedish Vallhund dogs don't need too much sleep.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Swedish Vallhund's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Swedish Vallhund requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Swedish Vallhund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Swedish Vallhund has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Thick Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog? Do Swedish Vallhund dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdog dogs?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are heavy shedders.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog? Can a Swedish Vallhund and an Icelandic Sheepdog be friends? Do Swedish Vallhund dogs get along with Icelandic Sheepdog dogs?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog?
Yes
Swedish Vallhund dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog 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
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Swedish Vallhunds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Swedish Vallhund or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which needs longer recovery?

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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Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

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