Icelandic Sheepdog vs Finnish Spitz
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
Finnish Spitz
Non-Sporting 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.
Finnish Spitz Overview
Finnish Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like appearance with their pointed ears, dense reddish-gold coat, and alert expression. Their medium-sized, square-proportioned body exhibits remarkable agility and strength. These spirited companions combine intelligence with a friendly demeanor, displaying natural hunting instincts and vocal tendencies characteristic of their heritage as bark-pointing dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Icelandic Sheepdogs are less energetic than Finnish Spitzs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Icelandic Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Finnish Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Finnish Spitzs.
- Trainability: Finnish Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their Finnish Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Finnish Spitzs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Finnish Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm | 15-20 inches 39-51 cm |
| Weight | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg | 20-33 lbs 9-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive | Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Finnish Spitz Temperament
The Finnish Spitz is characterized by being friendly, good-natured, lively, 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and Finnish Spitz, 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
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Finnish Spitz
Rating: 3/5
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.
Finnish Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Finnish Spitzs 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, Finnish Spitzs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
Finnish Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Dental issues
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
Finnish Spitz
Pros
- Loyal family companion
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Frequent barker
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Icelandic Sheepdog and Finnish Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.