Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Weimaraner: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner
- Temperament of the Weimaraner Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Weimaraner
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Weimaraner
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Weimaraner
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Weimaraners?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Weimaraner?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Weimaraners?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Weimaraners Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Weimaraner
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Weimaraners Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Weimaraners?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Weimaraners?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Weimaraner?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Weimaraner
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Weimaraner: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner? 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 Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner.
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 Weimaraner.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner
Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Weimaraner |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 12.0 years |
Price Range | No Data | $950 – $1250 |
Average Price | No Data | $1080 |
Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 80.8 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 35 |
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 Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner is 67 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a better pet than the Weimaraner. So, you should get the Icelandic Sheepdog!
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 Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner.
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, Weimaraners weigh 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Weimaraners are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Weimaraners is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Weimaraners is 12.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Weimaraners.
Temperament of the Weimaraner Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Weimaraner.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Weimaraner is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Weimaraner has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 224 Weimaraners.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Weimaraner
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs and many Weimaraners 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, Weimaraners are also available for adoption. For example, Ash is a Male Weimaraner that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Weimaraners like Ash that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Ghost is an adorable Male Weimaraner on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Weimaraners that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Weimaraner
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 Weimaraner over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Weimaraner is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Weimaraner is 35 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 Weimaraner
Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Weimaraner Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 142 | 33 |
2014 | 146 | 35 |
2015 | 140 | 34 |
2016 | 153 | 34 |
2017 | 144 | 34 |
2018 | 155 | 36 |
2019 | 132 | 39 |
2020 | 154 | 39 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Weimaraner
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 Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Weimaraner.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Weimaraner.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Weimaraners.
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.
Weimaraner Health Problems
Weimaraners are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Weimaraner 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 Weimaraners for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Weimaraners here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and Weimaraners
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 Weimaraner Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Weimaraner ranks 44 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 62 Weimaraners, 0 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Weimaraners, and how common these diseases are in Weimaraners relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Icelandic Sheepdog and in Weimaraner and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Weimaraner:
Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Weimaraner Rank |
---|---|---|
Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 127 out of 198 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | 125 out of 182 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 44 out of 49 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 62 out of 115 dog breeds |
Patella problems | Not Common | 80 out of 145 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | Not Common | 113 out of 144 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 Weimaraner
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Weimaraners do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Weimaraners?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Weimaraners shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Weimaraners have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Weimaraners are very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Weimaraner?
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.
Weimaraners 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 Weimaraners?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Weimaraners are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Weimaraners Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Weimaraners can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Weimaraner
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Weimaraners have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Weimaraners Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Weimaraners can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Weimaraners get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Weimaraners?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Weimaraners are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Weimaraners?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Weimaraners get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Weimaraner?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Weimaraners are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Weimaraner?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Weimaraners do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Weimaraner?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Weimaraners are not the best dogs 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 Weimaraner
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Weimaraner 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 Weimaraner:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Weimaraner compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Weimaraner to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afador Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Komondor Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook Icelandic Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lowchen Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beaglier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Brittany Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Samoyed Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saluki Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Icelandic Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Weimaraner Versus Other Dog Breeds
Weimaraner versus Afador Weimaraner versus Sussex Spaniel Weimaraner versus Golden Retriever Weimaraner versus Irish Setter Weimaraner versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Weimaraner versus Black Russian Terrier Weimaraner versus Brussels Griffon Weimaraner versus Shiba Inu Weimaraner versus Pomapoo Weimaraner versus Bolognese Weimaraner versus German Shepherd Dog Weimaraner versus West Highland White Terrier Weimaraner versus Cavapoo Weimaraner versus German Longhaired Pointer Weimaraner versus Pekingese Weimaraner versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Weimaraner versus Shihpoo Weimaraner versus Chinese Crested Weimaraner versus Goldador Weimaraner versus Dogue de Bordeaux Weimaraner versus Papipoo Weimaraner versus Lancashire Heeler Weimaraner versus Bouvier des Flandres Weimaraner versus Clumber Spaniel Weimaraner versus Kai Ken
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Weimaraner. 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 Weimaraner better suits you and your family.