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

Other Names What other names do they have?	Canis Islandicus Friaar Dog Iceland Dog Islandsk Farehond Islenskur Fjarhundur Icelandic Spitz	Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Is the Icelandic Sheepdog bigger than the Shetland Sheepdog breed? Is an Icelandic Sheepdog smaller than a Shetland Sheepdog?	Medium	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison:	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 Which is cheaper, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog?	$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

Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog smarter? Which is best? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:	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
Trainability Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	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 Ability Which is the better watchdog: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:	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

Playfulness Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:	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
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	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

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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone 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 Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	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
Biting Potential Is an Icelandic Sheepdog more dangerous than a Shetland Sheepdog?	Low 🔽 The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison:	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.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	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
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
Veterinarian Visits 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
Life Expectancy Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog?	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
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	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.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison:	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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Does the Icelandic Sheepdog breed eat more than the Shetland Sheepdog breed?	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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:	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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:	Dense Soft Wavy Thick Straight	Dense
Colors What are the original Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog color? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog color comparison:	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn Chocolate Gold	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:	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
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
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	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.
Hypoallergenic Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland 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, Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Medium ⏺ The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland 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 Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog?	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.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog?	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 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: Icelandic Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?	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
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 Shetland Sheepdog?	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.
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 Shetland 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog have? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog litter size comparison:	4-8 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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 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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