German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Deutscher Spitz or Canis Islandicus?

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog" Compare German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Spitz	Icelandic Sheepdog
Origins	Germany	Iceland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	344	144
Reviews	2	3
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Deutscher Spitz	Canis Islandicus Friaar Dog Iceland Dog Islandsk Farehond Islenskur Fjarhundur Icelandic Spitz
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Is the German Spitz bigger than the Icelandic Sheepdog breed? Is a German Spitz smaller than an Icelandic Sheepdog?	Small Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog weight comparison:	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)	20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	25 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Is a German Spitz taller than an Icelandic Sheepdog?	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)	12-16 inches (31-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)	14 inches (36 cm)

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog?	$800-$1000	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog smarter? Which is best? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog intelligence:	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable	Agile Energetic Alert Inquisitive Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog social needs comparison:	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog playfulness comparison:	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Spitz indoors.	It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Is a German Spitz more dangerous than an Icelandic Sheepdog?	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog?	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog energy level comparison:	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Does the German Spitz breed eat more than the Icelandic Sheepdog breed?	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog coat comparison:	Dense Straight	Dense Soft Wavy Thick Straight
Colors What are the original German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog color? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog color comparison:	Black White Orange Tricolor	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn Chocolate Gold
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog grooming comparison:	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Do German Spitz dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdog dogs?	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Can a German Spitz and an Icelandic Sheepdog be friends? Do German Spitz dogs get along with Icelandic Sheepdog dogs?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Yes German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: German Spitz or Icelandic Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can German Spitz and Icelandic Sheepdog have? German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog litter size comparison:	2-4 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc.

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - German Spitz vs Icelandic Sheepdog

Reviews