Icelandic Sheepdog: Breed Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits
Nestled among the glaciers and volcanos of Iceland lives one of the world‘s rarest and most captivating dog breeds – the Icelandic Sheepdog. Affectionately known as the "Icie" by enthusiasts, this Nordic spitz breed has a rich history and a charming, winsome personality that instantly draws you in. While still uncommon outside its native land, the Icelandic Sheepdog has been steadily gaining admirers worldwide in recent years. Could this spirited, affectionate herding dog be the breed you‘ve been searching for?
History of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog can trace its roots in Iceland back to 874-930 A.D. when Viking settlers first arrived on the island with their Nordic spitz-type dogs. For centuries, these hardy, agile canines served as indispensable working partners to Icelandic shepherds and farmers – herding sheep, horses and cattle, guarding property, and even rounding up eider ducks for their valuable down. The breed became so crucial to Iceland‘s agrarian way of life that no other dogs were permitted in the country from about 1650 until the 1950s.
Sadly, during the late 19th century, a combination of canine distemper outbreaks and cross-breeding nearly drove the purebred Icelandic Sheepdog to extinction. Extinction seemed imminent until a determined effort was launched by the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association (HRFÍ) in the 1950s to revive and preserve the breed. All contemporary Icelandic Sheepdogs can trace their lineages back to a foundation stock of about 50 dogs the HRFÍ carefully selected for a breeding program.
While still a rare breed today with only around 800-1000 dogs in Iceland and 2000-3000 worldwide, the efforts of the HRFÍ and dedicated breeders have been a resounding success in saving the Icelandic Sheepdog from the brink. The breed is now recognized by most major kennel clubs including the American Kennel Club which granted the Icelandic Sheepdog full recognition in 2010. These days, Icelandic Sheepdogs are gaining more visibility in Europe and North America as wonderful companions and competitors in dog sports like herding, agility and obedience.
Icelandic Sheepdog Appearance
Icelandic Sheepdogs bear the strong family resemblance and charming fox-like features of their Nordic spitz ancestors. The double coat is profuse with a thick, soft undercoat and a longer, water-resistant outer coat that comes in several different colors including:
- Black & white
- Red & white
- Tan & white
- Brown & white
- Gold & white
- Cream & white
- Gray & white
- Solid white
- Tricolor (tan, black and white)
The ideal height is 17-18 inches for males and 16-17 inches for females with weight ranging from 25-30 pounds, but many fall outside these standards on both the smaller and larger ends. Regardless of size, Icelandic Sheepdogs should be slightly rectangular in shape with strongly muscled hindquarters, an agile, effortless gait, and a bushy tail curled tightly over the back.
One notable physical trait of the breed is its expressive, ever-alert face with the signature upright pricked ears, keen almond-shaped eyes, and always-smiling mouth that combine to give an impression of constant cheerfulness and curiosity. Some have semi-erect or folded ears but the breed standard calls for the fully upright "wolf ears".
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament
The Icelandic Sheepdog‘s temperament perfectly exemplifies the phrase "a big dog in a small package". They are known for being extraordinarily friendly, lively, playful, and affectionate – brimming with enthusiasm in everything they do. Icelandic Sheepdogs form incredibly tight bonds with their humans and thrive on being constant companions. They are definitely "velcro dogs" who want to be involved in all family activities and don‘t enjoy excessive alone time.
However, with their vigilant watchdog nature and tendency to bark at new sights and sounds, Icelandic Sheepdogs can be reserved with strangers before warming up. Early and ongoing socialization is a must to nurture their inherent friendliness and prevent shyness or suspiciousness. That said, their alert and vocal nature makes them excellent watchdogs who will readily sound the alarm if anything is amiss.
As a herding breed, Icelandic Sheepdogs have strong chasing and nipping instincts that may compel them to herd anything that moves – including children, other pets, and vehicles. This herding drive coupled with their intelligence means that an under-stimulated Icie may find their own entertainment in undesirable ways like excessive barking, digging, or chewing. Keeping their quick mind consistently engaged with interactive play, training, and puzzle toys is essential.
With their gentle, playful nature and manageable size, Icelandic Sheepdogs can make wonderful companions for older children. Very young kids may find their exuberance overwhelming, but with proper introductions and supervision, Icies usually do well with children of all ages. The same goes for other dogs and cats. Icelandic Sheepdogs have strong social instincts and generally love the company of other dogs. Cats and other small animals may trigger their prey drive, but they can learn to coexist peacefully if raised together.
Exercise and Living Needs
Don‘t let the Icelandic Sheepdog‘s relatively compact size fool you – these are high-energy working dogs who need ample daily exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. A casual 20-minute stroll around the block won‘t suffice for these lively herders. At a minimum, expect to devote at least an hour per day to intense activities like hiking, jogging, vigorous interactive play, or training exercises. Having a securely fenced yard for your Icie to run and explore is a big plus.
