Icelandic Sheepdog vs Border Collie
Breed Compatibility
81% Compatible
Energy Level
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Border Collie: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Border Collie: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Border Collie: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Strangers
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Border Collie4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Icelandic Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Cataracts: Vision impairment
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Distichiasis: Abnormal eyelash growth
Cryptorchidism: Retained testicles
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Border Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
CEA: Eye development disorder
MDR1: Drug sensitivity gene
TNS: Neurological condition
CL: Neurological disorder
Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Border Collie
Pros
Extremely intelligent
Highly trainable
Athletic and agile
Loyal and devoted
Excellent working dog
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
May be too intense for novice owners
Strong herding instinct
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be overly sensitive
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Border Collie Fun Fact
Border Collies can learn to recognize over 1,000 words and can understand complex multi-step commands.
Heritage & Purpose
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.
Border Collie
Origin:
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England during the 1700s, these dogs revolutionized sheep herding with their distinctive 'eye' and precise control of livestock.
Special Considerations
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
Border Collie
Requires extensive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial.
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