SDOG vs. DFLV

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and DFLV (Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. SDOG is passively managed, while DFLV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SDOG returned 16.93%/yr vs 18.72%/yr for DFLV. Their correlation of 0.88 means they have usually moved in the same direction. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFLV.

Performance

SDOG vs. DFLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SDOG having a 21.12% return and DFLV slightly higher at 21.70%.

SDOG

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 3.78%
• 6M: 10.94%
• YTD: 21.12%
• 1Y: 30.19%
• 3Y*: 16.93%
• 5Y*: 10.90%
• 10Y*: 9.72%
• ALL TIME*: 11.79%

DFLV

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 3.77%
• 6M: 13.78%
• YTD: 21.70%
• 1Y: 34.69%
• 3Y*: 18.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.91%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DFLV Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF	$28.52M	$29.26M	$30.59M
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	$3.61M	$3.57M	$3.76M

SDOG vs. DFLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	21.12%	11.12%	14.70%	4.19%	-0.78%
DFLV Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF	21.70%	15.90%	12.88%	12.31%	-0.94%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and DFLV is 0.78, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2022	0.88

The correlation between SDOG and DFLV shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDOG vs. DFLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	DFLV
Consumer Cyclical	16.8%	7.4%
Technology	11.2%	11.4%
Healthcare	10.5%	14.5%
Utilities	10.5%	-
Financial Services	10.3%	22.2%
Consumer Defensive	10.2%	4.4%
Energy	9.6%	14.4%
Communication Services	9.4%	4.7%
Industrials	8.3%	13.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	6.8%
Real Estate	-	0.4%

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. DFLV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SDOG

SDOG Risk / Return Rank: 92
SDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 90
SDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 91

DFLV

DFLV Risk / Return Rank: 95
DFLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
DFLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
DFLV Omega Ratio Rank: 95
DFLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
DFLV Martin Ratio Rank: 96

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SDOG vs. DFLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SDOG	DFLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.62	3.12	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.95	4.32	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.57	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.86	6.36	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.67	23.54	-6.87

SDOG vs. DFLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.62, which is comparable to the DFLV Sharpe Ratio of 3.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and DFLV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SDOG vs. DFLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, which is greater than DFLV's maximum drawdown of -16.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and DFLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	DFLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-16.80%	-26.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-5.48%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-16.80%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.85%	-0.13%	-1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-2.95%	-1.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.82%	1.48%	+0.34%

Volatility

SDOG vs. DFLV - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) has a higher volatility of 3.98% compared to Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF (DFLV) at 2.53%. This indicates that SDOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	DFLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	2.53%	+1.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.45%	8.02%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.59%	11.16%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.33%	14.06%	+1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.98%	14.06%	+4.92%

SDOG vs. DFLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than DFLV's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. DFLV - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.31%, more than DFLV's 1.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFLV Dimensional US Large Cap Value ETF	1.34%	1.61%	1.65%	1.72%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.31%	3.68%	3.86%	4.29%	3.87%	3.62%	3.63%	3.37%	4.03%	3.27%	3.32%	3.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDOG and DFLV in my portfolio?

SDOG and DFLV have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDOG or DFLV?

SDOG has higher volatility (3.98%) compared to DFLV (2.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs DFLV's -16.80%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or DFLV?

On 3-year performance, DFLV leads with 18.72% vs 16.93% for SDOG. On fees, DFLV is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or DFLV?

Over the 3-year period, DFLV has performed better with a 18.72% return vs 16.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or DFLV?

DFLV is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for SDOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDOG or DFLV?

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.31%, compared with 1.34% for DFLV.

What is the main difference between SDOG and DFLV?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.22% for DFLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 vs 2.62), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.