Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: 5 Key Differences

Pembroke Welsh Corgi with its Tongue Out
Kseniia Grigoreva/Shutterstock.com

Written by August Croft

Published: September 2, 2024

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All dogs with short legs are adorable, and the same can be said for both the Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi. Both of these dogs are herding breeds, with powerful little legs that get the job done! But in what ways are these breeds similar, and in what ways are they different? You may not know all of the similarities that these two dog breeds share, but it’s time to find out.

In this article, we will compare and contrast the Swedish Vallhund with the Corgi so that you can get a true understanding of both of these dog breeds. We will address their individual experiences as well as their ancestry and behavior. This way, you can learn to love and appreciate both of these breeds in no time! Let’s get started now. 

Comparing Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi
While Swedish Vallhunds are taller than Corgis, the average Corgi weighs more than the Swedish Vallhund.
Swedish VallhundCorgi
Size12-14 inches tall; 20-30 pounds10-12 inches tall; 22-35 pounds
AppearanceLong body with thick legs, particularly the back legs; comes in brown, yellow, blue, gray, and cream colors. Small and erect ears with an intense gaze. May or may not have a tail at birth.Has a long, rectangular body and short, cropped tail if they are a Pembroke; Cardigans have tails. Only comes in select colorings, including white, tricolor, sable, and red. Ears are large and erect.
AncestryOriginally bred in Europe for herding and dates as far back as viking timesAn old breed, likely from the year 1000 AD; bred originally in the countryside of Wales
BehaviorAn excellent herder who is eager to get the job done but may nip or herd young children or animals. Fantastic watch dog who is always alert and focusedSociable and lovable, as well as talkative. Eager to please and be where their owners are, as well as potentially aggressive in their desire to herd other animals or children
Lifespan12-15 years11-14 years

Key Differences Between Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

The Corgi was originally bred in the countryside of Wales, while the Swedish Vallhund existed throughout Europe as far back as ancient viking times.

There are many key differences between the Swedish Vallhund and the Corgi. While Swedish Vallhunds are taller than Corgis, the average Corgi weighs more than the Swedish Vallhund. The Corgi was originally bred in the countryside of Wales, while the Swedish Vallhund existed throughout Europe as far back as ancient viking times. Finally, the Corgi is a friendlier breed compared to the focused and alert Swedish Vallhund.

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now. 

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Size

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

Depending on gender, a Corgi may weigh anywhere from 22 to 35 pounds, while Swedish Vallhunds only weigh 20 to 30 pounds on average.

There’s something so lovable about both the Swedish Vallhund and the Corgi because of their short and stubby legs. Both of these dogs are not particularly tall, but the Swedish Vallhund is taller on average compared to Corgis. For example, Swedish Vallhunds grow anywhere from 12 to 14 inches tall, while Corgis average 10 to 12 inches tall total. 

However, Corgis weigh more than Swedish Vallhunds despite the fact that Swedish Vallhunds are taller than Corgis on average. Depending on gender, a Corgi may weigh anywhere from 22 to 35 pounds, while Swedish Vallhunds only weigh 20 to 30 pounds on average. While it is a slight difference, the Corgi has a larger bone structure compared to the Swedish Vallhund. 

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Appearance

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

The Swedish Vallhund is found more often than not in a shade of brown, while Corgis have a very strict set of colors that they are bred in to maintain their purebred status. 

You already know that both of these dogs share a similar body type, in that they are elongated and rectangular with short and stubby legs. However, the Swedish Vallhund is found more often than not in a shade of brown, while Corgis have a very strict set of colors that they are bred in to maintain their purebred status. 

Another interesting fact about the Swedish Vallhund is that they can be born with or without tails, while Corgis get their tails docked at a young age if they are Pembroke Corgis. Cardigan Welsh Corgis maintain their tails, though these tails do appear similar to the tails of the Swedish Vallhund. The ears of the Swedish Vallhund are smaller than the ears of the Corgi.

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Ancestry and Breeding

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

You may have already guessed, but the Swedish Vallhund was bred in Sweden and distributed throughout Europe, while the Corgi was originally bred in the Welsh countryside.

Both of these dog breeds are farm and herding dogs. However, they were originally bred in very different locations. You may have already guessed, but the Swedish Vallhund was bred in Sweden and distributed throughout Europe, while the Corgi was originally bred in the Welsh countryside. They are both capable farm hands and working dogs, despite their differing origin stories! 

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Behavior

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

The Swedish Vallhund has a more focused and alert energy compared to the laid back Corgi, making Vallhunds more reliable as a watchdog.

When it comes to the behavior of these two working dogs, there are a few differences between them. For example, the Corgi is regarded as a much friendlier dog compared to the Swedish Vallhund. However, both of them have the tendency to nip at the heels of young children or other animals given their herding background. The Swedish Vallhund has a more focused and alert energy compared to the laid back Corgi, making Vallhunds more reliable as a watchdog.

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi: Lifespan

Swedish Vallhund vs Corgi

While both of these dogs need to be kept at a healthy weight and given plenty of exercise in order to maintain their spines and legs, the Swedish Vallhund lives slightly longer than the Corgi on average.

The final difference between Corgis and Swedish Vallhunds is their lifespan. While both of these dogs need to be kept at a healthy weight and given plenty of exercise in order to maintain their spines and legs, the Swedish Vallhund lives slightly longer than the Corgi on average. For example, Swedish Vallhunds live 13 to 15 years, while Corgis live 12 to 14 years, depending on the individual dog and the care that it receives.

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About the Author

August Croft

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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