Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Friendly
Loyal
Protective
Gentle
Playful

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

Sapsalis shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

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

Choose a Sapsali if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Iceland

Korea

nordic spitz

Unknown

874 - 930 AD

Unknown

Herding (AKC:2010 & UKC)

Hound

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Black
Isabella
Brown
Red
Gray

Icelandic Sheepdogs have medium-length coats.

Sapsalis have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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 Sapsali can have a litter of 11-13 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.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Sapsalis are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

The Sapsali breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Entropion
Distichiasis
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Third Eye (Cherry Eye)

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Skin Evaluation
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Eye and Ear Examination

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

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

Icelandic Sheepdog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Sapsali has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

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

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

Icelandic Sheepdog minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Sapsali is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

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

Sapsali 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

K9 Nosework

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 Sapsali, it's at least 7 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 Sapsalis usually need at least 45 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.

Sapsalis require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Icelandic Sheepdog 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

Ideally, Sapsali should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

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

The average cost of a Sapsali 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 Sapsali 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 Sheepdog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sapsali is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

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

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

The Sapsali is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

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

Sapsalis are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

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

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

Sapsalis are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

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