Icelandic Sheepdog vs Irish Water Spaniel
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
Irish Water Spaniel
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.
Irish Water Spaniel Overview
Irish Water Spaniels boast a distinctive curly liver-colored coat and rat-like tail, standing proudly as one of the oldest spaniel breeds. Their athletic build features a deep chest, powerful legs, and a characteristic topknot of long, loose curls. These intelligent dogs combine a playful spirit with remarkable work ethic, displaying both dignity and enthusiasm in their daily activities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Icelandic Sheepdogs are less energetic than Irish Water Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Icelandic Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Irish Water Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Water Spaniels.
- Trainability: Irish Water Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Water Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Water Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and Irish Water Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm |
| Weight | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg | 45-68 lbs 20-31 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive | Playful, Hardworking, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Icelandic Sheepdog | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Water Spaniel Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is characterized by being playful, hardworking, brave, 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 Irish Water Spaniel, 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
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Irish Water Spaniel
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.
Irish Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniels 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, Irish Water Spaniels 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
Irish Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
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
Irish Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low-shedding coat
- Devoted family companion
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Icelandic Sheepdog and Irish Water Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.