Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lakeland Terrier

Herding · Medium vs Terrier · Small

Quick take
  • Icelandic Sheepdog is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 17 lbs for the Lakeland Terrier.
  • The Lakeland Terrier typically lives longer (12–16 years).
  • The Lakeland Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitIcelandic SheepdogLakeland Terrier
Group
HerdingTerrier
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
IcelandEngland
Height (male)
17.5–18"14–15"
Height (female)
16.5–17"14–15"
Weight (male)
25–30 lbs17 lbs
Weight (female)
25–30 lbs17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years12–16 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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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 Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a bold, friendly, confident terrier from England's Lake District — fox-hunter with a square jaw. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as bold, friendly, confident.

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Icelandic Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders

Lakeland Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye problems
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes