Icelandic Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding Group
Afghan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Afghan Hound Overview
Afghan Hounds possess a regal bearing with their distinctive long, silky coat and proud head carriage. Their elegant frame combines strength and agility, featuring a deep chest, prominent hipbones, and a curved tail. These aristocratic sighthouds display a unique combination of speed, power, and grace in their movement, with their flowing coat creating a striking spectacle as they run.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Icelandic Sheepdogs are less energetic than Afghan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Icelandic Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Afghan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Afghan Hounds.
- Trainability: Afghan Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Afghan Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Afghan Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Afghan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive | Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being friendly, playful, inquisitive, 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.
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is characterized by being dignified, profoundly loyal, aristocratic, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and Afghan Hound, 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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Icelandic Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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, Icelandic Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Afghan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Afghan Hounds 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, Afghan Hounds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
Afghan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Chylothorax
Pros & Cons
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
Afghan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Independent nature
- Low shedding coat
- Athletic ability
- Loyal to family
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Challenging to train
- Strong prey drive
- Expensive upkeep
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Icelandic Sheepdog and Afghan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.