Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a friendly, energetic breed that originated in Iceland and is one of the country's oldest breeds.


Icelandic Sheepdog Breed overview
Icelandic Sheepdogs are affectionate, playful, and energetic companions that are great with children and other dogs. They have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They are highly intelligent and trainable, and excel in a variety of canine activities. Icelandic Sheepdogs thrive in colder climates and are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues if not properly cared for.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Icelandic Sheepdog
Health
The Icelandic Sheepdog is considered to be a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. However, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help prevent many health issues.
Training
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and responds well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Early training and socialisation will help develop their confidence and ensure that they grow up to be well-mannered and well-adjusted adults.
Grooming
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick, double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and requires brushing once or twice a week to keep it healthy and clean.
They will shed heavily twice a year during the spring and fall, and during this time will require more frequent brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Nutrition
The Icelandic Sheepdog should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs based on their age, size, and activity level.
It is recommended to feed them smaller meals throughout the day to prevent bloating and other digestive issues.
Exercise
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an energetic breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
This breed loves to run and play, so a fenced yard is ideal, but they can also be happy in a home without a yard so long as they receive enough exercise and playtime.
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Icelandic Sheepdog Traits & Characteristics
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a spitz-type breed that typically weighs between 20-30 pounds and stands between 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their square, compact body allows them to be agile and quick on their feet.
Their coat can come in a variety of colours including black, grey, tan and gold, and will shed moderately throughout the year.
The breed standard recognises two coat types, short and long, with the longer coat having a more pronounced ruff around the neck and shoulders.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature towards their families. They are loyal and devoted companions who crave attention and affection from their loved ones.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great with kids due to their playful and energetic nature. They are patient and gentle with children, making them the perfect family pet.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally friendly and sociable with other dogs, but as with any breed, early socialization is crucial. They can be territorial and possessive, so proper training is required to ensure they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally friendly with strangers, but may be reserved or wary until they get to know someone. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and confident around new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly playful and energetic, and love to engage in games and activities with their families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly alert and aware, and make excellent watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential dangers, and will alert their owners if they sense something is amiss.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations, including apartments or large homes. They are easygoing and can handle changes in routine or environment with ease.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a medium-length double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing is necessary to ensure their coat stays healthy and shiny.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate droolers, but it is not excessive. They may drool more when they are excited or waiting for food, but it is not a significant concern for most owners.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are a medium-sized breed, weighing between 20-30 pounds and standing 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high energy level and require regular exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks and hikes, and can also excel in agility and other dog sports.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require regular exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks and hikes, and can also excel in agility and other dog sports.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are a working breed, traditionally used for herding and protecting livestock. They excel in a variety of canine activities, including obedience, agility, and herding.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Icelandic Sheepdogs were historically used as farm dogs and for hunting birds, but are not typically used for hunting today.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high level of physical stamina and endurance, and can handle long hikes and other physical activities with ease.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular vet checkups and preventative care can help ensure they remain healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or under exercised. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that provides excellent insulation in cold weather. They thrive in colder climates and are highly resilient to low temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not as tolerant of hot weather as they are to cold weather. They should be kept cool and hydrated in warmer weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments, but require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They are highly active and may become destructive if cooped up indoors for too long.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area. They are curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings, but can become lost or injured if left to roam freely.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, and require positive training methods and gentle handling. Harsh training can cause them to become anxious or stressed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can become anxious when left alone for long periods of time, and may exhibit destructive behavior or excessive barking. They do best in homes where someone is home for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are vocal and will bark to alert their owners to potential danger or visitors. They can also bark when bored, so it's important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They excel in a variety of canine activities, including obedience, agility, and herding.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally good for first-time dog owners, but require consistent training and socialization to reach their full potential. They are highly affectionate and easygoing, making them a great choice for families.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent and quick learners, but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training is key to ensure they learn and understand commands.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature towards their families. They are loyal and devoted companions who crave attention and affection from their loved ones.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are great with kids due to their playful and energetic nature. They are patient and gentle with children, making them the perfect family pet.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally friendly and sociable with other dogs, but as with any breed, early socialization is crucial. They can be territorial and possessive, so proper training is required to ensure they get along well with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally friendly with strangers, but may be reserved or wary until they get to know someone. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and confident around new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly playful and energetic, and love to engage in games and activities with their families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly alert and aware, and make excellent watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential dangers, and will alert their owners if they sense something is amiss.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are adaptable and can do well in a variety of living situations, including apartments or large homes. They are easygoing and can handle changes in routine or environment with ease.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a medium-length double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing is necessary to ensure their coat stays healthy and shiny.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate droolers, but it is not excessive. They may drool more when they are excited or waiting for food, but it is not a significant concern for most owners.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are a medium-sized breed, weighing between 20-30 pounds and standing 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high energy level and require regular exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks and hikes, and can also excel in agility and other dog sports.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Icelandic Sheepdogs require regular exercise and playtime to remain happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks and hikes, and can also excel in agility and other dog sports.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are a working breed, traditionally used for herding and protecting livestock. They excel in a variety of canine activities, including obedience, agility, and herding.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Icelandic Sheepdogs were historically used as farm dogs and for hunting birds, but are not typically used for hunting today.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high level of physical stamina and endurance, and can handle long hikes and other physical activities with ease.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular vet checkups and preventative care can help ensure they remain healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or under exercised. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick double coat that provides excellent insulation in cold weather. They thrive in colder climates and are highly resilient to low temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not as tolerant of hot weather as they are to cold weather. They should be kept cool and hydrated in warmer weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can do well in apartments, but require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They are highly active and may become destructive if cooped up indoors for too long.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area. They are curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings, but can become lost or injured if left to roam freely.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement, and require positive training methods and gentle handling. Harsh training can cause them to become anxious or stressed.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Icelandic Sheepdogs can become anxious when left alone for long periods of time, and may exhibit destructive behavior or excessive barking. They do best in homes where someone is home for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are vocal and will bark to alert their owners to potential danger or visitors. They can also bark when bored, so it's important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They excel in a variety of canine activities, including obedience, agility, and herding.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally good for first-time dog owners, but require consistent training and socialization to reach their full potential. They are highly affectionate and easygoing, making them a great choice for families.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent and quick learners, but can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training is key to ensure they learn and understand commands.
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History of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is believed to have been brought to Iceland in the 9th century by the Vikings and was used for herding livestock, especially sheep. The breed nearly became extinct in the 20th century, but a breeding program helped to save it from extinction.
Due to their historical isolation, the breed has a relatively low incidence of genetic disorders compared to other breeds. However, as with all dog breeds, they can still be prone to certain health issues.

Icelandic Sheepdog Puppies
Icelandic Sheepdog puppies are born with floppy ears, which will typically straighten and stand completely by the time they are four months old.
They are playful and curious and will require socialisation from the age of 8 to 12 weeks with both people and other animals in order to develop into well-adjusted adults.