Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer 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.
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.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 78.1 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 10 | 144 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get a German Shorthaired Pointer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointer Colors
The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- White / Cream
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 13.5 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 lives longer than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 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 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a below-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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Shorthaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 10 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 144 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
| Year | German Shorthaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 142 |
| 2014 | 12 | 146 |
| 2015 | 11 | 140 |
| 2016 | 11 | 153 |
| 2017 | 10 | 144 |
| 2018 | 9 | 155 |
| 2019 | 9 | 132 |
| 2020 | 9 | 154 |
| 2021 | 9 | 138 |
Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the German Shorthaired Pointer.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shorthaired Pointer while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shorthaired Pointers and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Problems
German Shorthaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer Breed is Cone Degeneration problems.
This is because the German Shorthaired Pointer ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Cone Degeneration problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1475 German Shorthaired Pointers, 1 of them had Cone Degeneration problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shorthaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and in Icelandic Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog:
| Disease | German Shorthaired Pointer Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cone Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 12 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 42 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 55 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 68 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 69 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 118 out of 182 dog breeds | 149 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 121 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 174 out of 198 dog breeds | 55 out of 198 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: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers 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.
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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff German Shorthaired Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Australian Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Afghan Hound German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Bulldog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Berger Picard German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chow Chow
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.