The Icelandic Sheepdog is a playful and friendly dog apart from being hardy and agile. These confident and lively dogs are so adored and loved in their native country that they have made their way onto the postage stamps.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Iceland
Used for: Livestock management, herding
Average Life Span: About 12 years
Color: Red, tan, golden and black
Coat: Shorthaired and longhaired; both are weatherproof
Average Height: 12-16 inches
Average Weight: 20-30 pounds
Group: AKC herding
History and Domestication
This is Iceland’s native dog that came along with the first Viking settlers in Iceland. The dog has since then adapted to the local terrain, the used farming methods and the survival struggle that people have been facing since centuries. The dog has now become an indispensible part of the livestock on farms. It is a relative of the Norwegian Buhund and is supposed to be a descendent of the dogs introduced by the Scandinavian colonists.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a Nordic herding Spitz with a rectangular appearance. They have a large nose with black lips and the medium sized eyes are dark brown. The head is arched and the muzzle is compact. The medium-sized dog has pricked ears and curled tail. The chest is deep and wide.
Care, Grooming and Health
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a double coat which is thick and waterproof. There are two coat varieties: shorthaired and longhaired. Overall, the outer coat is medium length and coarse while the undercoat is soft and thick. The breed doesn’t shed much and normally blows its coat two times a year. Regular trimming is required.
This is an active breed and needs to be exercised everyday. These dogs need to be taken on long daily walks and jogs and they should be made to heel beside or after the person holding the leash. In addition to this, these dogs will also enjoy play sessions. This is a fairly healthy breed.
Living Conditions
This breed needs of lots of close contact with its family along with exercise. Therefore, they are not meant for kennel life and most of them can even develop “home-anxiety” problems as they do not like to be left alone at home.
Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdogs are confident and lively dogs with a gentle and happy expression. These dogs are tough and energetic. The hardy and agile working dog barks a lot which makes it useful for herding livestock in pastures. This dog, by nature is very alert and welcomes visitors with an enthusiasm without a hint of aggression. The hunting instincts of this breed are not dominant and its gets along with children and other pets quite well. These dogs are friendly, cheerful, unafraid, inquisitive and playful. They always need a job at hand. They need owners that can set the rules with a natural air of authority and train them with a lot of consistency and firm attitude.
