Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog and Swedish Vallhund

Icelandic Sheepdog and Swedish Vallhund are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog
Photo: Alan Levine, CC BY 2.0, source
Swedish Vallhund
Photo: Matt Lemmon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Icelandic SheepdogSwedish Vallhund
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originIcelandSweden
CategoryMediumSmall
Recognition features
  • Nordic herding spitz slightly under medium size, rectangular, with erect ears and a curled tail
  • Two coat types, short and long, both thick and weather-resistant
  • Gentle, intelligent, happy expression; marked sexual dimorphism
  • Small, low-set sturdy dog in grey to reddish-brown shades
  • Height-to-length ratio 2:3; tail long or naturally short
  • Lighter harness markings on shoulders and cheek markings
Coat–Medium-length, hard, close topcoat with soft dense undercoat; grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow or reddish brown with lighter harness markings.
PurposeIceland's native herding dog, used on farms to gather sheep and livestock.Swedish herding dog (heeler) that nips cattle at the heels; low and sturdy.

Breed page: Icelandic Sheepdog · Breed page: Swedish Vallhund

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.