Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdog
VS
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shetland Sheepdog

Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Shetland 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 46 cm
35 – 37 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
6 – 12 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 17 years
12 – 13 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
5/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
5/5
Barking level
4/5
5/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
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Characteristics

Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small

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 Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium, agile herding breed with a dense double coat and striking colors. Bright, sensitive, and very people focused, it bonds closely with family, is reserved with strangers, excels in dog sports, and needs regular grooming, daily walks, and mental exercise.

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