| About the Icelandic Sheepdog |
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Origin: Iceland
Utilization: Herding dog
Classification AKC: Herding, FCI: Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), section 3
(Nordic Watchdogs and Herders).
Brief historical summary: The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native dog. It was
brought to Iceland with the first Viking settlers (AD 874 - 930). The Icelandic Sheepdog
and its method of working adapted to the local terrain, farming methods and the hard
struggle for survival of the Icelandic people over the centuries, making it indispensable in the
rounding up of livestock on the farms. The Icelandic Sheepdog’s popularity has increased
over the last few decades and, despite the fact the breed is still very small in numbers, it is no
longer considered to be in danger of extinction.
General appearance: 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 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 typical for
this dog. There are two types of coat, long and short, both thick and extremely
weatherproof. There is a marked difference in appearance between the sexes.
Behavior and Temperament: The Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy and agile herding dog
which barks, making it extremely useful for herding or driving livestock in the pastures, in the
mountains or finding lost sheep. The Icelandic Sheepdog is by nature very alert and will
always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome without being aggressive. Hunting instincts are
not strong. The Icelandic Sheepdog is cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid.
Utilization: Herding dog
Classification AKC: Herding, FCI: Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), section 3
(Nordic Watchdogs and Herders).
Brief historical summary: The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native dog. It was
brought to Iceland with the first Viking settlers (AD 874 - 930). The Icelandic Sheepdog
and its method of working adapted to the local terrain, farming methods and the hard
struggle for survival of the Icelandic people over the centuries, making it indispensable in the
rounding up of livestock on the farms. The Icelandic Sheepdog’s popularity has increased
over the last few decades and, despite the fact the breed is still very small in numbers, it is no
longer considered to be in danger of extinction.
General appearance: 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 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 typical for
this dog. There are two types of coat, long and short, both thick and extremely
weatherproof. There is a marked difference in appearance between the sexes.
Behavior and Temperament: The Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy and agile herding dog
which barks, making it extremely useful for herding or driving livestock in the pastures, in the
mountains or finding lost sheep. The Icelandic Sheepdog is by nature very alert and will
always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome without being aggressive. Hunting instincts are
not strong. The Icelandic Sheepdog is cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid.
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| Smiling for the camera |
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