Russian Toy vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Russian Toy
Miscellaneous Class
Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russian Toy Overview
Russian Toys embody elegance in a compact frame, featuring delicate bone structure and graceful movements. Their distinctive large, round eyes and erect triangular ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Available in both smooth and long-coated varieties, these diminutive companions showcase a refined build with long legs and a high-set tail carried in a sickle curve.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Russian Toys are less energetic than Icelandic Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russian Toys require less grooming attention compared to Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russian Toys tend to be more reserved with strangers than Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Russian Toys may be slightly easier to train due to their Russian Toy's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Russian Toys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Russian Toy and Icelandic Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russian Toy | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russian Toy | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Russian Toy | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Charming | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russian Toy | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russian Toy Temperament
The Russian Toy is known for being loyal, smart, charming, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdog is characterized by being friendly, playful, inquisitive, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Russian Toy and Icelandic Sheepdog, 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
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russian Toy
Rating: 2/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Russian Toy Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russian Toys require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Russian Toys require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Icelandic Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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, Icelandic Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Russian Toy Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Murmurs
- Bone Fractures
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
Pros & Cons
Russian Toy
Pros
- Compact size
- Minimal grooming needs
- Affectionate nature
- Good for apartments
Cons
- Fragile build
- Can be yappy
- Not ideal with young children
- Temperature sensitive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Russian Toy and Icelandic Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.