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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Comparison - Dog breed selector: Canis Islandicus or Deutscher Schäferhund or Chowdren? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow" Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Old German Shepherd Dog. Which is better: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
 
 
 
Name Icelandic Sheepdog Old German Shepherd Dog Chow Chow
OriginsIceland flagIceland Germany flagGermany China flagChina
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank14428276
Reviews316
User Ratings

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which is the smallest dog, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Medium Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Old German Shepherd Dog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow weight comparison:
20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) Male: 49-88 pounds (22-40 kg) Female: 44-83 pounds (20-37 kg) 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11.5 kg) Male: 68.5 pounds (31 kg), Female: 63.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow height comparison:
12-16 inches (31-41 cm) Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (36 cm) Male: 24 inches (57 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) 20 inches (51 cm)

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which is more expensive?
$800-$1000 Unknown $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Chow Chow is quite easy to get.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Old German Shepherd Dog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low: The Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Trainability
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow trainability comparison.
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Chow Chow dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chow Chow dogs are average defenders.
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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow behavior/temperament comparison:
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Aloof
Independent
Protective
Intelligent
Loyal
Quiet
Detached
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Chow Chow dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?
High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Chow Chow dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow social needs comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Chow Chow dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Chow Chow dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Chow Chow dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow playfulness comparison:
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Old German Shepherd Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Chow Chows are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?
A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog rarely barks.
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Low: The Chow Chow barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
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 Old German Shepherd Dog indoors.
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 Chow Chow indoors.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow 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.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Chow Chow dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Chow Chow dogs handle alone time quite well.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old German Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Chow Chow bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Chow Chow has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow mouthiness comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Chow Chow dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow health comparison. Which is the healthier: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Old German Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Chow Chow 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 Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Ectropion
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Old German Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Chow Chow should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow lifespan comparison. How long do Icelandic Sheepdog, Old German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Old German Shepherd Dog: 12 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Chow Chow: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?
Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
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 Chow Chow can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow energy level comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Chow Chow dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Chow Chow dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Chow Chow dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Chow Chow's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow coat comparison:
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Wiry
Fuzzy
Shaggy
Smooth
Rough
Colors
What are the original Icelandic Sheepdog, Old German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow color?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Black
Tan
Brown
Grey
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow grooming comparison:
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or {name3 shedding:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are heavy shedders.
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Chow Chow dogs shed above average.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Old German Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Chow Chow has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Old German Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Chow Chow is an average drooler.
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Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Chow Chow dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which dog is more friendly?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Chow Chow dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Chow Chow dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Old German Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Chow Chow dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Old German Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Chow Chow 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.
Old German Shepherd Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Chow Chows are not the best breed for elderly people.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow 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.
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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.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Icelandic Sheepdog or Old German Shepherd Dog or Chow Chow? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.

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.

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 Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow?

Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Old German Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Chow Chow 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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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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 Old German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow have?
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-6 puppies

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Old German Shepherd Dog vs Chow Chow 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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903 as a Non-Sporting breed.
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. Not recognized by FCI. 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.
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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