Schapendoes vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Schapendoes 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
Schapendoes
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 50 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
18 – 22 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
11 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
Characteristics
Schapendoes
Great with kids
Medium
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Schapendoes
Cheerful Dutch herding breed with a shaggy, low‑shedding but high‑maintenance coat. Medium, athletic and agile, it needs daily exercise and mental work yet is calm and cuddly indoors. Intelligent, sensitive and people focused, it suits active, engaged owners and varied dog sports.
About Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a cheerful, medium spitz herder from Iceland, with prick ears, curled tail, and a thick weatherproof coat. Friendly, vocal, and people oriented, it thrives on companionship, regular exercise, training, and varied activities like herding and agility.
Similar breeds
More breeds