A Detailed Comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Icelandic Sheepdog

Dutch Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog
Life Span 12 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
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
Height 21 to 25 inches 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1590 No Data
Price Range $900 – $2000 No Data
Temperament Score 96.2 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
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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.

    Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Dutch Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 they 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-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 Dutch Shepherd and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Cavachon     Dutch Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje     Dutch Shepherd versus Lhasapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Hovawart     Dutch Shepherd versus Labradoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Saluki     Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz     Dutch Shepherd versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Barbet     Dutch Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     

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