Icelandic Sheepdog vs Schipperke
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
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Icelandic Sheepdog is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Schipperke sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Iceland | Belgium |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 12–14 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
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 | long | medium |
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 Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
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Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism