Newfoundland vs Swedish Vallhund

Working · Giant vs Herding · Small

Quick take
  • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 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 Swedish Vallhund sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitNewfoundlandSwedish Vallhund
Group
WorkingHerding
Size
GiantSmall
Origin
CanadaSweden
Height (male)
28"12.5–13.75"
Height (female)
26"11.5–12.75"
Weight (male)
130–150 lbs20–35 lbs
Weight (female)
100–120 lbs20–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–10 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Low (2/5)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.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)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
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.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.

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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Newfoundland health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Cystinuria

Swedish Vallhund health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders