Swedish Vallhund vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

Swedish Vallhund vs Border Terrier - Breed ComparisonBorder Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Swedish Vallhund is originated from Sweden. Border Terrier may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Swedish Vallhund. Border Terrier may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Swedish Vallhund. Both Border Terrier and Swedish Vallhund has same life span. Both Border Terrier and Swedish Vallhund has almost same litter size. Both Border Terrier and Swedish Vallhund requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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United Kingdom
Sweden
Height Male:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Height Female:
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Västgötaspets, Swedish cow dog
Colors Available:
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
Cream, grey, brown
Coat:
Short, dense and springy
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

border terrierAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

swedish vallhundKnown also as the Västgötaspets or Swedish cow dog, the Valhund hails from Sweden. It’s a herding dog, and was always a farm dog in that country.

It was in 1943 that the dog was first recognized as a breed by the Swedish Kennel Club. Only later, in 1996, did the American Kennel Club start registering the breed.

Description

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

swedish vallhund puppy - descriptionLooking much like a cross between a Corgi and the German Shepherd, the Swedish Valhund is a medium sized dog that stands between 30 and 34cm in height and weighs between 9 and 14kg.

His medium length weather-resistant coat is available in wolf like shades – cream, grey, brown etc. The tail can be long or bobbed and the medium sized ears are held erect.

Temperament:

Intelligent, confident, independent, alert, playful and active, your Swedish Valhund promises to make a good family pet.

You'll need to be an active, outdoor type of family though, as he isn’t a couch potato type of dog, snoozing in front of the TV.

He wants to be up and about going on long walks or playing ball games that give him a good run. If he gets his fair share of exercise he can adapt to life in the city or the countryside.

He is intelligent too and will respond well to training and socialization.

He just loves his human family and wants to be constantly with them. He won’t do well if you just keep him locked outside away from everyone. He is social, alert innovative and entertaining as well as being a good guard dog.

Characteristics

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

swedish vallhund dog - characteristicsYour Swedish Valhund is such a confident, independent dog and he promises to be a loving, faithful pet. He's also alert and will let you know if strangers are approaching his property.

He is a calm, easy going pet and is capable of adapting to quiet or noisy homes. He may be quite a strange looking dog, but he's got a whole lot of loving to give.

Health Problems

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

swedish vallhund puppies - health problemsCapable of living a long, healthy life, the Swedish Valhund isn’t likely to fall victim to some of the many dog illnesses there are, and yet it is wise to be alert to some of them that he could get.

One of these is an hereditary eye disease known as retinopathy. Its where there is degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells. This eye disease can lead to blindness.  

You need to be careful with this pet of yours, because with his long back and short legs he can so easily hurt his back if he leaps off a bed or high chair.

Whenever you pick this dog up, always support his legs and back. Don’t pick them up without supporting both the front legs and the rear end.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

swedish vallhund dogs - caringTry and feed your Swedish Valhund two meals a day instead of just one, so that he doesn’t gobble down his food too quickly.

Your dog can be prone to obesity, so you have to be careful with the way you feed him. Overfeeding a dog packs on extra weight and this puts strain on the joints.

Apart from the dry kibble that you feed him, try to include some tasty, nutritious homemade food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach.

This can all be chopped up and added to his dry kibble. Some raw meat added to the diet can only be to his benefit. Remember to always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water is available.

General Care:

Give his thick coat a brush twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing also stimulates the sebaceous glands that produces oil which gives the coat is sheen.

Open his mouth and check for rotting teeth which can be painful for him.

Trim his nails because left long, they can hook onto things and rip the skin open.

Check inside the ears too for redness which could mean an ear infection.You get dog wipes that you can wipe the ear out with. There are always professional dog groomers who can do these chores for you if you don't want to.

See that his vaccines are up to date and that if he shows signs of illness, you get him to the vet.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Border Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Border Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Border Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Border Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Border Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Border Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Border Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Border Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Border Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Border Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Border Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Border Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Border Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Border Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Border Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Border Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Border Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Border Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Border Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison