Swedish Lapphund
VS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Swedish Lapphund vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Swedish Lapphund 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
Swedish Lapphund
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 51 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
19 – 21 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 15 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
5/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
5/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Swedish Lapphund
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Easy to train
Medium
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Swedish Lapphund
The Swedish Lapphund is an ancient Nordic spitz‑type herding dog with a compact, sturdy build and thick black double coat. Lively, vocal and people‑oriented, it excels in herding and dog sports. Active, intelligent and sensitive, it needs regular exercise, training and close family contact.
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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