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Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Comparison - Dog breed selector: Västgötaspets or Canis Islandicus or Lapinporokoira? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder" Compare Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
 
 
 
Name Swedish Vallhund Icelandic Sheepdog Lapponian Herder
OriginsSweden flagSweden Iceland flagIceland Finland flagFinland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank149144228
Reviews335
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Västgötaspets Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Lapinporokoira
Reindeer Herder
Lapland Reindeer Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Which is the smallest dog, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Medium Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Icelandic Sheepdog? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder weight comparison:
25-35 pounds (11-15 kg) 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
30 pounds (13 kg) 25 pounds (11.5 kg) Male: 65 pounds (29.5 kg), Female: 59 pounds (26.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder height comparison:
12-16 inches (30-40 cm) 12-16 inches (31-41 cm) Male: 19–21 inches (48–54 cm), Female: 17–19 inches (43–49 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (35 cm) 14 inches (36 cm) Male: 20 inch (51 cm), Female: 19 inch (48.5 cm)

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Which is more expensive?
$500-$600 $800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Frequent: The Swedish Vallhund is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Average: The Lapponian Herder is a commonly available dog breed.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder intelligence:
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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Very smart: Lapponian Herder is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder trainability comparison.
Swedish Vallhund dogs are quite easy to train.
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Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? 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.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Alert
Friendly
Fearless
Watchful
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Energetic
Friendly
Docile
Calm
Vocal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?
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.
Average to High: Lapponian Herder dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder social needs comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
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.
The wanderlust potential of the Lapponian Herder is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Swedish Vallhund dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder playfulness comparison:
Average: Swedish Vallhunds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Lapponian Herder is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?
Average to High: The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Lapponian Herder is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Lapponian Herder breed in the home.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder 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.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Lapponian Herder 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
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.
Lapponian Herder 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.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Swedish Vallhund bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Lapponian Herder bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Swedish Vallhund has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Lapponian Herder has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder mouthiness comparison:
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.
Lapponian Herder dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder health comparison. Which is the healthier: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?
Swedish Vallhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Heart Problems
Retinal Dysplasia
Skin Allergies
Spina Befida
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
No data available
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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.
Rare
The Lapponian Herder should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder lifespan comparison. How long do Swedish Vallhund, Icelandic Sheepdog and Lapponian Herder breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhund: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Lapponian Herder: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?
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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Lapponian Herder can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder energy level comparison:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are high-energy dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Lapponian Herder dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? 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.
Lapponian Herder dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
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.
Lapponian Herder dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
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. 2.5 to 3 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 Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Swedish Vallhund's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Lapponian Herder's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder coat comparison:
Thick Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Fluffy
Straight
Double
Colors
What are the original Swedish Vallhund, Icelandic Sheepdog and Lapponian Herder color?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Black
Gray
Brown
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder grooming comparison:
Average: The Swedish Vallhund requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Lapponian Herder doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Swedish Vallhund dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Lapponian Herder dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?

Medium

The Swedish Vallhund has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Lapponian Herder has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Swedish Vallhund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Lapponian Herder is an average drooler.
See more.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder 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.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Lapponian Herder dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Which dog is more friendly?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Lapponian Herder dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Lapponian Herder dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Lapponian Herder dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder?
Swedish Vallhund dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Lapponian Herder dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?
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.
Yes
Lapponian Herder 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
No
Lapponian Herder 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.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Lapponian Herders are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Swedish Vallhund or Icelandic Sheepdog or Lapponian Herder? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.

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 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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder?

Not really

Swedish Vallhund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Lapponian Herder breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
See more.

Not really

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

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.

Not really

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

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder Reproducibility Comparison

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

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Swedish Vallhund and Icelandic Sheepdog and Lapponian Herder have?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 3-5 puppies

Swedish Vallhund vs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lapponian Herder 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 2010 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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 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.
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
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
No data available

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