Wire Fox Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Wire Fox Terrier vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonWire Fox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Icelandic Sheepdog is originated from Iceland. Wire Fox Terrier may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Icelandic Sheepdog. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Wire Fox Terrier and Icelandic Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

wire fox terrier - historyThe wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

icelandic sheepdog - historyThere are quite a few different dog breeds that fall under the name of Spitz-type dogs, and in fact they have a number of similar characteristics, one of which is that they have some wolf-like features. They typically have the thick coat with undercoat and the erect, pointed ears and slanted eyes.

There is definitely a strong link between the Spitz type dogs and wild wolves. The tail too is feathery and can curl over the back of the dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog, a native dog to Iceland, is a Spitz type dog which originates from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. The dogs have always been used to herd sheep, and they resemble dogs found in graves in Sweden and Denmark.

The dog at one time was facing extinction in the late 20th century, but in 1969, the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association was established to restore and preserve the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in June 2010.

Description

wire fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

icelandic sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Icelandic Sheepdog is a smallish to medium sized dog standing at 40 to 45cm in height and he can weigh anything between 9 and 14kg.

His double coat can be short or long, straight or wavy and in a mix of colors such as grey and white or tan and white, black, tan and white, cream or chocolate. Even though they come in a number of predominant colors, these colors are always accompanied by white markings.

He has a longish muzzle, much like the wolf, giving him an alert, foxy appearance. He has a muscular, rectangular body with strong, straight legs with dewclaws on both the front and hind legs.

Temperament:

Your social, energetic dog will require socialization and training which does him the world of good, turning him into a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

He is an intelligent dog, and training him won't be difficult as he is eager to please. These are social dogs which love being part of the family and they don't like being left outside day after day with little human intervention. He is a lively, confident breed, gentle and not at all aggressive.

Characteristics

wire fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

icelandic sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Icelandic Sheepdog is such a good all-round family pet. He is alert, intelligent, social, playful, loyal, loving and brave.

He is friendly too, getting on well with children and any pets you have in the home. He is essentially a working dog, so you shouldn’t think of owning him as a pet if your lifestyle is centered around the TV and the couch for the best part of the day.

This is an energetic dog who wants lots of action during the day. He is a dog that badly wants to be part of the family and in exchange for looking after him well, he’ll promise to be an exceptional pet.

Health Problems

wire fox terrier puppies - health problemsThese are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

icelandic sheepdog puppies - health problemsYour pet will reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care and is regarded as a generally healthy dog breed. However, they can be prone to a few health conditions, and these include hip dysplasia and diabetes.

Diabetes:

Mercifully for your pet, diabetes is considered a manageable disorder. When your pet doesn’t produce insulin or can’t utilize it normally, his blood sugar levels rise, resulting in hyperglycemia.

If left untreated, your pet can land up with a host of complicated health problems. Diabetes can be classified as either Type 1 or Type II, with the more common form in dogs being Type 1.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

wire fox terrier dogs - caringThis dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Diet:

icelandic sheepdog dogs - caringFeed your energetic Icelandic Sheepdog a diet which is appropriate for his age and activity level. Don't just feed him the best commercially manufactured dog food, but give him some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables mixed into his kibble as a tasty treat. Also, dogs are carnivores, so include some raw meat into his diet from time to time. Clean, cool water should always be available.

Grooming:

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick double coat, with the outer coat being longer and the hair being shiny and glossy. These dogs shed quite a bit with seasonal shedding too so twice-weekly brushing will be necessary to keep the fur free of loose hair. His nails should also be checked regularly and his teeth should be brushed a couple of times a week too.

Exercise:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are athletic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them in good physical shape.

He loves all kinds of games and outdoor activities, one of which will be going with you for a walk every day. He makes a wonderful companion for those people going on long hikes.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Iceland
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz
Colors Available:
black and tan, White
black, cream or chocolate., tan and white, Grey and white or tan and white
Coat:
Medium length, wiry
Short or long, straight or wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Istrian Sheepdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Jamthund vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelian Bear Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Kintamani vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Russo-European Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Ryukyu Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  17. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. Shiba Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  20. Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  23. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  24. Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  25. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  26. Wire Fox Terrier vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Wire Fox Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Wire Fox Terrier vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  29. Wire Fox Terrier vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Wire Fox Terrier vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Wire Fox Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Wire Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Wire Fox Terrier vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Wire Fox Terrier vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Wire Fox Terrier vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Wire Fox Terrier vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Wire Fox Terrier vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Wire Fox Terrier vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Wire Fox Terrier vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Wire Fox Terrier vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Wire Fox Terrier vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Wire Fox Terrier vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Wire Fox Terrier vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Wire Fox Terrier vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Wire Fox Terrier vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Wire Fox Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds