Last Updated: Nov 07, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Bernese Mountain Dog
- The Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
| Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Icelandic Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2995 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 86.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 25 | 144 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Icelandic Sheepdog, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Bernese Mountain Dog will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Bernese Mountain Dog :-). We are for the Bernese Mountain Dog. So get a Bernese Mountain Dog!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. The Bernese Mountain Dog is 23 to 28 inches 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dog Colors
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Bicolor
- Brindle
- White / Cream
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- 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 Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 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 lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog Versus the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 86.6 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 86.6 percent, the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 194 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Bernese Mountain Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 25 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 144 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
| Year | Bernese Mountain Dog Popularity Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 142 |
| 2014 | 32 | 146 |
| 2015 | 29 | 140 |
| 2016 | 27 | 153 |
| 2017 | 25 | 144 |
| 2018 | 22 | 155 |
| 2019 | 23 | 132 |
| 2020 | 22 | 154 |
| 2021 | 20 | 138 |
Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
6 health tests are recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs and in Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Problems
Bernese Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dog Breed is Basic Cardiac problems.
This is because the Bernese Mountain Dog ranks 2 out of 16 dog breeds for Basic Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 121 Bernese Mountain Dogs, 0 of them had Basic Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bernese Mountain Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and in Icelandic Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog:
| Disease | Bernese Mountain Dog Rank | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cardiac problems | 2 out of 16 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 11 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 17 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 17 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 37 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 47 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 62 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 65 out of 198 dog breeds | 55 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 82 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 91 out of 182 dog breeds | 149 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 127 out of 145 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: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Icelandic Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Icelandic Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Bernese Mountain Dog compares to other breeds aside from the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog to other breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.