Icelandic Sheepdog
VS
Tosa
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Tosa
Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Tosa 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
Tosa
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
41 – 46 cm
70 – 75 cm
Weight
10 – 14 kg
60 – 90 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 17 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
1/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Tosa
Low grooming
Easy to train
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 Tosa
The Tosa is a large, powerful Japanese breed, calm and dignified at home yet naturally protective. Loyal and often devoted to one person, it needs experienced handling, early socialisation and consistent training. Short-coated but high-commitment, it faces legal restrictions in some countries.
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