Differences and Similarities between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Pomsky: Introduction

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

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

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 Pomsky.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Pomsky 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 Pomsky

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Pomsky
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 1/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 10 to 15 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 7 to 38 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
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 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
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 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2995
Average Price No Data $2270
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 Pomsky. 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 Pomsky is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pomskys adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Pomskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pomskys do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomsky shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    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, Pomskys weigh 7 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Pomskys are 10 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky

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

    The lifespan of Pomskys is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pomskys is 13.5 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Pomskys.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pomskys do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Pomskys?

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

    Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pomsky

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pomskys do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pomskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Pomsky

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pomskys get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pomskys?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Pomskys?

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

    Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pomsky?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Pomskys are fairly easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pomskys adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pomsky

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

  • Pomeranian (78 percent match with Pomsky). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Pomeranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akbash     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     

    Pomsky Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pomsky versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomsky versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pomsky versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pomsky versus Great Pyrenees     Pomsky versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pomsky versus German Shepherd Dog     Pomsky versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Pomsky versus Leonberger     Pomsky versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pomsky versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pomsky versus Sealyham Terrier     Pomsky versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomsky versus Japanese Spitz     Pomsky versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pomsky versus Belgian Tervuren     Pomsky versus Alaskan Malamute     Pomsky versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pomsky versus Dogo Argentino     Pomsky versus Boxer     Pomsky versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pomsky versus Standard Schnauzer     Pomsky versus Harrier     Pomsky versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pomsky versus Swedish Vallhund     Pomsky versus Morkie     

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