Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Setter
Herding · Medium vs Sporting · Large
Icelandic SheepdogMedium
A friendly, hardy, herding Spitz from Iceland — the country's only native breed, brought by Vikings.
Weight: 25–30 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Irish SetterLarge
An active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy.
Weight: 70 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Setter is the larger breed at 70 lbs (males) vs 25–30 lbs for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
- • The Irish Setter typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Irish Setter has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Setter sheds less.
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Iceland | Ireland |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 27" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 25" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 70 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 60 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a friendly, hardy, herding Spitz from Iceland — the country's only native breed, brought by Vikings. Originally from Iceland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 25–30 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, hardy, cheerful.
About the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as active, outgoing, sweet-tempered.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Irish Setter health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Epilepsy
- • Eye disorders