Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Carolina Dog Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Carolina Dog
- Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Carolina Dog Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | Carolina Dog | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 55 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $500 | No Data |
| Price Range | $500 – $500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 66.7 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Carolina Dog is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Carolina Dog!
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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 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 Carolina Dogs.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Carolina Dog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-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 Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog named Arlo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Arlo on pefinder.com.
Also, like Carolina Dogs, 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.
Titus is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Carolina Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog
Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs 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.
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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:
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 Carolina Dog and how the Icelandic Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Icelandic Sheepdog to other breeds:
Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Carolina Dog versus English Springer Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Mountain Cur Carolina Dog versus Giant Schnauzer Carolina Dog versus Kuvasz Carolina Dog versus Kooikerhondje Carolina Dog versus Australian Shepherd Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian Carolina Dog versus Clumber Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Plott Carolina Dog versus Sussex Spaniel Carolina Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Carolina Dog versus Doberman Pinscher Carolina Dog versus French Bulldog Carolina Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Carolina Dog versus Dalmatian Carolina Dog versus Plott Carolina Dog versus American Bulldog Carolina Dog versus Gordon Setter Carolina Dog versus Plott Carolina Dog versus Pointer Carolina Dog versus Brittany Carolina Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Carolina Dog versus Manchester Terrier Carolina Dog versus Lhasa Apso Carolina Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boerboel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomeranian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound
Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.