Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old English Sheepdog
Herding · Medium vs Herding · 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
Old English SheepdogLarge
An adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes.
Weight: 60–100 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 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.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Herding |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Iceland | England |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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 Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes. Originally from England, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as adaptable, smart, gentle.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Old English Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Deafness