Irish Wolfhound
VS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Irish Wolfhound vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Irish Wolfhound and Icelandic 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
Irish Wolfhound
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
71 – 90 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
40 – 69 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
6 – 8 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
1/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Irish Wolfhound
Great with kids
Quiet
Giant
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, tall hounds with a strong yet graceful build and a rough, weather‑resistant coat. Calm, gentle and sensitive, they are low‑key indoors but need steady exercise and space. They have notable health risks and a relatively short lifespan, so careful breeding and care are vital.
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.
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