Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Everything You Need to Know

The Swedish Vallhund and Corgi are two popular breeds that have gained a lot of attention in recent years. They share some similarities, but they also have some key differences.

Both breeds are relatively small in size, with the Swedish Vallhund weighing between 25-35 pounds and the Corgi weighing between 25-38 pounds. However, they have distinct physical characteristics, with the Swedish Vallhund having a longer body and shorter legs compared to the Corgi.

Their origins also differ, with the Swedish Vallhund originating from Sweden as a herding dog and the Corgi originating from Wales as a cattle herder.

The Swedish Vallhund and Corgi may share some similarities, but they have some key differences in terms of their characteristics.

Swedish Vallhunds are known for their high energy level, which makes them a great fit for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. They have a medium tendency to bark, but they're not as vocal as some other breeds.

Here's a breakdown of the Swedish Vallhund's characteristics:

Overall, the Swedish Vallhund is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Swedish Vallhund is an energetic and intelligent breed that's full of life. They have a high energy level, which means they need plenty of activity and exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their friendly dispositions make them excellent companions for single individuals and families. They're eager to please their owners and thrive on attention.

Swedish Vallhunds are known to be a bit vocal, but not as much as some other breeds. They'll alert you to potential dangers, but they also need to be taught when it's okay to bark.

Here are some key personality traits of the Swedish Vallhund:

Overall, the Swedish Vallhund is a loyal and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for active families.

The Vallhund's life expectancy is a significant consideration for any potential owner. On average, they live between 12 to 15 years.

Good breeding, diet, and exercise can help your Vallhund live a longer, healthier life. With proper care, you can expect your Vallhund to thrive.

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The average Vallhund is quite small, standing between 11.5–13.75 inches tall. They typically weigh between 22 and 35 pounds.

Obesity is a common issue in the breed, so it's essential to monitor your Vallhund's food intake and ensure they get regular exercise. If you're unsure, consult a vet for guidance.

The Swedish Vallhund has a rich history that spans at least 1,000 years, originating in Sweden during the time of the Vikings.

It's thought that the breed was used for both herding and guarding property, as well as for companionship. The Vallhund's long, low build helped them to avoid being kicked, enabling them to drive cattle without injury.

The breed is related to larger Scandinavian spitz-type dogs, including the Norwegian elkhound, and there's some speculation that the Vikings may have taken Welsh Corgis back to Sweden, leading to the origination of the Swedish Vallhund.

In the early 1900s, the Swedish Vallhund became nearly extinct due to the financial impact of the World Wars on the cost of keeping livestock and dogs. Count Bjorn von Rosen and Karl Gustaf Zettersen worked tirelessly to revive the breed, acquiring a male and three females and beginning a breeding program in 1942.

The breed was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club as the Svensk Vallhund, later renamed Vastgotaspet, and was introduced in the United Kingdom in the 1970s and the United States in the 1980s.

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The Swedish Vallhund is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's not immune to health issues. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, which is quite impressive.

Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (knee dislocation) are two common health concerns that can affect Swedish Vallhunds. They can also be prone to eye diseases, so it's essential to have your dog's eyes checked regularly.

To keep your Swedish Vallhund in top shape, regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial. Aim to spend at least 30 minutes a day providing physical and mental stimulation.

Grooming is relatively easy for Swedish Vallhunds, requiring only an occasional brushing and bath. They do shed their undercoat twice a year, so be prepared for some extra grooming during these times.

Here's a list of potential health issues to watch out for:

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your Swedish Vallhund stays healthy. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends at least one check-up per year, with two check-ups recommended for Swedish Vallhunds.

The Swedish Vallhund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are both high-energy breeds that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They thrive as part of an active family and do well in warm and cold climates.

A Swedish Vallhund needs at least an hour of activity daily to prevent boredom, which can lead to barking and destructive behavior. This can be achieved through hiking, walking, or more vigorous activities like dog sports or agility.

In contrast, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a particularly loud breed and may require more exercise to prevent barking. However, both breeds are capable of more vigorous activities and can benefit from training in herding or agility.

The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed and may bark more than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. However, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they can tolerate an indoor environment.

Here are some exercise activities suitable for both breeds:

It's essential to keep your Swedish Vallhund on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside, as their herding instinct can cause them to chase moving objects. A long walk, hike, or time in an agility course every day will be adequate to physically tire your pup.

When it comes to grooming, Swedish Vallhunds are relatively easy to maintain, but they do shed excessively year-round. Regular brushing is a must to control this shedding.

You'll need to brush your Swedish Vallhund's coat at least once a week, and daily during periods of higher shedding in the spring and fall. This will help prevent tangles and mats.

Bathing should be done infrequently, only to remove dirt from the outer coat, and their nails will need to be cut monthly if they're not worn regularly on pavement or concrete. Daily tooth-brushing is also highly recommended.

Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:

The Swedish Vallhund's appearance is a key part of its charm, with a solid, low build that's reminiscent of a Spitz.

Their wedge-shaped head is quite wolf-like, with triangular, erect ears that are set high and apart. The ears and eyes are smaller than those of the Welsh Corgi.

