Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog and Norrbottenspitz

Icelandic Sheepdog and Norrbottenspitz are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog
Photo: Alan Levine, CC BY 2.0, source
Norrbottenspitz
Photo: Томасина, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Icelandic SheepdogNorrbottenspitz
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originIcelandSweden
CategoryMediumMedium
Recognition features
  • Nordic herding spitz slightly under medium size, rectangular, with erect ears and a curled tail
  • Two coat types, short and long, both thick and weather-resistant
  • Gentle, intelligent, happy expression; marked sexual dimorphism
  • Small, slightly rectangular spitz with a tail in a high loose curl
  • Pure white coat with well-defined red or yellow patches
  • Alert, fearless bearing
Coat–Double coat: fine dense undercoat and hard, short, straight guard hairs; pure white with well-distributed patches in red and yellow.
PurposeIceland's native herding dog, used on farms to gather sheep and livestock.Small Swedish hunting spitz used on forest game, fur animals and birds; barks at game.

Breed page: Icelandic Sheepdog · Breed page: Norrbottenspitz

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.