English Setter vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
English Setter: Energetic0.8
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
English Setter: Easy Training0.8
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Setter: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
English Setter4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Setter4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Good with Strangers
English Setter4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone deficiency
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Bloat: Gastric dilatation risk
Icelandic Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Cataracts: Vision impairment
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Distichiasis: Abnormal eyelash growth
Cryptorchidism: Retained testicles
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Pros & Cons Comparison
English Setter
Pros
Gentle and friendly temperament
Excellent with children
Athletic and versatile
Good hunting companion
Cons
Regular grooming required
High exercise needs
Can be stubborn
Moderate shedding
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
English Setter Fun Fact
Their unique speckled coat pattern, called 'belton,' is a trademark feature that only appears after birth.
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Heritage & Purpose
English Setter
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Origin:
Dating back to the 9th century in Iceland, these dogs served as invaluable herding companions to Viking settlers, managing sheep across rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Special Considerations
English Setter
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Health screening for breed-specific issues recommended.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
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