American Akita
American Akita
VS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdog

American Akita vs Icelandic Sheepdog

Compare American Akita and Icelandic Sheepdog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
American Akita
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 71 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
35 – 55 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
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Characteristics

American Akita
Super smart
Giant
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small

Summary

About American Akita
Large, powerful spitz-type dog with a broad, bear-like head and curled tail. Calm, loyal, and strongly protective with family, but reserved with strangers and often aloof with other dogs. Thick double coat sheds heavily. Intelligent, independent, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
About Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native spitz‑type herder, medium‑small, sturdy, and agile with a curled tail and thick double coat in varied colors. Cheerful, social, and vocal, it thrives on daily exercise, close family involvement, gentle training, and regular grooming.

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