Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Shepherd Dog
Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and German Shepherd Dog 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
German Shepherd Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 46 cm
61 – 65 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
33 – 37 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 17 years
9 – 13 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
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
4/5
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Characteristics
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
German Shepherd Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Protective
Easy to train
Large
Summary
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.
About German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium‑large, athletic working breed, highly intelligent and trainable. Loyal and naturally protective, it needs extensive daily mental and physical exercise. It has a double coat with notable shedding and is widely used in police, military, and search and rescue roles.
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