Icelandic Sheepdog
VS
Shih Tzu
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu
Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 46 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 17 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
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 Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
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