Icelandic Sheepdog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Swedish Vallhund has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Alert
Fearless
Watchful
Energetic
Friendly

Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Swedish Vallhunds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Swedish Vallhunds make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Iceland

Sweden

nordic spitz

Spitz, Corgi

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
New Zealand Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

874 - 930 AD

Ancient Times

Herding (AKC:2010 & UKC)

Herding (AKC:2007 & UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Sable
Red
Gray

Icelandic Sheepdogs have medium-length coats.

Swedish Vallhunds have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

An Icelandic Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Swedish Vallhund can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Retinopathy

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Hip Dysplasia

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Full Physical Examination

Icelandic Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Swedish Vallhunds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Icelandic Sheepdog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Swedish Vallhund has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Swedish Vallhunds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Icelandic Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Swedish Vallhunds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

The Swedish Vallhund is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

While Icelandic Sheepdog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Swedish Vallhund dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

Sleeping, Kissing, Barking, Chasing runners, Cuddling, Eating

Fetch, Swim

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Icelandic Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Swedish Vallhund, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Icelandic Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Swedish Vallhunds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Icelandic Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Swedish Vallhund should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

The average cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a Swedish Vallhund is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Icelandic Sheepdog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Swedish Vallhund is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Swedish Vallhunds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly friendly around strangers.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Swedish Vallhunds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.