Icelandic Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer
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
Giant Schnauzer
Working 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.
Giant Schnauzer Overview
Giant Schnauzers are powerful, muscular dogs with distinctive bearded faces and a robust, square-built frame. Their dense, harsh double coat comes in solid black or pepper-and-salt. Standing proudly with an aristocratic bearing, these dogs showcase a blend of strength and agility in their movement. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as capable working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Icelandic Sheepdogs are less energetic than Giant Schnauzers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Icelandic Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Giant Schnauzers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Giant Schnauzers.
- Trainability: Giant Schnauzers may be slightly easier to train due to their Giant Schnauzer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Giant Schnauzers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Giant Schnauzer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm |
| Weight | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive | Loyal, Alert, Trainable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Giant Schnauzer Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer is characterized by being loyal, alert, trainable, 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 Giant Schnauzer, 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
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Giant Schnauzer
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.
Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Giant Schnauzers 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, Giant Schnauzers 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
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
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
Giant Schnauzer
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent guard dog
- Loyal to family
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Icelandic Sheepdog and Giant Schnauzer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.