German Shorthaired Pointer vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
99% Compatible
Energy Level
German Shorthaired Pointer: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
German Shorthaired Pointer: Eager to Please1.0
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
German Shorthaired Pointer: Weekly Brushing0.4
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
German Shorthaired Pointer5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Good with Strangers
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
German Shorthaired Pointer
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward issue
Bloat: Gastric torsion condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder risk
Lymphedema: Tissue swelling concern
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Pros
Excellent hunting companion
Highly trainable
Versatile athlete
Great family dog
Cons
High exercise needs
Strong prey drive
Requires consistent training
May be too energetic for some
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
German Shorthaired Pointer Fun Fact
Can maintain speeds of up to 35 mph while running and are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet.
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Heritage & Purpose
German Shorthaired Pointer
Origin:
Developed in Germany during the 1800s as a versatile hunting companion, excelling in both pointing and retrieving game birds across varied terrain types.
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Needs extensive daily exercise, regular grooming despite short coat, and monitoring for breed-specific health issues like hip dysplasia.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.