The Icelandic Sheepdog, Iceland’s only native dog breed, is a charmingly friendly and faithful all-around herder of small-to-medium size. A densely coated Nordic spitz-type breed, Icelandics are enthusiastically devoted to their humans.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a naturally lively, alert, outgoing and confident breed, without being overly pushy or aggressive. The standard published by the American Kennel Club describes them as being “cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid.” They are known for having a solid, willing work ethic. Icelandic Sheepdogs are extremely social animals that will not thrive if they are separated from their people for prolonged periods of time. They are gentle, patient and especially fond of children, which make them fantastic family pets. Icelandic Sheepdogs welcome their owners as well as most strangers with exuberant tail-wagging and obvious glee. Overall, this is one happy breed of dogs.
The Icelandic Sheepdog should be fed a diet appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Learn about which human foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a profuse double coat, with a longer outer coat and a dense undercoat. Icelandic Sheepdogs shed a fair amount, even more so during shedding season, which occurs twice a year. Weekly brushing—daily during shedding season—will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal comb. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can be painful to the dog.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally very healthy dogs. They can be prone to a few health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation. Responsible breeders test their stock for conditions that can occur in the breed. An Icelandic’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
About 1,100 years ago, Norse settlers sailed west across the Norwegian Sea to Iceland. These seafaring pioneers set about creating a new Scandinavian country on the otherwise uninhabited island. Among the cultural touchstones they brought from Norway were the Nordic language and a taste for epic literature. Another was the spitz-type dogs the Icelanders used for herding sheep and rounding up ponies, forerunners of the modern Icelandic Sheepdog. Today, Iceland is still distinctly Scandinavian and the Icelandic Sheepdog is a beloved national symbol.