Breed Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Maltipoo

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Maltipoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Maltipoo.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Maltipoo
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 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 1/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
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 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2020
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 Maltipoo. 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 Maltipoo is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Maltipoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Maltipoos are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Maltipoos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maltipoo are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo

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

    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, Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo

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

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Maltipoos.

    Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Maltipoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Maltipoos 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, Maltipoos are also available for adoption. For example, Jeffrey is a Male Maltipoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Maltipoos like Jeffrey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Also, Bear – The Darling Little Boy is an adorable Male Maltipoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Maltipoos?

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

    Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maltipoo

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Maltipoos 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 Maltipoos?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Maltipoo

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

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

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maltipoos 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 Maltipoo?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Maltipoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Maltipoos?

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

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Maltipoo?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltipoo

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

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Yorkipoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Puli     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Labradoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Samoyed     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Frenchton     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus Finnish Spitz     Maltipoo versus Scottish Deerhound     Maltipoo versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Maltipoo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maltipoo versus Valley Bulldog     Maltipoo versus Manchester Terrier     Maltipoo versus Bearded Collie     Maltipoo versus Beaglier     Maltipoo versus Sealyham Terrier     Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu     Maltipoo versus Afador     Maltipoo versus Mudi     Maltipoo versus Bracco Italiano     Maltipoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maltipoo versus Cesky Terrier     Maltipoo versus Sussex Spaniel     Maltipoo versus Akita     Maltipoo versus Fila Brasileiro     Maltipoo versus Cane Corso     Maltipoo versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maltipoo versus Afador     Maltipoo versus Saint Bernard     Maltipoo versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maltipoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Maltipoo versus Shichon     

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