Which is Better between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Golden Cocker Retriever 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.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 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
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
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
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers 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.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 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.

    Lifespan of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Field 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:

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Scottish Deerhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puggle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Chin     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sheepadoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pug     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Italian Greyhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Leonberger     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Swedish Vallhund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Toy Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Toy Fox Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Pinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Foxhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     

    Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.