Hovawart vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Hovawart 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
Hovawart
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
58 – 70 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
25 – 50 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
4/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
About Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a cheerful, medium spitz herder from Iceland, with prick ears, curled tail, and a thick weatherproof coat. Friendly, vocal, and people oriented, it thrives on companionship, regular exercise, training, and varied activities like herding and agility.
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