Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Canis Islandicus or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland 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	Icelandic Sheepdog	Shetland Sheepdog
Origins	Iceland	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	144	24
Reviews	3	6
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?	Canis Islandicus Friaar Dog Iceland Dog Islandsk Farehond Islenskur Fjarhundur Icelandic Spitz	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Shetland Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Medium	Medium
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?	20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	25 pounds (11.5 kg)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height Which is taller, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Is an Icelandic Sheepdog taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?	12-16 inches (31-41 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	14 inches (36 cm)	14.5 inches (37 cm)

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?	Agile Energetic Alert Inquisitive Cheerful	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.	A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?	Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Frequent The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn Chocolate Gold	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.	Dense Soft Wavy Thick Straight	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Can an Icelandic Sheepdog and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Yes Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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.	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.	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 Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: an Icelandic Sheepdog or a Shetland Sheepdog? 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. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?	4-8 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 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 Canadian Canine Registry

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