Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Welsh Terrier
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Welsh Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Welsh Terrier
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Welsh Terriers?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier? 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 Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier. 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 Welsh Terrier.
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 Welsh Terrier.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | Up to 20 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1350 – $3834 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2510 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 76.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 108 |
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 Welsh Terrier. 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 Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Welsh Terrier is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Welsh Terrier!
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 Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier.
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, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Welsh Terriers.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Welsh Terrier
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Welsh Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 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 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 38 Welsh Terriers.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
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 Welsh Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Welsh Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Welsh Terrier is 108 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 Welsh Terrier
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Welsh Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 104 |
| 2014 | 146 | 106 |
| 2015 | 140 | 108 |
| 2016 | 153 | 111 |
| 2017 | 144 | 109 |
| 2018 | 155 | 107 |
| 2019 | 132 | 110 |
| 2020 | 154 | 112 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
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 Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Welsh Terrier.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Welsh Terriers.
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.
Welsh Terrier Health Problems
Welsh Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and Welsh Terriers
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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Welsh Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Welsh Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Icelandic Sheepdog and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Welsh Terrier:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Welsh Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 89 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 14 out of 17 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 24 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 108 out of 145 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 Welsh Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Welsh Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Welsh Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Welsh Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
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.
Welsh Terriers 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 Welsh Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Welsh Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Welsh Terrier
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Welsh Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Welsh Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Welsh Terriers?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Welsh Terrier?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Welsh Terriers are OK 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 Welsh Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Welsh Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Welsh Terrier to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schipperke Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dachshund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Rottweiler Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boerboel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavachon Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Greyhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer
Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Terrier versus Boxerdoodle Welsh Terrier versus Golden Retriever Welsh Terrier versus Chinese Crested Welsh Terrier versus Golden Retriever Welsh Terrier versus Brussels Griffon Welsh Terrier versus French Spaniel Welsh Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Welsh Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Welsh Terrier versus Manchester Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Welsh Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Welsh Terrier versus American Water Spaniel Welsh Terrier versus Shihpoo Welsh Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound Welsh Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Welsh Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Welsh Terrier versus Norwich Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Siberian Husky Welsh Terrier versus Beaglier Welsh Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Welsh Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer Welsh Terrier versus Yorkipoo Welsh Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Welsh Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier. 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 Welsh Terrier better suits you and your family.