Icelandic Sheepdog vs Lhasa Apso
Herding · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
Lhasa ApsoSmall
A confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside.
Weight: 12–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Icelandic Sheepdog is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
- • The Lhasa Apso typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Lhasa Apso sheds less.
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Iceland | Tibet |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 10–11" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 10–11" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 12–18 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 12–18 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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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 Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside. Originally from Tibet, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, comical.
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Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Lhasa Apso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye disorders
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Skin issues
- • Kidney disease