If you enjoy canine sports, you‘ll find the Icelandic Sheepdog to be an eager and talented partner in activities like agility, rally, obedience, tracking, herding, and more. These intelligent athletes typically pick up new skills quickly and their strong work ethic makes them a joy to train. Even if you don‘t compete, training your Icie for dog sports is an excellent way to burn off energy, build your bond, and provide essential mental stimulation.
When it comes to living space, Icelandic Sheepdogs are relatively adaptable as long as they get enough exercise and human interaction. They can happily reside in a smaller home or apartment if their physical and social needs are met. However, a home with a securely fenced yard is often preferable to a small apartment, especially if the family is frequently absent for long workdays. At a minimum, Icies need a home where someone is present for most of the day as they can quickly develop separation anxiety and problem behaviors like barking, howling or destructive chewing if frequently left alone.
Grooming and General Care
For a double-coated Nordic breed, Icelandic Sheepdogs have surprisingly minimal grooming needs for most of the year. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep the coat and skin healthy, though many owners find that regular brushing also helps reduce the tumbleweeds of fur around the house and keeps their Icie looking tidy. The one exception is during shedding season once or twice a year when these pups "blow" their undercoats. Daily brushing and warm baths helps remove the copious loose fur during this time.
Other general care requirements are similar to most dogs. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care in the form of tooth brushing or providing appropriate chews will keep your Icelandic Sheepdog clean and healthy. Luckily, the breed‘s ears are less prone to infections than many drop-eared breeds.
When it comes to nutrition, it‘s best to feed your Icelandic Sheepdog a high-quality diet formulated for their life stage, breed size, and activity level. Many owners have found these active pups do well on diets relatively high in animal protein and fat with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. As with any breed, it‘s important to monitor your individual dog‘s weight and body condition and adjust portions as needed. Icie pups can be prone to becoming overweight if their food intake exceeds their energetic output.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health and Lifespan
The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally a robust breed with a typical lifespan of 12-14 years, though many individuals live well into their teens. As with many purebred dogs, responsible breeders screen their stock for certain genetic conditions and communicate openly with buyers about the health of their breeding dogs and puppies. According to a recent study, the most common health issues reported by Icelandic Sheepdog owners were:
- Cryptorchidism
- Patellar luxation
- Distichiasis (extra eyelashes)
- Cataracts
- Persistent pupillary membranes
- Hip dysplasia
Many of these issues are rare and do not significantly impact longevity or quality of life, but it‘s still important for owners to be aware of them. The best way to stack the odds in favor of a healthy pup is to work with a reputable breeder who conducts the recommended health screenings for the breed and provides a written health guarantee.
Finding an Icelandic Sheepdog
While the Icelandic Sheepdog‘s popularity has been steadily growing outside Iceland, they are still quite rare in North America with only a few hundred puppies born each year. Expect to spend some time on a breeder‘s waiting list, but be wary of anyone who always has puppies readily available as this can be a red flag for a puppy mill or disreputable breeder.
The Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America maintains a directory of breeders who abide by the club‘s code of ethics and this is an excellent place to begin your search for a well-bred pup. Adoptions of adult dogs are sometimes available through the club‘s rescue program, though these opportunities are few and far between. If you have your heart set on an Icie, be prepared to travel as there are only a handful of breeders scattered across the United States.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog right for you?
If you‘re seeking an affectionate, trainable, and energetic companion for an active household, the Icelandic Sheepdog may be your ideal match. These friendly, agile herders are endlessly cheerful and up for any adventure you can dream up. With their lively minds and athletic bodies, Icies excel in all manner of dog sports and can be wonderful partners for hiking, running, and exploring the great outdoors.
On the flip side, the breed‘s intense social needs and high exercise requirements mean they aren‘t a good fit for a sedentary household or one where the dog would be left alone frequently. Separation anxiety can be a serious issue in this strongly bonded breed. Potential owners should carefully consider whether they have the time and energy to devote to an active, people-oriented dog before bringing an Icelandic Sheepdog into their lives.
It‘s also important to have a plan for managing the breed‘s vocal nature and strong chasing/herding instincts. Consistent positive training and ample outlets for their mental and physical needs can prevent problem behaviors but these are not low-maintenance dogs by any stretch. The Icelandic Sheepdog‘s life span of 12-14 years is also a lengthy commitment that should factor into the decision.
For those seeking a clever, cheerful companion to share outdoor adventures and an active lifestyle, it‘s hard to top the Icelandic Sheepdog. Their winsome charm, loyal affection, and zest for life has won over many hearts the world over. If you can meet this delightful breed‘s needs, you‘ll be rewarded with a devoted friend who is always up for a good time.
