German Shorthaired Pointer vs Swedish Vallhund

Sporting · Large vs Herding · Small

Quick take
  • German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger breed at 55–70 lbs (males) vs 20–35 lbs for the Swedish Vallhund.
  • The Swedish Vallhund typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer has higher daily energy needs.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds less.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGerman Shorthaired PointerSwedish Vallhund
Group
SportingHerding
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
GermanySweden
Height (male)
23–25"12.5–13.75"
Height (female)
21–23"11.5–12.75"
Weight (male)
55–70 lbs20–35 lbs
Weight (female)
45–60 lbs20–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.

About the Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a friendly, energetic, watchful Viking Spitz — Sweden's 'Wolf Dog of the Vikings', resembles a Corgi. Originally from Sweden, this small herding breed typically weighs 20–35 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, energetic, watchful.

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German Shorthaired Pointer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye conditions
  • Lymphedema

Swedish Vallhund health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders