Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chinook Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Chinook
- The Popularity of Chinook versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Chinook versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do Chinooks shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Does the Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Chinooks and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chinook Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chinook is a large-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Chinook belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | Chinook | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 70 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 177 | 145 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Chinook!
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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 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 Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of Chinooks is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chinooks 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 Chinooks.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Chinook
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Chinook.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 9 Chinooks and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook. 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 Chinook is 177 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chinook
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
| Year | Chinook Popularity Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 156 | 142 |
| 2014 | 171 | 146 |
| 2015 | 177 | 140 |
| 2016 | 175 | 153 |
| 2017 | 179 | 144 |
| 2018 | 190 | 155 |
| 2019 | 184 | 132 |
| 2020 | 186 | 154 |
Health Problems of Chinook 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 Chinook 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 Chinook.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Chinook.
3 health tests are recommended for Chinook while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinooks and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Chinook Health Problems
Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook 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 Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook 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 Chinooks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chinooks and Icelandic Sheepdogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chinook Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chinook and in Icelandic Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog:
| Disease | Chinook Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 5 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 63 out of 198 dog breeds | 55 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 82 out of 182 dog breeds | 149 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Chinooks do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Chinooks shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Chinooks 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 Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog
Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks 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 Chinook Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
Chinooks 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 Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chinooks 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 Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Chinooks good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Chinooks 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 Chinooks and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Chinook Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Chinook Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinook or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Chinooks 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 Chinook
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook 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 Chinook:
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 Chinook and how the Icelandic Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinook and of the Icelandic Sheepdog to other breeds:
Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chinook versus Berger Picard Chinook versus American Bulldog Chinook versus Collie Chinook versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Chinook versus Akita Chinook versus Lowchen Chinook versus Valley Bulldog Chinook versus Samoyed Chinook versus Yorkipoo Chinook versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Chinook versus Kooikerhondje Chinook versus German Wirehaired Pointer Chinook versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Chinook versus Border Collie Chinook versus Pharaoh Hound Chinook versus Lakeland Terrier Chinook versus Boykin Spaniel Chinook versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Chinook versus Korean Jindo Dog Chinook versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Chinook versus American Water Spaniel Chinook versus Golden Retriever Chinook versus Havanese Chinook versus Azawakh Chinook versus Manchester Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chow Chow Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino Icelandic Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kuvasz Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur Icelandic Sheepdog versus Borzoi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mal Shi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Westiepoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher
Conclusion: Chinook 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 Chinook and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.