Corgi vs. Swedish Vallhund: How do you decide? Well, first you must know that both are highly intelligent cattle herders with a lot of energy and love to give. But there are differences as well. Corgis are a lot more outgoing, and Vallhunds have a much stronger prey drive.
Corgi vs. Swedish Vallhund – if you’re trying to choose, you’ve come to the right place. Both are pretty similar dogs in terms of appearance. They’re both short, stumpy, and fluffy, and they are noisy when they want to be (which feels like always). They’re impressive herding dogs despite their size. Plus, they both have a history rooted in keeping cattle under control, which often raises the question of whether they’re related.
However, just because they have a lot of similarities doesn’t mean they are the same. There are plenty of differences between these breeds that can make one more suited to your lifestyle than the other. Not sure whether you want a little Viking or a Welsh fairy dog? That’s why I’m here – to help you figure out which breed is right for you.
Let’s take a look at these awesome breeds together and see which one clicks with your family.
Key Takeaways:
- Both Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds are herding dogs with a lot of energy
- Corgis are more social and outgoing than Vallhunds
- Swedish Vallhunds tend to have a higher prey drive than Corgis
- Both Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds are highly intelligent
- They’re very stubborn dogs with a lot of love to give
What are Corgis?
Corgis are cattle-herding dogs that originated in Wales, and they first appeared around AD 1100. There are two types of Corgi: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. They have slight differences between them in terms of height and build.
They’re high-energy dogs that are descended from Spitz dogs, hence the fox ears and pointed face. However, they’re far enough apart from them that they don’t share all of the traits commonly associated with Spitz types. They’re intelligent and loving dogs with a lot of personality.
What are Swedish Vallhunds?
Swedish Vallhunds, or Västgötaspets, are cattle-herding dogs that date back well over 1,000 years and were brought over to the UK by the Vikings. They almost went extinct in 1942, but were brought back through careful breeding – something that is still very strict and regulated worldwide. Today, they are bred in around ten countries.
They are Spitz dogs, as defined by their fox-like faces and curly tails. This means they share many personality traits with breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes. However, like Corgis, they can be born with a full tail, no tail, or a little bobtail (my boy has a full tail, and my girl has no tail). Like Corgis, there is a very rare chance of a Vallhund being born all-white.
What’s it like training Corgis vs. Swedish Vallhunds?
Yes, both Corgis and Vallhunds are exceptionally bright dogs and their intelligence levels are certainly up there with the smartest breeds. But training them can be a little bit tricky, especially with the stumpy Vikings. Corgis are very stubborn dogs, and they don’t always want to do as they’re told. However, they are also eager to please and easier to persuade.
Swedish Vallhunds are very independent and stubborn, a combination that can become frustrating if you have never owned dogs before. You need to be experienced and consistent with them, and it can be a real struggle. My little lady is the most stubborn dog I have ever met. I had a hard time with her despite being very experienced!
Do Corgis or Swedish Vallhunds have more energy?
Corgis and Vallhunds are equal on the energy scale. Both are incredibly active and high-energy dogs who need a lot of exercise. At a minimum, they should be walked for an hour a day. Mine usually go for two hours and we take a seven-mile trek across the beach together, which keeps them happy and chilled for the rest of the day.
Do Corgis or Swedish Vallhunds bark more?
Both breeds are pretty noisy, but Vallhuds are the winners here. As loud as Corgis can be, it’s nothing compared to the Husky levels of singing that Vallhunds come up with. Sometimes, I find myself begging them to just not bark at the sound of a leaf falling from the tree outside. A lot of the time, it just means it’s time for their daily walk so they can calm down a little.
As with any breed, you can train them to help manage the barking. It’s definitely more effective with Corgis. Despite my efforts, both of my Vallhunds have remained incredibly talkative (which can be a curse for an introvert like me).
Pro Tip: Valls are considered one of the most vocal breeds in the world, topped only by huskies.
Do Corgis or Swedish Vallhunds shed more?
This one is for Corgis, as they are definitely the worst shedders. Both breeds have double coats, which means they shed a lot and go through mass shedding periods when they are blowing out their coats and growing the winter ones. However, where Vallhunds only need to be brushed once a week, you need to groom Corgis 2-3 times per week.
What are the differences in health issues between Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds?
So, there are some pretty big differences between the health issues found in Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds. This is mainly because Corgis are a very popular breed, and Vallhunds are less well-known, with a much smaller and stricter breeding community that tends to be highly selective in a bid to keep the breed as close to their Viking ancestors as possible.
Vallhunds have the potential to suffer from classic illnesses such as dysplasia and arthritis. A condition that is more commonly found in the breed is an inherited form of progressive retinal atrophy that can lead to night blindness when they are around ten years old. Since it affects almost 35% of the Vallhund population, it is now tested as a pre-breeding standard.
Corgis, on the other hand, have more potential health problems based on the fact they have been bred to have shorter legs and the popularity of the breed leading to less stringent breeding regulations. These conditions include:
- Monorchidism
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- IVDD
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Which is better for first-time dog owners?
Corgis are better for first-time dog owners. This is because they are easier to train, despite their stubbornness. Vallhunds are more independent and strong-willed, which means it can be difficult to train them with no experience. They also have a higher prey drive, which makes them harder to handle when you’re out on a walk and they see something tasty.
What are Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds like with pets and children?
Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds can both make great family pets with the right care and training. They need to be socialised with children and other pets from a young age, and you do need to be aware that they are likely to nip at the heels of children and adults because of their herding instincts. This is something you can train out of them with time and patience.
Vallhunds are usually good with cats, especially if they grow up with them, but they do have a high prey drive which means they might not always get along. My Vallhunds are good with cats, but even though my oldest one grew up with them he will still chase the cats on occasion if they move too suddenly. Corgis, on the other hand, tend to have a lower prey drive. They usually get along well with cats, if introduced in the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds good in apartments?
Both Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds are good in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are high-energy working dogs, which means they need plenty of walks and time to run around outside. Since they are very intelligent, this also means they need games and toys to keep their minds active as well.
Are Corgis more expensive than Swedish Vallhunds?
Swedish Vallhunds are often more expensive than Corgis. This is because Vallhunds are a rare breed, and the community tends to be very strict about breeding and who they go to. As a result, litters are usually pre-sold. Plus, they go through much more extensive selection processes for studding. However, Corgis can be just as expensive from some breeders.
Are Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds Related?
We don’t know if Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds are related. There are theories that Corgis are descended from the ancient Vallhunds after they were brought over by the Vikings. However, there is no concrete evidence and all we really have to go on is the fact they are both very stumpy and share similar features.
Final thoughts
Swedish Vallhunds and Corgis are fantastic dogs, and both breeds will be able to give you a lot of love and happy memories. But they can also be stubborn, difficult to handle, and their strong work ethic means they will actively herd you and anything else that gives them cattle vibes. Despite this, they are some of the most loyal dogs around.
However, Swedish Vallhunds are more suited to those who have experience with dogs. They’re spitz dogs, which means they have the same stubbornness and independence you find in Huskies and Malamutes alongside all the sass. Corgis are stubborn, yes, but they are also easier to handle and a lot easier. Whichever you choose, you’re going to love them.
