Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better than the Labradoodle as a Pet? Answer…

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle.

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 Labradoodle.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Labradoodle is a large-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 Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Labradoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
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 4/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1640
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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

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

    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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Labradoodles are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Labradoodles are very easy to groom.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labradoodles get along well with other dogs.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Labradoodles are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Labradoodle do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle

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

    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, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle

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

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Labradoodles.

    Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Labradoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Labradoodles 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 Icelandic Sheepdog named Elf that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Albert is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Labradoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Labradoodle

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

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

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

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

    Labradoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Labradoodles?

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

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

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

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Goldador.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Setter     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Westiepoo     

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Norwegian Lundehund     Labradoodle versus Toy Poodle     Labradoodle versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Kooikerhondje     Labradoodle versus Stabyhoun     Labradoodle versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Labradoodle versus Tibetan Terrier     Labradoodle versus Bull Terrier     Labradoodle versus Bordoodle     Labradoodle versus Saluki     Labradoodle versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Labradoodle versus Karelian Bear Dog     Labradoodle versus Field Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Border Terrier     Labradoodle versus English Springer Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Silky Terrier     Labradoodle versus Bolognese     Labradoodle versus Shiranian     Labradoodle versus Cane Corso     Labradoodle versus Bernedoodle     Labradoodle versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Labradoodle versus Beagle     Labradoodle versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Labradoodle versus Affenhuahua     Labradoodle versus Goldador     

    Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle better suits you and your family.