Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky better for families with children?

Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Siberian Husky are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky?

The Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky?

The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky bigger?

Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky?

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

Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky?

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky: Which Is Quieter?

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Icelandic Sheepdog has noticeably higher barking than the Siberian Husky.
The Icelandic Sheepdog has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Siberian Husky.

Size and living space

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Siberian Husky is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Siberian Husky is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Icelandic Sheepdog needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Siberian Husky needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Icelandic Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Siberian Husky takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Icelandic Sheepdog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Siberian Husky has little guarding instinct and greets strangers as friends.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Siberian Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Siberian Husky has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Icelandic Sheepdog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Siberian Husky if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky better for families with children?: Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Siberian Husky are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky?: The Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Siberian Husky?: The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky bigger?: Icelandic Sheepdog and Siberian Husky are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky?: Icelandic Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Siberian Husky is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Siberian Husky?: For apartment or apartment living, Siberian Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky