Icelandic Sheepdog vs Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Breed Compatibility
81% Compatible
Energy Level
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Good with Strangers
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje4/5
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
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting disorder
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation issue
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy: Nerve disease
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation concern
Epilepsy: Neurological 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
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Pros
Intelligent and trainable
Good family companion
Moderate exercise needs
Adaptable to different homes
Cons
Can be reserved with strangers
Requires regular grooming
May be vocal
Limited breed availability
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Fun Fact
Their unique black-tipped ears called 'earrings' were historically believed to help attract ducks during hunting.
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.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Origin:
Dutch decoy dogs from the 16th century, used to lure ducks into elaborate trap systems called duck decoys. Their distinctive markings helped attract waterfowl during hunting.
Special Considerations
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Weekly grooming needed for coat maintenance. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Regular health monitoring for breed-specific conditions essential.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Welsh Terrier →