Icelandic Sheepdog vs Saint Bernard
Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Saint Bernard 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
Saint Bernard
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 46 cm
65 – 90 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
60 – 100 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 17 years
8 – 10 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
5/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Saint Bernard
Great with kids
Giant
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 Saint Bernard
Large, gentle mountain dog developed by Swiss monks for rescue and companionship. Calm and affectionate, especially with children, but very big, drooly, and heavy shedding. Needs moderate exercise, careful joint and health management, and close inclusion in family life.
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