Treeing Walker Coonhound 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.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Hound Group
Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Treeing Walker Coonhound Overview
Treeing Walker Coonhounds possess a distinctive tricolored coat featuring white, black, and tan markings. Their athletic build combines strength with agility, featuring long legs, a deep chest, and a streamlined body. These hounds showcase a noble head with pendant ears and clear, determined eyes. Their muscular frame supports their renowned stamina and hunting abilities.
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: Treeing Walker Coonhounds are less energetic than Icelandic Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Treeing Walker Coonhounds require less grooming attention compared to Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Treeing Walker Coonhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Icelandic Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Treeing Walker Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Treeing Walker Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Treeing Walker Coonhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Treeing Walker Coonhound and Icelandic Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Treeing Walker Coonhound | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Treeing Walker Coonhound | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-27 inches 51-69 cm | 17-18 inches 42-46 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 25-30 lbs 11-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Treeing Walker Coonhound | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Brave, Courteous | Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Treeing Walker Coonhound | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Treeing Walker Coonhound Temperament
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is known for being smart, brave, courteous, 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. 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound 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
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
Icelandic Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Treeing Walker Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Treeing Walker Coonhounds 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, Treeing Walker Coonhounds 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
Treeing Walker Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- PRA
- Distichiasis
- Cryptorchidism
Pros & Cons
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be vocal
- Independent nature
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 Treeing Walker Coonhound and Icelandic Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.