Comparison: Finnish Lapponian Dog and Icelandic Sheepdog

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

Finnish Lapponian Dog
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, modification (background, cropping) Anka Friedrich, CC BY 2.0, source
Icelandic Sheepdog
Photo: Alan Levine, CC BY 2.0, source
Finnish Lapponian DogIcelandic Sheepdog
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandIceland
CategoryMediumMedium
Recognition features
  • Smaller than medium-sized, strongly built with a long dense coat
  • Profuse coat, males with abundant mane; all colours permitted
  • Well-coated tail, the tip sometimes with a J-shaped hook
  • 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
CoatProfuse double coat: long, harsh outer coat and soft dense undercoat; all colours permitted, basic colour must predominate.–
PurposeReindeer herder and watchdog of the Sami; now popular as a companion and utility dog.Iceland's native herding dog, used on farms to gather sheep and livestock.

Breed page: Finnish Lapponian Dog · Breed page: Icelandic Sheepdog

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.