Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Golden Border Retriever: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Icelandic Sheepdog nor Golden Border Retriever are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever dogs?

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Reliable
Loyal
Kind
Tenacious
Trustworthy

Shedding Level

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Golden Border Retrievers, or which breed sheds more, Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever dog breeds?

Iceland

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds?

nordic spitz

Border Collie, Golden Retriever

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds first developed?

874 - 930 AD

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever dogs?

Brown

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds?

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Fawn
Pied
Red
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs have medium-length coats.

2 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

Straight

Wavy

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

An Icelandic Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Golden Border Retriever can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retrievers are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever, which breed is more prone to health problems?

2 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Sebaceous Adenitis
Glaucoma
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Periodontal Disease

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Physical Examination
Radiographs

Energy

How do the energy levels of Icelandic Sheepdogs and Golden Border Retrievers compare?

4 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever breeds are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, these breeds may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Golden Border Retriever social needs comparison

5 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Golden Border Retriever exercise need comparison.

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

2 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

1 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Tendency to Bark

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers bark more/less frequently?

5 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

3 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Golden Border Retriever?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever entertained?

Sleeping, Kissing, Barking, Chasing runners, Cuddling, Eating

Fetch

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Golden Border Retrievers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Icelandic Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Golden Border Retriever, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers require more exercise?

In general most Icelandic Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Golden Border Retrievers usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever dogs?

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Icelandic Sheepdogs and Golden Border Retrievers?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever in cups?

For an average 20-30 pound (9 - 14 kg) Icelandic Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 50-75 pound (23 - 34 kg) Golden Border Retriever feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

The average cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a Golden Border Retriever is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

The average per month expenses of an Icelandic Sheepdog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Golden Border Retriever is between $55 - $63. This makes an average of $660 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Icelandic Sheepdogs vs Golden Border Retrievers

2 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

5 / 5

Golden Border Retriever is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Sensitivity Level

How do Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever compare in sensitivity?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Golden Border Retriever?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs or Golden Border Retrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

5 / 5

The typical characteristics of Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Icelandic Sheepdog or Golden Border Retriever?

4 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever are friendly dogs and typically won't bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this behavior, training them is easy thanks to their intelligence, making it pretty simple to teach them anything.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever?

5 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever are known to be highly playful dogs. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting slightly older Icelandic Sheepdog and Golden Border Retriever for a mellower experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Icelandic Sheepdogs and Golden Border Retrievers compare?

3 / 5

Icelandic Sheepdogs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

4 / 5

Golden Border Retrievers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.