Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Overview
German Shorthaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive liver-and-white spotted coat. Their muscular frame supports effortless movement, while their noble head features a broad nose and intelligent expression. These dogs combine power with grace, displaying medium-sized, well-proportioned bodies that excel in both field work and companionship.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Icelandic Sheepdogs are less energetic than German Shorthaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Icelandic Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to German Shorthaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Shorthaired Pointers.
- Trainability: German Shorthaired Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their German Shorthaired Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while German Shorthaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive | Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament
The German Shorthaired Pointer is characterized by being friendly, smart, willing to please, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Icelandic Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, 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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shorthaired Pointers 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, German Shorthaired Pointers 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
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Entropion
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
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
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Icelandic Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.