Icelandic Sheepdog vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Herding · Medium vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the larger breed at 30–50 lbs (males) vs 25–30 lbs for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • The Polish Lowland Sheepdog sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitIcelandic SheepdogPolish Lowland Sheepdog
Group
HerdingHerding
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
IcelandPoland
Height (male)
17.5–18"18–20"
Height (female)
16.5–17"17–19"
Weight (male)
25–30 lbs30–50 lbs
Weight (female)
25–30 lbs30–50 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years12–14 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)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)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)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longlong
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a clever, lively, perceptive Polish shaggy herder — shaggy-coated dog known for memory and adaptability. Originally from Poland, this medium herding breed typically weighs 30–50 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as clever, lively, perceptive.

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Icelandic Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders

Polish Lowland Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders