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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Canis Islandicus or Little Blue Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Icelandic Sheepdog Australian Shepherd
OriginsIceland flagIceland United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank14417
Reviews37
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Is an Icelandic Sheepdog taller than an Australian Shepherd?
12-16 inches (31-41 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (36 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
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 Australian Shepherd indoors.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd?
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Australian Shepherd? Can an Icelandic Sheepdog and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Icelandic Sheepdog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Icelandic Sheepdog and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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