Icelandic Sheepdog vs Newfoundland
Herding · Medium vs Working · Giant
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
NewfoundlandGiant
A sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast.
Weight: 130–150 lbsLifespan: 9–10 years
Quick take
- • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 lbs (males) vs 25–30 lbs for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Working |
Size | Medium | Giant |
Origin | Iceland | Canada |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 28" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 26" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 130–150 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 100–120 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 9–10 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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 Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.
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Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Newfoundland health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Cystinuria