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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Comparison – Which dog is better Canis Islandicus or Nihon Supittsu?

"Find similarities and differences between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz" Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz. Which is better: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
 
 
 
Name Icelandic Sheepdog Japanese Spitz
OriginsIceland flagIceland Japan flagJapan
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank144229
Reviews39
User Ratings

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Is the Icelandic Sheepdog bigger than the Japanese Spitz breed? Is an Icelandic Sheepdog smaller than a Japanese Spitz?
Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz weight comparison:
20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) 11-20 pounds (5-10 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11.5 kg) 15.5 pounds (7.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Is an Icelandic Sheepdog taller than a Japanese Spitz?
12-16 inches (31-41 cm) 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (36 cm) 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz?
$800-$1000 $500-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Average: The Japanese Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz smarter? Which is best? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz trainability comparison. What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz behavior/temperament comparison:
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Proud
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Japanese Spitz dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz social needs comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Japanese Spitz 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 Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz? Which can be better for hunting?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz playfulness comparison:
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Japanese Spitz is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
A lot: Japanese Spitz is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Spitz breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Spitz dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Japanese Spitz dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Spitz bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is an Icelandic Sheepdog more dangerous than a Japanese Spitz?

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz mouthiness comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz health comparison. Which is the healthier: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Japanese Spitz is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Patellar Luxation
Runny Eyes
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Japanese Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz lifespan comparison. How long do Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Spitz: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
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 Japanese Spitz can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz energy level comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Japanese Spitz dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Japanese Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz coat comparison:
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Thick
Colors
What are the original Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz color? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz color comparison:
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz grooming comparison:
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Japanese Spitz requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed more than Japanese Spitz dogs?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Japanese Spitz dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
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.
Hypoallergenic
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Japanese Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Japanese Spitz dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Japanese Spitz dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? Can an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Japanese Spitz be friends? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs get along with Japanese Spitz dogs?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Japanese Spitz dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Japanese Spitz 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
Japanese Spitz 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.
Japanese Spitzs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Icelandic Sheepdog or Japanese Spitz? 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.
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: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz?

Not really

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

Not really

Japanese Spitz 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.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz have? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 1-6 puppies

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz

Reviews

  • Sunna Líf

    Feb 13, 2020, 4:53:47 PM:

    Im from Iceland and have owned And bred Icelandic sheepdogs for over 20 years and this information about Icelandic sheepdog is not right at all!!