Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog
Herding · Medium vs Herding · 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
Shetland SheepdogSmall
A bright, playful, energetic miniature Collie from the windswept Shetland Islands — keenly intelligent.
Weight: 15–25 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Icelandic Sheepdog is the larger breed at 25–30 lbs (males) vs 15–25 lbs for the Shetland Sheepdog.
- • The Shetland Sheepdog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Icelandic Sheepdog | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Herding |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Iceland | Scotland |
Height (male) | 17.5–18" | 13–16" |
Height (female) | 16.5–17" | 13–16" |
Weight (male) | 25–30 lbs | 15–25 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25–30 lbs | 15–25 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) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
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 Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a bright, playful, energetic miniature Collie from the windswept Shetland Islands — keenly intelligent. Originally from Scotland, this small herding breed typically weighs 15–25 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as bright, playful, energetic.
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Icelandic Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
Shetland Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Collie eye anomaly
- • MDR1 gene mutation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hypothyroidism