The muzzle is long and tapered, contributing to the breed's intelligent expression. This unique head shape is a distinctive feature of the Swedish Vallhund.

Their short, thick neck and long, slightly rounded back make them agile and quick. The withers are not prominent, due to the thick, double coat.

The outer coat is coarse and waterproof, while the undercoat is soft and dense. This double coat helps to keep them warm and dry.

The chest is deep, but with little tuck to the abdomen, although the waist should be clearly defined. This is a result of their unique skeletal structure.

Males and females are similar in size and appearance, with males being slightly taller and heavier. The breed ranges from 31 to 36 cm in height and 11 to 16 kg in weight.

Their coat colour is sable and varies from grey to brown, yellow and red shades of grey, to reddish brown. Many individuals are marked with a handsome “harness” on the shoulders extending down the neck.

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Grooming is a crucial aspect of dog ownership, and it's essential to understand the specific needs of your furry friend. The Swedish Vallhund's thick, coarse coat is relatively easy to maintain, but it does require regular brushing to prevent matting.

You should plan to brush your Swedish Vallhund at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent tangles. Expect periods of higher shedding twice a year, often in the spring and fall, when a daily brushing will help keep the fur under control.

Bathe your dog roughly every month, and check their nails monthly to see whether they need a trim. Also, look in their ears weekly for any abnormalities. Aim to brush their teeth daily.

Here's a quick rundown of the Swedish Vallhund's grooming needs:

When you're taking care of a Swedish Vallhund, it's essential to ensure they always have access to fresh water.

Feed your Swedish Vallhund a quality canine diet that's nutritionally balanced. Discuss the type of food and the amount with your vet, and regularly monitor your dog's weight. They can become overweight easily due to overfeeding.

Swedish Vallhunds eat 1 to 1.5 cups of food daily, divided into two meals. This helps prevent overeating and keeps them at a healthy weight.

Both Swedish Vallhunds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis have similar dietary needs, eating 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.

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Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement.

These dogs are relatively easy to train, especially when started early with obedience and socialization. They have good recall and are not prone to separation anxiety.

However, they can be willful at times, so it's essential to use reward-based training methods to keep them engaged. They are also prone to barking excessively if left alone for long periods.

Swedish Vallhunds are moderately open to meeting strangers and other dogs, but early socialization can help boost their comfort and confidence. They are also good watchdogs, but not the best at guarding their territory.

Here's a comparison of Swedish Vallhund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi trainability and intelligence:

As you can see, both breeds are relatively easy to train, but Pembroke Welsh Corgis are considered more intelligent. Swedish Vallhunds, on the other hand, are good at learning and responding to commands, but may require more patience and consistency.

Living with a Swedish Vallhund requires skillful training and socialization from an early age.

This breed is not ideal for first-time dog owners due to its high intelligence and activity needs.

The Swedish Vallhund is a great family dog that loves people and other dogs, but can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners.

With great personality comes great responsibility, so it's essential to ensure your Vallhund is well-trained and exercised.

A Swedish Vallhund that's not properly trained can become an excessive barker, causing noise disturbance issues.

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Living with a Pet can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the specific needs of your furry friend.

The Swedish Vallhund, for example, requires skillful training and proper socialization from an early age.

This breed is not a great first dog due to its high intelligence and activity needs.

A Vallhund is a great family dog, loving people and other dogs, but can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners.

If not properly trained, this dog can become an excessive barker, causing noise disturbance issues.

Proper exercise is also crucial, as a lack of physical activity can lead to stress and destructive behavior.

With great personality comes great responsibility, and understanding your breed's specific needs is vital to a successful pet ownership experience.

If you're considering bringing a Swedish Vallhund into your life, you'll want to think about your living situation. Apartment living can be a difficult combination for this breed.

They thrive in open space and need a specific job to keep them happy. This means a spacious yard or regular outdoor activities are a must.

Barking is a common trait in Swedish Vallhunds, and they make great alert watchdogs. If you live in close quarters with testy neighbors, this breed may not be the best fit.

But if you're willing to put in the work, a Swedish Vallhund can bring endless entertainment to your life. They'll create games for themselves and your family, keeping everyone on their toes.

To keep your Vallhund busy and happy, consider organized dog sport competitions or regular hikes and long walks.

The Swedish Vallhund is a smart dog that's highly trainable, making it a great companion for active families.

They tend to be talkative, so be prepared for some lively conversations with your Swedish Vallhund.

Their high energy level means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

The Swedish Vallhund and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are both recognized by some of the same organizations, but not all. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pembroke Welsh Corgi in 1934 as a Herding breed.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized by a wider range of organizations than the Swedish Vallhund. This includes the Federation Cynologique Internationale, the Continental Kennel Club, and the National Kennel Club.

Both breeds are recognized by the American Canine Registry, the American Kennel Club, and the America's Pet Registry. However, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi also has recognition from the Australian National Kennel Council and the United Kennel Club.

Here is a list of organizations that recognize each breed:

The Swedish Vallhund is a breed that's hard to resist, with its fantastic personality and high trainability making it a joy to have around. They are smart and can learn quickly with consistent training.

Their talkative nature means they'll keep you company and entertained, but it also requires a family that can engage with them and keep up with their high energy level.

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