Shiba Inu vs Swedish Vallhund
Non-Sporting · Small vs Herding · Small
Shiba InuSmall
An alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme.
Weight: 23 lbsLifespan: 13–16 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
- • Swedish Vallhund is the larger breed at 20–35 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
- • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
- • The Swedish Vallhund is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Shiba Inu | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Herding |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | Japan | Sweden |
Height (male) | 14.5–16.5" | 12.5–13.75" |
Height (female) | 13.5–15.5" | 11.5–12.75" |
Weight (male) | 23 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Weight (female) | 17 lbs | 20–35 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–16 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | medium | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.
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
Shiba Inu health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies
Swedish Vallhund health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders