Brittany vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Brittany
Sporting Group
Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Brittany Overview
Brittanys are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive orange and white or liver and white coats. Their athletic build features a medium-sized, compact body with a deep chest and strong legs. Known for their alert expression and intelligent eyes, these dogs carry themselves with grace and agility. Their gentle expression and medium-length coat complement their enthusiastic and friendly demeanor.
Icelandic Sheepdog Overview
Icelandic Sheepdogs are sturdy, agile herding dogs with distinctive spitz-like features, including a thick double coat that comes in various colors. Their alert, pointed ears and curled tail complement a well-proportioned frame built for endurance. Known for their cheerful expression and medium size, these dogs exhibit remarkable agility and stamina suited to their herding heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brittanys are more energetic than Icelandic Sheepdogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brittanys require more grooming attention compared to Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brittanys tend to be more reserved with strangers than Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Icelandic Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Icelandic Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Brittanys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Brittany and Icelandic Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brittany | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brittany | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-21 inches 44-52 cm | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brittany | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brittany | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Brittany Temperament
The Brittany is known for being bright, fun-loving, upbeat, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdog is characterized by being friendly, playful, inquisitive, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Brittany and Icelandic Sheepdog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brittany
Rating: 5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brittany
Rating: 1/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brittany
Rating: 4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Brittany Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brittanys require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Brittanys require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Icelandic Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Icelandic Sheepdogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Icelandic Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Brittany Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Issues
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
Pros & Cons
Brittany
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Excellent hunting companion
- Affectionate family dog
- Athletic and agile
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be strong-willed
- Requires regular activity
- May be too energetic for some
- Needs consistent training
Icelandic Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Weather resistant coat
- Excellent herding instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brittany and Icelandic Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.