Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog

Compare the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to the Icelandic Sheepdog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
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General Details
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-11 Years
12-14 Years
Height
24-29 Inches
16½-18 Inches
Weight
85-140 Pounds
20-30 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Origin Country
Switzerland
Iceland
Origin Year
1515 AD
870 AD
Temperament
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
20-70 °F
40-75 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Above Average
Exercise Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Energy Level
Low to Medium
High
Exercise Required
Medium
High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Very High
Medium to High
Grooming Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Coat Maintenance
Low
Low to Medium
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
Medium
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Above Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
None
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
None
Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Average Lifespan
10-11 Years
12-14 Years
Health Concerns
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Entropion
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Panosteitis
Lick Fits
Splenic torsion
Female urinary incontinence
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Eye problems
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Medium to Long
Coat Coloring
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog
Breed Colors
Black, White, and Red
Black, White, and Red
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
Red and White
Red and White
Black
Black
Chocolate
Chocolate
Grey
Grey
Tan
Tan
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