Icelandic Sheepdog vs Puggle

Herding · Medium vs Miscellaneous · Small

Quick take
  • Icelandic Sheepdog is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 18–30 lbs for the Puggle.
  • The Icelandic Sheepdog typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitIcelandic SheepdogPuggle
Group
HerdingMiscellaneous
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
IcelandUSA
Height (male)
17.5–18"13–15"
Height (female)
16.5–17"13–15"
Weight (male)
25–30 lbs18–30 lbs
Weight (female)
25–30 lbs18–30 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–14 years10–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
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)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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 Puggle

The Puggle is a friendly, sociable, playful Pug × Beagle hybrid — pug face, beagle personality, perfect city dog. Originally from USA, this small miscellaneous breed typically weighs 18–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, sociable, playful.

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Icelandic Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders

Puggle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Eye disorders