Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Saluki: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Saluki
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Saluki
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Saluki
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Salukis?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saluki?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Salukis?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Saluki
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Salukis?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Salukis?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Saluki?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saluki
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Saluki: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki? 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 Saluki 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 Saluki.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki 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 Saluki. 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 Saluki.
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 Saluki.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Saluki 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 Saluki belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Saluki 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 Saluki
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Saluki |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 35 to 70 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2250 – $2250 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2250 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 68.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 127 |
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 Saluki. 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 Saluki is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saluki is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Saluki!
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 Saluki 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 Saluki
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki.
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, Salukis weigh 35 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Salukis are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Salukis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Salukis is 13.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Salukis.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Saluki
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Saluki.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Saluki is 68.7 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 68.7 percent, the Saluki has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Saluki by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 67 Salukis.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Saluki
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Salukis 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, Salukis are also available for adoption. For example, Ollie is a Male Saluki that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Salukis like Ollie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Archie is an adorable Male Saluki on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Salukis that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Saluki
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 Saluki over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saluki is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saluki is 127 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 Saluki
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Saluki Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 115 |
| 2014 | 146 | 134 |
| 2015 | 140 | 132 |
| 2016 | 153 | 125 |
| 2017 | 144 | 123 |
| 2018 | 155 | 120 |
| 2019 | 132 | 125 |
| 2020 | 154 | 144 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Salukis do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Salukis?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Salukis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Salukis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Salukis are very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saluki?
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.
Salukis 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 Salukis?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Salukis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Salukis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Saluki
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Salukis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Salukis 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 Saluki?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Salukis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Salukis?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Salukis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Salukis?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Salukis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Saluki?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Salukis are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Saluki?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Saluki?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Salukis 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saluki
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saluki 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 Saluki:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Saluki compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Saluki to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Berger Picard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papillon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akbash Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Collie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whoodle
Saluki Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saluki versus Havanese Saluki versus English Toy Spaniel Saluki versus Peek A Poo Saluki versus Australian Kelpie Saluki versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saluki versus Shiranian Saluki versus Xoloitzcuintli Saluki versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Saluki versus English Springer Spaniel Saluki versus Black Russian Terrier Saluki versus Estrela Mountain Dog Saluki versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Saluki versus Tibetan Spaniel Saluki versus Curly-Coated Retriever Saluki versus Bichon Frise Saluki versus French Bulldog Saluki versus Bichon Frise Saluki versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saluki versus Morkie Saluki versus Valley Bulldog Saluki versus Belgian Sheepdog Saluki versus Cocker Spaniel Saluki versus Toy Poodle Saluki versus Shiranian
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki. 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 Saluki better suits you and your family.