Differences and Similarities between the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Cockalier Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cockalier 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.

Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Cockalier Icelandic Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1370 No Data
Price Range $938 – $1800 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Cockalier!

    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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Cockaliers 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.
  • Cockaliers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cockaliers are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cockaliers are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 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 Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cockalier or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    • 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 Cockalier vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Scottish Deerhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Cockalier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Cockalier versus Cesky Terrier     Cockalier versus Boerboel     Cockalier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Cockalier versus French Spaniel     Cockalier versus Boerboel     Cockalier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Cockalier versus Great Dane     Cockalier versus Berger Picard     Cockalier versus German Shepherd Dog     Cockalier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Cockalier versus Basenji     Cockalier versus Shiranian     Cockalier versus Pointer     Cockalier versus Goldador     Cockalier versus Cane Corso     Cockalier versus Kishu Ken     Cockalier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Cockalier versus Schnoodle     Cockalier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cockalier versus Manchester Terrier     Cockalier versus Airedale Terrier     Cockalier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Cockalier versus Norwich Terrier     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Barbet     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boxer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Briard     

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