Unfortunately, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Lowchens are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Active
Friendly
Playful
Familiar
Happy

Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Lowchens shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

nordic spitz

Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Maltese, Havanese

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

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

874 - 930 AD

1500s

Herding (AKC:2010 & UKC)

Non Sporting (AKC:1996)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Black
White
Brown
Fawn
Silver
Brindle
Sable
Red

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 Lowchen can have a litter of 13-15 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.

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Diabetes

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Heart
Hips
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Icelandic Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Lowchens are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

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

Lowchens have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

While Icelandic Sheepdog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Lowchen dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

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

Walking, Petting, Walk, Play

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 Lowchen, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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 Lowchens usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Icelandic Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Lowchens have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

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 8-18 pound (4 - 8 kg) Lowchen feed 1.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of a Lowchen is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

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 Lowchen is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $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.

Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Lowchens make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Icelandic Sheepdogs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Lowchens are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

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

Lowchens are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Lowchens are highly friendly around strangers.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Lowchens have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

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

Lowchens are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.