German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog: Breeds Comparison

Before getting a puppy, you should be sure that the breed you're doing to buy or rescue is a good fit for your lifestyle and home.

Let's get busy...

Both German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog are members of the Herding Group.

Although these breeds are members of the same breed group, they have some differences and not only similarities so keep reading to learn more.

German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog Size Comparison

German Shepherd Dogs are larger, with a typical height of 22 to 26 inches and weight of 75 to 95 pounds, while the typical height of Icelandic Sheepdog is 16 to 18 inches and they usually weigh 20 to 30 pounds.

We know that these numbers might be too abstract, so we made a tool to help you visualize these numbers.

The following chart compares the average breeds height with the average height of an American man and woman.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the average height of a man is 69 inches, and the height of a woman is 63.5 inches.

Dog size comparison to a human. From left, average heights of German Shepherd Dog, Icelandic Sheepdog, American female, and American male.

German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog lifespan

No doubt, the quality of care provided to the dog is one of the main factors when it comes to canines life longevity, however, there are also other factors, especially the dog's breed.

With a life expectancy of 14 to 15 years, Icelandic Sheepdogs usually live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

German Shepherd Dogs' lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

Read on to the following sections to better understand in detail how German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Breed Name	German Shepherd Dog	Icelandic Sheepdog
Traits
Breed Group	Herding Dogs	Herding Dogs
Height	22 to 26 inches	16 to 18 inches
Weight	75 to 95 pounds	20 to 30 pounds
Life Span	10 to 14 years	14 to 15 years

German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog adaptability

When we say "dog adaptability", most people think about apartment living adaptability, so let's start with that.

All dogs are great — but not all dogs are great for or geared toward apartment living. A dog may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments for a few reasons including size, energy level, noise, smell, shedding...

German Shepherd Dogs have a better reputation as good apartment living dogs than Icelandic Sheepdogs.

While most dogs can be left home alone for 6 to 8 hours, some will do better. Check the table below to see how German Shepherd Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs tolerate being left alone.

To learn more, read our list of dogs that can be left alone.

Hot weather tolerance

Depending on where you live, you should choose a dog that tolerates hot or cold weather well.

Speaking of German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog, these breeds tolerate hot weather well, but you still need to be cautious when it's hot.

During warm weather, be sure to provide shade and water and head out in the morning or late evening when it's cooler. Also, avoid pavements - if the ground is too hot to touch for your hand for a few seconds, it's too hot for paws.

Check our heatstroke article on prevention and symptoms to learn more.

What about cold weather?

Cold temperatures are not a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

Luckily, both breeds tolarate cold weather well, so while you stick to the rules mentioned above, they should be fine and probably enjoy the cold weather.

Our "How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs?" article has more information on this topic.

German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog temperament

It's always hard to make a general statement about the whole breed's temperament. Each dog has a different temperament, and there are a lot of factors that affect its behavior.

Looking for a perfect family dog?

If you're looking for a companion dog, you won't go wrong with German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog. Their outgoing and friendly personality makes them a great choice for families. Both are highly affectionate with family, they will immediately become a family member.

When it comes to behavior around children, German Shepherd Dog simply tends to do better.

Both German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog love children - they are usually gentle and patient with kids, but as we mentioned, temperaments can vary based on the individual dog.

We've created a list of the 15 best dogs for kids and family, so read it next if this is important for you.

Guarding behavior

Dog guarding behavior is welcome for some owners, while others prefer a dog that's friendly towards strangers.

Speaking of friendliness toward strangers, German Shepherd Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs are the complete opposite.

While German Shepherd Dogs are super friendly toward strangers, Icelandic Sheepdogs are naturally suspicious toward strangers, so you can expect they will act protective.

Health And Grooming Needs

The best way to optimize your pup’s health is to research reputable breeders, and then when you meet them ask to see the parents and their health certificates as described above and to see the conditions in which all the dogs are living.

Check the table below to see the general health rating for these two canines, and read full breed profile articles to read in-depth information on their health.

Also, some breeds are prone to obesity, which could cause other health conditions. Be sure to check that information as well, if the breed is prone to obesity, keep a close eye on labels and feed your dog according to the food labels.

For example, hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, and improper weight and nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.

What about shedding?

One of the bad parts of having a dog is definitely shedding. So be sure to take this into your consideration when choosing the right breed for you. Click here to learn how to minimize the shedding.

OK, let's make this clear - German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog are heavy shedders! Preventing shedding is impossible, but regular brushing is necessary. These breeds are almost always on the list of dogs that shed the worst.

Recommended article: 30 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed.

Drooling potential?

Well, we have good news. These breeds have low drooling potential.

German Shepherd Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog trainability

Each dog needs some kind of obedience training, but some of them are easier to train, while others are more stubborn.

German Shepherd Dogs are usually easier to train than Icelandic Sheepdogs.

If you choose one of these dogs, remember three pillars of dog training - Patience, persistence, and consistency play a huge role in successfully training your dog.

Finally, if you think you aren't capable of training your dog on your own, you might also consider getting professional help.

Do German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog need a lot of physical activity?

To keep your dog healthy, calm, and happy, you have to provide it with enough physical activities. Not only your dog will be healthier and happier when it's active, but you'll also reduce or completely eliminate destructive behavior.

Some people don't think about this when selecting a breed, so we have dedicated a whole chapter to physical needs.

Both German Shepherd Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog have a high exercise needs. It means they will need at least 30 to 60 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily. And no, a leashed walk isn't a hard aerobic exercise - think of aerobic exercise as anything that makes your dog pant.

German Shepherd Dog or Icelandic Sheepdog: The bottom line

In this article, we tried to give you an idea of what you can expect from German Shepherd Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs.

To further explore their personality, overall health, temperament, and much more, read their full breed profile.

Or, use the tool below to read the next comparison.