Differences and Similarities between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shichon.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

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 Shichon.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Shichon 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 Shichon

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Shichon
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
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 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1610
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 Shichon. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125.

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

    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 Shichon 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 Shichon

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shichons are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Shichons are very easy to groom.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shichons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shichons do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shichon

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

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

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

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

    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, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon

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

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shichons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shichon

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Shichons 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 Shichons?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shichons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shichon

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

    Shichons 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 Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shichons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shichon?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shichon

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

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Cockalier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Keeshond     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Collie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shichon versus Berger Picard     Shichon versus King Shepherd     Shichon versus Frenchton     Shichon versus Maremma Sheepdog     Shichon versus Schipperke     Shichon versus Boerboel     Shichon versus Morkie     Shichon versus Azawakh     Shichon versus Havanese     Shichon versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shichon versus Papipoo     Shichon versus Redbone Coonhound     Shichon versus Bull Terrier     Shichon versus Akita Chow     Shichon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shichon versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shichon versus Collie     Shichon versus Bulldog     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Miniature Pinscher     Shichon versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shichon versus German Pinscher     Shichon versus Japanese Chin     

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