Icelandic Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed ComparisonAfricanis is originated from South Africa but Icelandic Sheepdog is originated from Iceland. Africanis may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Icelandic Sheepdog. Africanis may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Icelandic Sheepdog. Both Africanis and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Africanis and Icelandic Sheepdog has same litter size. Africanis requires Low Maintenance. But Icelandic Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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South Africa
Iceland
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz
Colors Available:
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
black, cream or chocolate., tan and white, Grey and white or tan and white
Coat:
Short, Hard and Thick
Short or long, straight or wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

africanisAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

icelandic sheepdogThere 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

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

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

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

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

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

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

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  34. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Icelandic Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison