If you love the spirited charm of Icelandic Sheepdogs but live in an apartment, this list is for you. We’ve gathered small or smaller-sized breeds and closely related types that share the Icelandic Sheepdog’s traits—friendly, intelligent, and adaptable dogs that can thrive in compact living spaces. Whether you’re a city dweller or just want a manageable canine companion, these breeds offer a great balance of personality and apartment suitability.
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog itself is a small to medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 20 and 30 pounds, with a compact and agile build. Known for their thick double coat and curled tail, they are energetic and intelligent herding dogs. Despite their active nature, Icelandic Sheepdogs adapt well to apartment life if they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their friendly, social temperament makes them great companions for singles or families living in smaller homes.
Norrbottenspets
The Norrbottenspets is a Swedish spitz breed closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog, weighing around 15 to 20 pounds. It shares a similar fluffy coat and curled tail, and is known for being lively and affectionate. This breed is well-suited to apartment living when given sufficient exercise, thanks to its moderate size and adaptable temperament. Norrbottenspets are alert yet social, making them excellent watchdogs without excessive barking.
Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is slightly larger but still manageable in an apartment setting, typically 20 to 30 pounds. They have a fox-like appearance with a dense golden-red coat and a distinctive barking style used traditionally for hunting. With proper training and regular activity, Finnish Spitz dogs adjust well to smaller living spaces. Their friendly and outgoing personality makes them a popular choice for urban dog owners who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Swedish Vallhund
Although not Icelandic, the Swedish Vallhund shares herding origins and some physical traits, weighing about 20 to 30 pounds. This breed is sturdy, intelligent, and known for its adaptability. Their moderate size and moderate exercise needs allow them to thrive in apartments, especially if owners provide daily walks and mental challenges. Swedish Vallhunds are highly trainable and affectionate, making them an excellent companion for apartment dwellers.
Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a spitz-type herding dog related to the Icelandic Sheepdog, weighing between 30 and 40 pounds but often fitting well in larger apartments. Known for their loyalty and energy, Buhunds require regular exercise but are adaptable indoors. Their affectionate nature and eagerness to please make them suitable for owners committed to daily activity and training. They have a dense coat and curled tail, making them visually similar to Icelandic Sheepdogs.
American Eskimo Dog (Miniature)
The Miniature American Eskimo Dog is a smaller spitz breed, typically 10 to 20 pounds, sharing many traits with Nordic herding breeds. Known for intelligence, friendliness, and a fluffy white coat, they adapt well to apartment life due to their size and social nature. These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation but are generally easy to train and eager to bond with their owners. Their alertness and moderate barking can be managed with proper training.
Pomsky
Pomskies are a designer breed, a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, often resembling small Nordic spitz dogs like the Icelandic Sheepdog. Their size typically ranges from 15 to 30 pounds, making them suitable for apartment living. Pomskies are intelligent and energetic but require consistent training and exercise to prevent boredom. Their fluffy coats and playful personalities make them popular among city dwellers seeking a small, spirited dog.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz breed, slightly larger than the Icelandic Sheepdog at 35 to 45 pounds but still adaptable to apartment life with sufficient activity. Known for their thick double coat and expressive face, Keeshonds are friendly, outgoing, and good with children. Their moderate exercise needs and affectionate nature make them excellent companions for apartment residents who can provide daily walks and social interaction.
Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a small Italian spitz breed, weighing 7 to 12 pounds, notable for its fluffy white coat and alert personality. Though not related to Icelandic Sheepdogs by origin, it shares many temperament traits such as intelligence and sociability. This breed thrives in apartments due to its small size but requires mental stimulation and moderate exercise to stay happy. Volpino Italiano dogs are known for their loyalty and make devoted, lively companions.
Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small Belgian spitz breed that shares the lively spirit and intelligence of Icelandic Sheepdogs, weighing 10 to 16 pounds. They are known for their black coat, fox-like face, and energetic behavior. Schipperkes adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive daily exercise and mental challenges. Their curious and alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, and they form strong bonds with their owners.
How to Choose
When selecting a small Icelandic Sheepdog or a related breed for apartment living, prioritize size, energy level, and temperament over appearance alone. Small to medium-sized dogs (under 30 pounds) are easier to manage in limited spaces. Equally important is the dog’s exercise needs—breeds with moderate energy that can be satisfied with daily walks and indoor play tend to adapt better. Temperament matters greatly; look for breeds known to be friendly, social, and trainable to ease apartment-related challenges like noise and socialization. Coat maintenance is another factor—thicker double coats require regular grooming, which might be a consideration for busy owners. Finally, consider your lifestyle: active individuals might enjoy more energetic breeds, while less active owners should opt for calmer dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good for apartments?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can live happily in an apartment if given sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are social and adaptable but need regular activity to prevent boredom.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Yes, they have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
How much exercise does an Icelandic Sheepdog need?
They require at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily, including walks and playtime, to stay healthy and happy indoors.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good with children?
Yes, they are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family dogs suitable for homes with children.
What is the lifespan of an Icelandic Sheepdog?
The average lifespan is around 12 to 15 years, with proper care, diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Can other Nordic spitz breeds be good apartment dogs?
Many related Nordic spitz breeds can adapt well to apartments if their exercise and social needs are met. Size and temperament should be considered carefully.
Final Thoughts
Small Icelandic Sheepdog breeds and closely related spitz dogs offer a lively, affectionate, and intelligent option for apartment dwellers who want a Nordic herding companion. While the pure Icelandic Sheepdog is slightly larger than some, its temperament and adaptability make it a viable choice with proper care. Breeds like the Norrbottenspets, Finnish Spitz, and Miniature American Eskimo Dog provide smaller alternatives with similar traits. Remember, successful apartment living with these breeds depends on meeting their physical and mental needs through daily exercise, training, and social interaction. With the right commitment, you can enjoy the unique charm and spirited personality these breeds bring to your urban home.
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