Differences and Similarities between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Icelandic Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 14 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.5 years
Average Price $650 No Data
Price Range $400 – $800 No Data
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Adopting the Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog named Hoover Now Dante that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Hoover Now Dante on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard 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.

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boerboel.
  • 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:

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Catahoula Leopard Dog and how the Icelandic Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and of the Icelandic Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Greyhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Akbash     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Border Collie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Plott     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Collie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Spinone Italiano     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Basenji     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Puli     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Schipperke     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papillon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Dane     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.