Is the Boston Terrier Better than the Icelandic Sheepdog as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Boston Terrier Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Boston Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boston Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boston Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Boston Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Boston Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 25 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1670 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $1999 No Data
Temperament Score 86.3 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boston 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 Boston Terrier is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boston Terrier is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:

    • Boston Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Boston Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Boston Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boston Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Boston Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

    The Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:

    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

    Boston Terriers weigh 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Boston Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Boston Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Boston Terriers is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Boston 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 Boston Terriers.

    Temperament of the Boston Terrier Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog

    The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Boston Terrier is 86.3 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 86.3 percent, the Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 80 Boston Terriers and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Boston Terrier versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Boston Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Boston Terrier while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boston Terriers and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Boston Terrier Health Problems

    Boston Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boston Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boston Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boston Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boston Terriers for:

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boston Terriers here.

    Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Icelandic Sheepdogs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Boston Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boston Terriers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Boston Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Boston Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Boston 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 Boston Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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 Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Boston Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boston Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Boston 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 Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boston Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boston Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Boston 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 Boston Terriers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Boston Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Boston Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boston Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Boston Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.