Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Temperament of the Sealyham Terrier Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Sealyham Terrier
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Sealyham Terriers?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier? 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier.
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 Sealyham Terrier.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 22 to 24 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 157 |
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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sealyham Terrier is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Sealyham Terrier!
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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier.
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, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Sealyham Terriers.
Temperament of the Sealyham Terrier Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has the same temperament score as the Sealyham Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 1 Sealyham Terriers.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
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 Sealyham Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Icelandic Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Sealyham Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 158 |
| 2014 | 146 | 169 |
| 2015 | 140 | 158 |
| 2016 | 153 | 155 |
| 2017 | 144 | 150 |
| 2018 | 155 | 164 |
| 2019 | 132 | 154 |
| 2020 | 154 | 148 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Sealyham Terrier.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Sealyham Terriers.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs here.
Sealyham Terrier Health Problems
Sealyham Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sealyham Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Sealyham Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sealyham Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Sealyham Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and Sealyham Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Sealyham Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Sealyham Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Icelandic Sheepdog and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Sealyham Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 4 out of 17 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
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.
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Sealyham Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Sealyham Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Sealyham Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Sealyham Terriers 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Sealyham Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Sealyham Terrier to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita Icelandic Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Setter Icelandic Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Brittany Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papipoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Icelandic Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sealyham Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff Sealyham Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Sealyham Terrier versus Affenpinscher Sealyham Terrier versus Norwich Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Sealyham Terrier versus Whoodle Sealyham Terrier versus Shichon Sealyham Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Sealyham Terrier versus Lhasapoo Sealyham Terrier versus Papillon Sealyham Terrier versus Bolognese Sealyham Terrier versus Cockalier Sealyham Terrier versus Australian Shepherd Sealyham Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Sealyham Terrier versus Shihpoo Sealyham Terrier versus Affenpinscher Sealyham Terrier versus Havanese Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer Sealyham Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.