Differences and Similarities between the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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Goldendoodle Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Goldendoodle Icelandic Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 14 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 20 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $2170 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Goldendoodles 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.
  • Goldendoodles are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Goldendoodles are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Goldendoodles get along well with other dogs. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles.

    Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Goldendoodles and many Icelandic Sheepdogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Goldendoodle named Sarge that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Goldendoodles like Sarge on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Goldendoodles, Icelandic Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Elf is a Male Icelandic Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Goldendoodle and the Icelandic Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Tucker is the name of another Goldendoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Goldendoodles and Icelandic Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

    Goldendoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs 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:

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Boston Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Finnish Lapphund     Goldendoodle versus Kishu Ken     Goldendoodle versus Toy Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Pomeranian     Goldendoodle versus Cesky Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Newfoundland     Goldendoodle versus Maremma Sheepdog     Goldendoodle versus Pyredoodle     Goldendoodle versus Spinone Italiano     Goldendoodle versus Field Spaniel     Goldendoodle versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Goldendoodle versus Boerboel     Goldendoodle versus Pomapoo     Goldendoodle versus Basenji     Goldendoodle versus King Shepherd     Goldendoodle versus Japanese Spitz     Goldendoodle versus Akbash     Goldendoodle versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Goldendoodle versus American Bulldog     Goldendoodle versus Kishu Ken     Goldendoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Goldendoodle versus Stabyhoun     Goldendoodle versus Goldador     

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Hovawart     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bolognese     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji     

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