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

Irish Water Spaniel has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Unfortunately, the Swedish Vallhund is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Alert
Fearless
Watchful
Energetic
Friendly

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

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

Irish Water Spaniels shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Sweden

Ireland

Spitz, Corgi

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Ancient Times

1800s

Herding (AKC:2007 & UKC)

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Brown

Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Sable
Red
Gray

Brown

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

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Straight

Curly

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.

An Irish Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-12 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.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Irish Water Spaniels are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Swedish Vallhunds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Retinopathy

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Hip Dysplasia

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Eye
Hips
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Full Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

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

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

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

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Swedish Vallhund minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

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

Irish Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

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

Fetch, Swim

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Swedish Vallhunds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Swedish Vallhund requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

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

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel 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.

Swedish Vallhund has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Swedish Vallhunds have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

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

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

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

Irish Water Spaniels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Swedish Vallhunds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Irish Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Swedish Vallhunds are highly friendly around strangers.

Irish Water Spaniels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

Irish Water Spaniels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Swedish Vallhunds are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.