Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1820 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 18 |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Shih Tzus.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Shih Tzu
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Shih Tzus 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, Shih Tzus are also available for adoption. For example, Gusty is a Male Shih Tzu that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shih Tzus like Gusty that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Teddy is an adorable Male Shih Tzu on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 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 Shih Tzu
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 15 |
| 2014 | 146 | 17 |
| 2015 | 140 | 19 |
| 2016 | 153 | 20 |
| 2017 | 144 | 20 |
| 2018 | 155 | 20 |
| 2019 | 132 | 20 |
| 2020 | 154 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Icelandic Sheepdog versus Papillon Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur Icelandic Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Briard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Miniature Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Goldador Shih Tzu versus Whoodle Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Kishu Ken Shih Tzu versus Japanese Spitz Shih Tzu versus Whoodle Shih Tzu versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Shih Tzu versus Westiepoo Shih Tzu versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher Shih Tzu versus Boxerdoodle Shih Tzu versus Carolina Dog Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Japanese Spitz Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle Shih Tzu versus Plott
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.