Irish Wolfhound vs Swedish Vallhund
Hound · Giant vs Herding · Small
Irish WolfhoundGiant
A courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound.
Weight: 120 lbsLifespan: 6–8 years
Swedish VallhundSmall
A friendly, energetic, watchful Viking Spitz — Sweden's 'Wolf Dog of the Vikings', resembles a Corgi.
Weight: 20–35 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 20–35 lbs for the Swedish Vallhund.
- • The Swedish Vallhund typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Swedish Vallhund has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Wolfhound sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Herding |
Size | Giant | Small |
Origin | Ireland | Sweden |
Height (male) | 32–34" | 12.5–13.75" |
Height (female) | 30–32" | 11.5–12.75" |
Weight (male) | 120 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Weight (female) | 105 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–8 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | 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 | wirehaired | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound. Originally from Ireland, this giant hound breed typically weighs 120 lbs and lives 6–8 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, calm.
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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Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
Swedish Vallhund health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders