A Detailed Comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Morkie: Introduction

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

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

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 Morkie.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie: Overview

A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Morkie 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 Morkie belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Morkie 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 Morkie

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Morkie
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
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 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 4 to 8 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
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 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2381
Average Price No Data $1950
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 Morkie. 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 Morkie is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Morkie 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 Morkie

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Morkies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Morkies cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Morkies do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Morkie are very playful.

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

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

    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, Morkies weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Morkies are 4 to 8 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie

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

    The lifespan of Morkies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Morkies is 12.0 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Morkies.

    Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Morkie

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Morkies do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Morkies?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Morkie

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Morkies do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Morkies are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Morkies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Morkies?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Morkie

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

    Morkies 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 Morkies Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Morkies 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 Morkie?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Morkies do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Morkies?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Morkies?

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

    Morkies get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Morkie?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Morkies are fairly easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Morkies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    Morkies are not the best dogs 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 Morkie vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Morkie vs Scottish Deerhound.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Morkie

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (77 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Pomchi (79 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Pomchi.
  • Affenhuahua (78 percent match with Morkie). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Affenhuahua.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boxer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Samoyed     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pug     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sloughi     

    Morkie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Morkie versus Chi-Poo     Morkie versus French Spaniel     Morkie versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Morkie versus Boxer     Morkie versus Shihpoo     Morkie versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Morkie versus Ibizan Hound     Morkie versus Bracco Italiano     Morkie versus Portuguese Pointer     Morkie versus Bulldog     Morkie versus Papipoo     Morkie versus American Bulldog     Morkie versus Chihuahua     Morkie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Morkie versus Patterdale Terrier     Morkie versus Lowchen     Morkie versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Morkie versus Chi-Poo     Morkie versus English Springer Spaniel     Morkie versus Affenpinscher     Morkie versus Berger Picard     Morkie versus Boxer     Morkie versus Whippet     Morkie versus Tibetan Spaniel     Morkie versus Azawakh     

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