Nederlandse Kooikerhondje vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
81% Compatible
Energy Level
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Regular Exercise0.6
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Eager to Please1.0
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje: Weekly Brushing0.4
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Good with Strangers
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje4/5
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
Icelandic Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Cataracts: Vision impairment
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Distichiasis: Abnormal eyelash growth
Cryptorchidism: Retained testicles
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
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 Fun Fact
Their unique black-tipped ears called 'earrings' were historically believed to help attract ducks during hunting.
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Heritage & Purpose
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.
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.
Special Considerations
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Weekly grooming needed for coat maintenance. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Regular health monitoring for breed-specific conditions essential.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.