Icelandic Sheepdog

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Size: Medium
Other Names:
Country of Origin: Iceland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Miscellaneous
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Herding
United Kennel Club (UKC): Herding Dog
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Working Dogs

The Icelandic Sheepdog is slightly smaller than a medium-sized Spitz-type dog, rectangular in shape, with a thick double coat, and with his tail carried in a loose curl over his back. His head is triangular-shaped, with prick ears, and dark to medium brown, medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes.

A small Nordic herder for a house; a thick shedding coat, a watchful bark, and enough energy for daily work or long walks in the cold.

Icelandic Sheepdog originated from dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings, and are still commonly used to herd sheep in the Icelandic countryside. As his name implies, he is a sheep dog, but he is also used as a guard dog and general working dog. Icelandic Sheepdogs were used mainly to prevent animals from straying, driving livestock by barking. In the Icelandic landscape, sheep often get lost, and it is the dog's job to find them and return them to the herd. Consequently, they are used to working independently and to figuring things out for themselves.

Height: Male: about 18 inches; Female: about 16½ inches
Weight: 20-35 pounds
Color: Predominated by all shades of tan, ranging from cream to reddish-brown; chocolate brown; gray; or black; and accompanied by white
Coat: Double; fairly coarse and straight outer coat; thick soft, and dense undercoat
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 3–6 puppies

Temperament

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly and cheerful, inquisitive, playful, and unafraid. They want to be around their family constantly, and may follow their owner everywhere. Most get along well with children, as well as other dogs and pets. The Icelandic Sheepdog is very adaptable, equally at home as a family pet, or outdoors with livestock. Unlike other working dogs, he calms down when indoors, and will happily lie down at his owner’s feet. The Icelandic Sheepdog thrives on human companionship. He is not aggressive, and has very limited hunting instincts. He drives livestock by barking, and uses that talent to advantage as a watchdog. He is very alert, and will always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome, without being aggressive.

Training

The Icelandic sheepdog tends to bark when he wants something, but this behavior can be controlled by training.

Care and grooming

Brush the double coat weekly, more often when the undercoat blows.

Shedding

Seasonal; the double coat blows a heavy undercoat twice a year.

Health

Icelandic Sheepdogs may develop hip dysplasia, cataracts, and patellar luxation. Eye exams and hip scores are commonly used in breeding programs.

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