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Swedish Vallhund vs Labrador Retriever

Discover the differences between Swedish Vallhund and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Swedish Vallhund
Sweden

Swedish Vallhund

Herding Group
Medium

Energetic, alert, and affectionate, this breed thrives as an active family companion. Compact and spirited, it combines a love of play with a keen herding instinct.

Labrador Retriever
Canada

Labrador Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

11–16 kg

Coat:

Double coat, harsh outer layer

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

9–14 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–36 kg

Coat:

Short double coat, water-resistant

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Swedish Vallhund

Friendliness
4/5

Sociable and enjoys interacting with people and pets

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner and easily understands new commands

Energy Level
5/5

Highly energetic and needs regular activity

Playfulness
4/5

Likes games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to different living environments

Labrador Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with people and animals

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts easily to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Swedish Vallhund

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–75 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Labrador Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Swedish Vallhund

First-time Owner
3/5

Moderately suitable

Intelligent but may challenge inexperienced owners with stubbornness

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Active breed needs more exercise than most apartments allow

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Thrives with regular activity and enjoys participating in family outings

Kids
4/5

Good companion

Generally patient but supervision with small children is important

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually friendly

Can coexist well if socialized early with other pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Prone to boredom and destructive behavior if left alone too long

Labrador Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Swedish Vallhund

  • Alert and reliable watchdog instincts
  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn
  • Strong herding drive and agility
  • Loyal and affectionate with family
  • Generally robust and healthy breed

Labrador Retriever

  • Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Excellent with children and families
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
  • Generally adaptable to various living situations

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Swedish Vallhund

  • Needs daily physical and mental exercise
  • Prone to barking if under-stimulated
  • Can be reserved with strangers
  • May herd children or other pets
  • Sheds heavily seasonally

Labrador Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • Can become destructive if under-exercised
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
  • May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Needs significant daily physical activity

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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