Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Swedish Vallhund

Choosing between Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Swedish Vallhund? They are a similar size, so the real deciding factors are lifestyle and temperament: Swedish Vallhund is the higher-energy of the two, while Pembroke Welsh Corgi is happier with a calmer routine. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Swedish Vallhund: full comparison

TraitPembroke Welsh CorgiSwedish Vallhund
SizeSmallSmall
Energy levelMediumHigh
TrainabilityHighHigh
FriendlinessVery HighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsMediumMedium
SheddingVery HighHigh
BarkingHighHigh
ProtectivenessMediumMedium
AdaptabilityVery HighHigh
Typical lifespan13 years14 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Swedish Vallhund is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Swedish Vallhund demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Swedish Vallhund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi takes to training fast and works willingly, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Swedish Vallhund takes to training fast and works willingly, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Pembroke Welsh Corgi will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Swedish Vallhund will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Swedish Vallhund if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Swedish Vallhund better for families with children?
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Swedish Vallhund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Swedish Vallhund?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds more than the Swedish Vallhund. If shedding is a concern, the Swedish Vallhund is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Swedish Vallhund?
Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Swedish Vallhund bigger?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Swedish Vallhund are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Swedish Vallhund?
Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Swedish Vallhund?
For apartment or apartment living, Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

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