Is the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog better for families with children?

Both the Bearded Collie and the Icelandic Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds more than the Bearded Collie. If shedding is a concern, the Bearded Collie is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog bigger?

Bearded Collie and Icelandic Sheepdog are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog?

Icelandic Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bearded Collie is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog?

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bearded Collie vs Icelandic Sheepdog: Which Sheds Less?

Bearded Collie vs Icelandic Sheepdog: full comparison

Trait	Bearded Collie	Icelandic Sheepdog
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	High	Very High
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bearded Collie needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Icelandic Sheepdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bearded Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Icelandic Sheepdog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bearded Collie picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Icelandic Sheepdog picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bearded Collie is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Icelandic Sheepdog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bearded Collie and Icelandic Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Bearded Collie has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bearded Collie has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bearded Collie has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bearded Collie if you want a more adaptable dog, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Icelandic Sheepdog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog better for families with children?: Both the Bearded Collie and the Icelandic Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog?: The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds more than the Bearded Collie. If shedding is a concern, the Bearded Collie is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the Icelandic Sheepdog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog bigger?: Bearded Collie and Icelandic Sheepdog are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog?: Icelandic Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bearded Collie is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or Icelandic Sheepdog?: For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bearded Collie vs Icelandic Sheepdog