A Detailed Comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Longhaired Pointer 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.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog
Life Span 11 to 14 years 14 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
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
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
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 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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:

  • German Longhaired Pointers 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.
  • German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

    German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 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 German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boxerdoodle.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Pomeranian     German Longhaired Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Longhaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chorkie     German Longhaired Pointer versus Harrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus French Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shichon     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dalmatian     German Longhaired Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Hovawart     German Longhaired Pointer versus Barbet     German Longhaired Pointer versus Komondor     German Longhaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     German Longhaired Pointer versus Puggle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Harrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Borzoi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Dane     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boxer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.