Icelandic Sheepdog vs Welsh Springer Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
99% Compatible
Energy Level
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel4/5
Good with Strangers
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Welsh Springer Spaniel1/5
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure issue
Entropion: Inward rolling of eyelids
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalance risks
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
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Pros
Excellent family companion
Good with children
Trainable
Athletic
Affectionate
Cons
Needs regular exercise
Regular grooming required
Can be reserved with strangers
Moderate shedding
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Fun Fact
Their distinctive red and white coat pattern has remained unchanged for centuries in Welsh hunting circles.
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.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in Wales during the 1800s as skilled hunting companions, these spaniels excelled at flushing and retrieving game in challenging Welsh terrain.
Special Considerations
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Weekly grooming sessions needed to maintain coat. Requires consistent exercise routine. Regular eye checks and hip evaluations recommended for preventive care.
Shedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Belgian Tervuren →Similar Size
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Welsh Terrier →