Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Icelandic Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Icelandic Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | No Data |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Icelandic Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than American Pit Bull Terriers.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Icelandic Sheepdogs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Draco that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Draco on pefinder.com.
Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Icelandic Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Elf is a Male Icelandic Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Casper is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Icelandic Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Icelandic Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Icelandic Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Icelandic Sheepdog to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brittany American Pit Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute American Pit Bull Terrier versus Yorkipoo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dachshund American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Beagle American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cane Corso American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mal Shi American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labrador Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chow Chow American Pit Bull Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd American Pit Bull Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Hovawart American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler American Pit Bull Terrier versus Finnish Spitz American Pit Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mudi American Pit Bull Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus Frenchton Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear Icelandic Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.