Iceland Sheepdog Breed Information

Iceland Sheepdog profile

Other names     Icelandic Spitz

                Iceland Dog

                Íslenskur fjárhundur

                Islandsk Farehond


                Friaar Dog

                Canis islandicus

Country     Iceland

Breed Group:     Herding

Weight:     Male: 25-30; Female: 20-25 lbs


Height:     Male: 18; Female: 16 inches

Color(s):     Golden Sable, Sandy Yellow, Red, Black/White/Tan, Black and White

Life expectancy 12-15 years

Litter size     3-6

Iceland Sheepdog History

It is thought that the Icelandic Sheepdog was primary brought to Iceland by Viking settlers from ad 874 to 930. The Icelanders employed the breed to herd their livestock. The breed was almost wiped in the late 1880s, as dogs imported from abroad brought in canine distemper. The Icelandic dog Breeder Association was formed in 1969. This breed still exists in small numbers, but is gaining in popularity.




Iceland Sheepdog Description

The Icelandic Sheepdog experienced a large nose and black-pigmented lips. The depth of the chest is equal to the length of the foreleg. The expression is gentle, intelligent and happy. A confident and lively bearing is common for this dog. There are two types of coat, long and short, both thick and extremely weatherproof. There is a marked difference in visual appeal between the sexes.The Icelandic Sheepdog is a Nordic herding spitz, slightly under medium sized with prick ears and a curled tail. seen from the side the dog is rectangular; the length of the body from the point of shoulder to point of buttock is greater than the height at withers.The eyes are medium sized and dark brown. The head is arched using a rather compact muzzle. It has sturdy forelegs and double dewclaws which are comparable to those of the Lundehund.



Iceland Sheepdog Temperament

Icelandic sheepdogs are challenging and energetic. Hardy and agile, they are extremely useful for herding and driving livestock or finding lost sheep. However, the dogs are not known for hunting. Icelandic sheepdogs are very alert and will normally give visitors an enthusiastic welcome, without the need of being aggressive. Friendly and cheerful, the Icelandic sheepdog is inquisitive, playful and unafraid. They generally get along well with children, as well as other pets.



Iceland Sheepdog Care

An Icelandic sheepdog need very minimal treatment since the dog is known to cleanse itself. Two to three times a week brushing of the coat will be enough to remove dirt, unsnarl tangles and to sustain its good condition. The dog sheds heavily twice a year and throughout the shedding season coat brushing must be done far more frequently to accelerate the shedding process. Nails and dewclaws must be trimmed regularly.



Iceland Sheepdog Grooming


The coat of all Iceland Sheepdogs is coarse and thick. However, the coat can vary from short to long. Brushing the coat on a regular basis is recommended. A comb may operate much better to groom the coat. The good information about the Iceland Sheepdog is the fact that the coat will normally consider treatment of itself throughout shedding season.



Iceland Sheepdog Training

These dogs train fairly easy, and they also discover very quickly. The Icelandic Sheepdog is very clever, and they should be trained in a very consistent manner to ensure success. The training workout routines must also be varied, and they dog must also see the purpose involved in the training regimes. The Icelandic Sheepdog also does very well with activities such as fly-ball and agility skills trials.



Iceland Sheepdog Pictures