Swedish Vallhund vs Yorkshire Terrier

Herding · Small vs Toy · Toy

Quick take
  • Swedish Vallhund is the larger breed at 20–35 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Yorkshire Terrier.
  • The Swedish Vallhund typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Yorkshire Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitSwedish VallhundYorkshire Terrier
Group
HerdingToy
Size
SmallToy
Origin
SwedenEngland
Height (male)
12.5–13.75"7–8"
Height (female)
11.5–12.75"7–8"
Weight (male)
20–35 lbs7 lbs
Weight (female)
20–35 lbs7 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years11–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)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.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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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.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty, brave, tomboyish toy terrier with a glamorous floor-length silk coat. Originally from England, this toy toy breed typically weighs 7 lbs and lives 11–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.

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Swedish Vallhund health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders

Yorkshire Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Liver shunt
  • Dental disease