Which is Better between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian? A Very Detailed Review.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian: Overview

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Shiranian
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
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 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $925 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1230
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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian

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

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiranians adapt well to apartment living.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shiranians are good for new dog owners.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Shiranian are very playful.

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

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

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian

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

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Shiranians.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Shiranians?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Shiranian

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog vs Shihpoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basenji     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shichon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockapoo     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Norwich Terrier     Shiranian versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Shiranian versus Bordoodle     Shiranian versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shiranian versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shiranian versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shiranian versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shiranian versus Bichon Frise     Shiranian versus Bracco Italiano     Shiranian versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Shiranian versus Belgian Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Lakeland Terrier     Shiranian versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shiranian versus Bloodhound     Shiranian versus Clumber Spaniel     Shiranian versus Brittany     Shiranian versus Black Mouth Cur     Shiranian versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shiranian versus Peek A Poo     Shiranian versus Mastiff     Shiranian versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Shiranian versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Shiranian versus Labrador Retriever     Shiranian versus Dachshund     Shiranian versus Catahoula Bulldog     

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