Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Whippet
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Whippets?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet? 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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet.
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 Whippet.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet: Overview
Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet are similar in size. The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog to the Whippet 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 Whippet
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2600 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2120 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 58 |
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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get the Whippet!
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 Whippet 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 Whippet
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet.
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, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Whippets.
Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Whippet.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 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 86.2 percent, the Whippet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs and 203 Whippets.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Whippet
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 Whippet over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Whippet is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Whippet is 58 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 Whippet
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 59 |
| 2014 | 146 | 56 |
| 2015 | 140 | 57 |
| 2016 | 153 | 60 |
| 2017 | 144 | 61 |
| 2018 | 155 | 61 |
| 2019 | 132 | 57 |
| 2020 | 154 | 59 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Whippet
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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Whippet.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Whippets.
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.
Whippet Health Problems
Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet 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 Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet 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 Whippets for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and Whippets
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 Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Icelandic Sheepdog and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Whippet:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 108 out of 115 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 Whippet
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Whippets?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet?
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
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.
Whippets 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 Whippets?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Whippet
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Whippets?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Whippet?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Whippets 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 Whippet
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet 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 Whippet:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Collie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin Icelandic Sheepdog versus Standard Poodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Berger Picard Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kuvasz Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mudi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Keeshond Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Hovawart Whippet versus Affenhuahua Whippet versus Kishu Ken Whippet versus Berger Picard Whippet versus Australian Cattle Dog Whippet versus Finnish Lapphund Whippet versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Whippet versus Bichon Frise Whippet versus Portuguese Pointer Whippet versus Shiloh Shepherd Whippet versus Saint Berdoodle Whippet versus Labrador Retriever Whippet versus Dalmatian Whippet versus Airedale Terrier Whippet versus Australian Shepherd Whippet versus Shih Tzu Whippet versus Australian Cattle Dog Whippet versus Belgian Sheepdog Whippet versus Siberian Husky Whippet versus Goldador Whippet versus Cavachon Whippet versus Borzoi Whippet versus Japanese Spitz Whippet versus Boxer Whippet versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet. 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 Whippet better suits you and your family.