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

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Sheepadoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Sheepadoodle.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Sheepadoodle 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 Sheepadoodle

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Sheepadoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 16 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 60 to 80 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 2/5
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 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
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 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1471 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1910
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 Sheepadoodle. 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 Sheepadoodle is 91 out of 125.

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

    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 Sheepadoodle 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 Sheepadoodle

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sheepadoodles adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sheepadoodles are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sheepadoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Sheepadoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Sheepadoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle

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

    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, Sheepadoodles weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Sheepadoodles are 16 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Sheepadoodles.

    Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Sheepadoodle

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Sheepadoodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Sheepadoodles?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Sheepadoodle

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sheepadoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Sheepadoodles are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sheepadoodles 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 Sheepadoodles?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sheepadoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Sheepadoodle

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

    Sheepadoodles 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 Sheepadoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sheepadoodles 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 Sheepadoodle?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sheepadoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sheepadoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Sheepadoodles?

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

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sheepadoodle?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Sheepadoodles are fairly easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sheepadoodles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Sheepadoodles 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 Sheepadoodle vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Sheepadoodle vs Scottish Deerhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sheepadoodle

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

  • Standard Poodle (77 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Standard Poodle.
  • Portuguese Water Dog (78 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog.
  • Schnoodle (77 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Schnoodle.
  • Bernedoodle (79 percent match with Sheepadoodle). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papillon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akbash     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Briard     Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Hovawart     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Sheepadoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sheepadoodle versus Stabyhoun     Sheepadoodle versus Cocker Spaniel     Sheepadoodle versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Sheepadoodle versus American Eskimo Dog     Sheepadoodle versus Pomapoo     Sheepadoodle versus Akbash     Sheepadoodle versus Cane Corso     Sheepadoodle versus Shih Tzu     Sheepadoodle versus Clumber Spaniel     Sheepadoodle versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Sheepadoodle versus Alaskan Malamute     Sheepadoodle versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Sheepadoodle versus Bolognese     Sheepadoodle versus Goldendoodle     Sheepadoodle versus Great Dane     Sheepadoodle versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sheepadoodle versus Biewer Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Cesky Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Sheepadoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Sheepadoodle versus Tibetan Mastiff     Sheepadoodle versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sheepadoodle versus Great Dane     Sheepadoodle versus Bull Terrier     Sheepadoodle versus Finnish Spitz     

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