Whippet vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Compare Whippet 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
Whippet
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 51 cm
41 – 46 cm
Weight
9 – 19 kg
10 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 14 years
13 – 17 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5
3/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Whippet
Low grooming
Medium
Icelandic Sheepdog
High energy
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Whippet
Medium sighthound combining racing speed with calm companionship. Sleek, lean and Greyhound‑like, with a short, easy‑care coat but little weather protection. Sensitive, gentle and people‑oriented, it needs kind training, safe chances to sprint, soft warm bedding and a stable, quiet home.
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.
Similar breeds
More breeds