Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boxer Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Boxer
- The Popularity of Boxer versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do Boxers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Boxer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boxer Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are similar in size. The Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Boxer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boxer 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | Boxer | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $1530 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 83.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 11 | 144 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boxer 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 Boxer is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boxer is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you should get a Boxer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The Boxer weighs 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Boxer is 21 to 25 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Boxer Colors
The Boxer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
The Boxer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Brindle
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 Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Boxer is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boxer is 11.0 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 Boxer.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Boxer
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Boxer.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 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 83.9 percent, the Boxer 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Boxer 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Boxer is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Boxer is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 144 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Boxer
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
| Year | Boxer Popularity Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 142 |
| 2014 | 8 | 146 |
| 2015 | 10 | 140 |
| 2016 | 10 | 153 |
| 2017 | 11 | 144 |
| 2018 | 11 | 155 |
| 2019 | 14 | 132 |
| 2020 | 14 | 154 |
| 2021 | 14 | 138 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Boxers do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Boxers shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers 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 Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Boxers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog
Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Boxers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers 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 Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boxers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
Boxers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boxers 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 Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Boxers are OK for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Boxer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Boxer compares to other breeds aside from the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:
Boxer versus Carolina Dog Boxer versus Miniature Schnauzer Boxer versus Curly-Coated Retriever Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier Boxer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Boxer versus Dogo Argentino Boxer versus Borzoi Boxer versus Kerry Blue Terrier Boxer versus Lakeland Terrier Boxer versus Stabyhoun Boxer versus Collie Boxer versus Bedlington Terrier Boxer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Boxer versus Saint Bernard Boxer versus Norwich Terrier Boxer versus Australian Cattle Dog Boxer versus Standard Poodle Boxer versus Maltese
Conclusion: Boxer 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 Boxer and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.