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

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Pyredoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Pyredoodle.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Pyredoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 15 to 32 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 85 to 100 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 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 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
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 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1600
Average Price No Data $1390
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 Pyredoodle. 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 Pyredoodle is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pyredoodles are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Pyredoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyredoodle

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

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

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

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

    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, Pyredoodles weigh 85 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Pyredoodles are 15 to 32 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle

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

    The lifespan of Pyredoodles is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Pyredoodles is 11.0 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Pyredoodles.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pyredoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Pyredoodles?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyredoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyredoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Pyredoodles are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodles?

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

    Pyredoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyredoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Pyredoodle

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

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

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyredoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodle?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyredoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pyredoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Pyredoodles?

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

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pyredoodle?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Pyredoodles are fairly easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyredoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyredoodle

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

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bernedoodle (81 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Bordoodle (79 percent match with Pyredoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bordoodle.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boerboel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     

    Pyredoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyredoodle versus Irish Terrier     Pyredoodle versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyredoodle versus Keeshond     Pyredoodle versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pyredoodle versus Peek A Poo     Pyredoodle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyredoodle versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pyredoodle versus Standard Poodle     Pyredoodle versus Harrier     Pyredoodle versus Boston Terrier     Pyredoodle versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyredoodle versus Kai Ken     Pyredoodle versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyredoodle versus Bernedoodle     Pyredoodle versus Schipperke     Pyredoodle versus Papipoo     Pyredoodle versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Pyredoodle versus American Foxhound     Pyredoodle versus Whoodle     Pyredoodle versus Whoodle     Pyredoodle versus Labradoodle     Pyredoodle versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pyredoodle versus Giant Schnauzer     Pyredoodle versus Papillon     Pyredoodle versus Norfolk Terrier     

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