Last Updated: Jun 14, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog? 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and for the Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 13 to 18 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $2410 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.5 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 144 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Icelandic Sheepdog weighs 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. The Icelandic Sheepdog is 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Colors
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Bicolor
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Apricot / Beige
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
Icelandic Sheepdog Colors
The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Sable
The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
Lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of the Icelandic Sheepdog is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 14.5 years.
The Icelandic Sheepdog live longer than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 144 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
| Year | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Popularity Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 18 | 142 |
| 2014 | 19 | 146 |
| 2015 | 18 | 140 |
| 2016 | 19 | 153 |
| 2017 | 19 | 144 |
| 2018 | 18 | 155 |
| 2019 | 16 | 132 |
| 2020 | 17 | 154 |
| 2021 | 15 | 138 |
Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
4 health tests are recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here.
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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Icelandic Sheepdogs
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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed is Episodic Falling problems.
This is because the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Episodic Falling problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 454 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 3 of them had Episodic Falling problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and in Icelandic Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog:
| Disease | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Episodic Falling problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Basic Cardiac problems | 3 out of 16 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 4 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 13 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 16 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 19 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 73 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 79 out of 198 dog breeds | 55 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 101 out of 182 dog breeds | 149 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 115 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
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.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds aside from the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to other breeds:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Boxer Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Barbet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Keeshond Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shihpoo Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus West Highland White Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pyredoodle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pomeranian Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff
Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.