Quick Links: Table of Contents
- French Spaniel Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Wanderlust Potential: French Spaniel vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do French Spaniels shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
French Spaniel Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog
French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
Both the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the French Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the French Spaniel 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 | French Spaniel | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years. | 14 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 24 inches. | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds. | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $4250 | No Data |
| Price Range | $3875 – $4625 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the French Spaniel!
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 French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 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.
Health Problems of French Spaniel versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the French Spaniel.
3 health tests are recommended for French Spaniel while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in French Spaniels and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.
French Spaniel Health Problems
French Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your French Spaniel 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 French Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels 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 French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the French Spaniel ranks 125 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 254 French Spaniels, 23 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in French Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel and in Icelandic Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog:
| Disease | French Spaniel Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 125 out of 198 dog breeds | 55 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 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.
Is the French Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
French Spaniels 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 one drools more, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Do French Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
French Spaniels 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: French Spaniel vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
French Spaniels 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: French Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do French Spaniels shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the French Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels 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.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are French Spaniels and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Is the French Spaniel Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Are French Spaniels good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel:
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 French Spaniel and how the Icelandic Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the French Spaniel and of the Icelandic Sheepdog to other breeds:
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Akbash French Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel French Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier French Spaniel versus Golden Retriever French Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd French Spaniel versus Pug French Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel French Spaniel versus Border Collie French Spaniel versus Harrier French Spaniel versus Yorkshire Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger Icelandic Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kuvasz
Conclusion: French Spaniel 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 French Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.