Breed Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Japanese Spitz

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Japanese Spitz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and for the Japanese Spitz. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Japanese Spitz.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Japanese Spitz 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Japanese Spitz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 10 to 16 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 11 to 20 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Japanese Spitz. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Spitzs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz can tolerate cold weather.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz

    The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Japanese Spitzs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Japanese Spitz

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Japanese Spitz?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Spitz?

    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.

    Japanese Spitzs 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.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Japanese Spitz

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

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Japanese Spitzs?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Japanese Spitzs?

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

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Japanese Spitz?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Spitz?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

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

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Standard Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Plott     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Golden Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Keeshond     Japanese Spitz versus American Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Border Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Beaglier     Japanese Spitz versus Miniature Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Finnish Lapphund     Japanese Spitz versus American Eskimo Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Affenpinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Standard Schnauzer     Japanese Spitz versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Bordoodle     Japanese Spitz versus French Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Doberman Pinscher     Japanese Spitz versus Scottish Deerhound     Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Japanese Spitz better suits you and your family.