Yorkshire Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
91% Compatible
Energy Level
Yorkshire Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Icelandic Sheepdog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Yorkshire Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Icelandic Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Yorkshire Terrier: Specialty/Professional1.0
Icelandic Sheepdog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Yorkshire Terrier3/5
Icelandic Sheepdog4/5
Good with Strangers
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Icelandic Sheepdog3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Yorkshire Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
Portable size
Minimal shedding
Adaptable to apartment living
Long lifespan
Affectionate with family
Cons
High grooming needs
Can be yappy
Delicate physique
Stubborn streak
Difficult to housebreak
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
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs to catch rats in textile mills!
Icelandic Sheepdog Fun Fact
These dogs survived near extinction in the 1950s when only about 50 remained in their native Iceland.
Heritage & Purpose
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills. Working-class weavers bred them for their hunting prowess and portable size.
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Professional grooming needed for long coat maintenance. Daily brushing required. Small size makes them vulnerable to injury. Need protection from extreme temperatures.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Monitor for common breed-specific health issues.
Shedding
InfrequentShedding
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