Mastiff vs Swedish Vallhund
Working · Giant vs Herding · Small
MastiffGiant
A courageous, dignified, good-natured giant — one of the most ancient breeds, formerly war dogs.
Weight: 160–230 lbsLifespan: 6–10 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
- • Mastiff is the larger breed at 160–230 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 Mastiff sheds less.
- • The Swedish Vallhund is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Mastiff | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Herding |
Size | Giant | Small |
Origin | England | Sweden |
Height (male) | 30" | 12.5–13.75" |
Height (female) | 27.5" | 11.5–12.75" |
Weight (male) | 160–230 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Weight (female) | 120–170 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–10 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | 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 High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | 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. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | short | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Mastiff
The Mastiff is a courageous, dignified, good-natured giant — one of the most ancient breeds, formerly war dogs. Originally from England, this giant working breed typically weighs 160–230 lbs and lives 6–10 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, good-natured.
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.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Mastiff health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Heart disease
- • Cancer
Swedish Vallhund health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders