Differences and Similarities between the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Cesky Terrier Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Cesky Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cesky 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.

Cesky Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Cesky Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 30 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
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
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 183 145

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

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

  • Cesky 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.
  • Cesky Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cesky Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Cesky Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cesky Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Cesky Terriers weigh 13 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Cesky Terriers are 10 to 13 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 Cesky Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Cesky Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cesky Terriers 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 Cesky Terriers.

    The Popularity of Cesky Terrier versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Cesky Terrier and the Icelandic Sheepdog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Icelandic Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Cesky Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Cesky Terrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Cesky Terrier

    Popularity of Cesky Terrier

    Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog

    Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog

    Year Cesky Terrier Popularity Rank Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank
    2013 174 142
    2014 182 146
    2015 179 140
    2016 182 153
    2017 185 144
    2018 185 155
    2019 188 132
    2020 191 154

    Health Problems of Cesky 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 Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier.

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

    7 health tests are recommended for Cesky Terrier while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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

    Cesky Terrier Health Problems

    Cesky Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cesky 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 Cesky Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cesky 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: Cesky Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cesky Terriers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cesky Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Cesky 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 Cesky Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cesky Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Cesky Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cesky Terrier vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Cesky 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 Cesky Terrier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cesky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Cesky 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 Cesky Terriers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cesky Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

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

    Cesky Terriers are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Cesky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cesky Terriers 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 Cesky Terrier

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (76 percent match with Cesky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Bordoodle (75 percent match with Cesky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bordoodle.
  • Pomchi (75 percent match with Cesky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Pomchi.
  • 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 Cesky Terrier vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Cesky Terrier vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cesky Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cesky Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Cesky Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cesky Terrier versus Kuvasz     Cesky Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Cesky Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cesky Terrier versus Schnoodle     Cesky Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cesky Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Cesky Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Cesky Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Cesky Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cesky Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Cesky Terrier versus Frenchton     Cesky Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Cesky Terrier versus Border Collie     Cesky Terrier versus French Spaniel     Cesky Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Cesky Terrier versus Samoyed     Cesky Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Cesky Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Cesky Terrier versus French Bulldog     Cesky Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Cesky Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cesky Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Cesky Terrier versus Chi-Poo     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pug     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kuvasz     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog     

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