A Detailed Comparison of the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Cavachon Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Cavachon versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cavachon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Cavachon versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavachon 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 Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Cavachon Icelandic Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Height 12 to 13 inches 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Weight 15 to 35 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $2070 No Data
Price Range $1699 – $2500 No Data
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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Cavachon!

    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 Cavachon 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 Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Cavachons 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.
  • Cavachons adapt well to apartment living. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cavachons are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cavachons get along well with other dogs. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Cavachons are very friendly towards strangers. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavachon versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Cavachons weigh 15 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Cavachons are 12 to 13 inches 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 Cavachon versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Cavachons is between 10 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Cavachons is 12.5 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 Cavachons.

    Adopting the Cavachon versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavachons 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 Cavachon named Domino that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavachons like Domino on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavachons, 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 Cavachon and the Icelandic Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Scooter is the name of another Cavachon (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Cavachons and Icelandic Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavachon versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cavachons do not like to be left alone.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavachons shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachon or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cavachons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavachon or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

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

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

    Does the Cavachon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachons Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cavachons bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cavachons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavachons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavachon vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cavachons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavachons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachon or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cavachons get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cavachons good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cavachons 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 Cavachons and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cavachons get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cavachon Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cavachons are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Cavachon Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cavachons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cavachons are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavachon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavachon 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 Cavachon:

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Cavachon). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Cavachon). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bich Poo.
  • 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 Cavachon vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Cavachon vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cavachon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavachon versus Valley Bulldog     Cavachon versus Leonberger     Cavachon versus American Hairless Terrier     Cavachon versus German Shepherd Dog     Cavachon versus Airedale Terrier     Cavachon versus Keeshond     Cavachon versus English Toy Spaniel     Cavachon versus Cockalier     Cavachon versus Collie     Cavachon versus Pomchi     Cavachon versus Greyhound     Cavachon versus Boykin Spaniel     Cavachon versus Great Pyrenees     Cavachon versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Cavachon versus Boerboel     Cavachon versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Cavachon versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Cavachon versus Pomapoo     Cavachon versus Affenhuahua     Cavachon versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Cavachon versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cavachon versus Standard Schnauzer     Cavachon versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Cavachon versus Scottish Deerhound     Cavachon versus Bordoodle     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dachshund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     

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