Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Lhasa Apso
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Lhasa Apso
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Lhasa Apsos?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Lhasa Apso
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Lhasa Apsos?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso? 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso.
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 Lhasa Apso.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Lhasa Apso is a tiny-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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Lhasa Apso |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 12 to 15 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1500 – $1996 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1780 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 70.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 71 |
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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Lhasa Apso!
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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso.
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, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Lhasa Apsos.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Lhasa Apso
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 27 Lhasa Apsos.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Lhasa Apso
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos are also available for adoption. For example, Rocky is a Male Lhasa Apso that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lhasa Apsos like Rocky that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Louie is an adorable Male Lhasa Apso on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Lhasa Apsos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Lhasa Apso
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Lhasa Apso over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lhasa Apso is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lhasa Apso is 71 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
Popularity of Lhasa Apso
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 63 |
| 2014 | 146 | 67 |
| 2015 | 140 | 65 |
| 2016 | 153 | 71 |
| 2017 | 144 | 77 |
| 2018 | 155 | 71 |
| 2019 | 132 | 78 |
| 2020 | 154 | 78 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Lhasa Apsos?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lhasa Apso?
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.
Lhasa Apsos 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Lhasa Apsos?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Lhasa Apso
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Lhasa Apsos?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Lhasa Apso?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Lhasa Apsos 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Lhasa Apso compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Lhasa Apso to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schnoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Barbet Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bolognese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Icelandic Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mal Shi
Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso versus Peek A Poo Lhasa Apso versus Leonberger Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Standard Schnauzer Lhasa Apso versus Kai Ken Lhasa Apso versus American Staffordshire Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Standard Schnauzer Lhasa Apso versus Dachshund Lhasa Apso versus Black Mouth Cur Lhasa Apso versus Whoodle Lhasa Apso versus Lowchen Lhasa Apso versus Pomsky Lhasa Apso versus Keeshond Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Shepherd Lhasa Apso versus Lagotto Romagnolo Lhasa Apso versus Gordon Setter Lhasa Apso versus Bichon Frise Lhasa Apso versus Dachshund Lhasa Apso versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Lhasa Apso versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Korean Jindo Dog Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Shichon Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Pointer
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.