Shetland Sheepdog
VS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
35 – 37 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
6 – 12 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 13 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
5/5
3/5
Barking level
5/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Shetland Sheepdog
High energy
Super smart
Small
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Summary
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.
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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