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Icelandic Sheepdog

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Home

Icelandic Sheepdog

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Appearance

Gallery

Origin

Temperament

Training

Interesting facts

Icelandic Sheepdog

Other names: Icelandic Spitz, Iceland Dog, Íslenskur Fjárhundur, Friaar Dog, Canis islandicus

Representatives of this breed are medium-sized dogs, they are loved for their friendly and open character, as well as for their close relationship with humans. But do not forget that Icelandic Sheepdog need daily activities and physical exertion, if you are unable to provide this - it is better to consider other breed options.

FCI group:

Spitz and primitive types

FCI section:

Nordic Watchdogs and Herders

Withers height

42-45

16.5-17.7

cminch

cm inch

Withers height

cminch

cm inch

weight

9-14

19.8-30.8

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

12-14 years

country of origin

fur length

Short

Long

breed origin

size

Moderate

Appearance

Icelandic Sheepdogs have a very nice and cute appearance, but at the same time, behind a large layer of fluffy fur, they are strong, muscular dogs. Icelandic Sheepdogs do not have very long limbs, slightly shorter than average. Even a strong back and well-defined chest. The neck may appear wide due to a large layer of fur. The muzzle is slightly elongated and pointed. They have beautiful, large almond-shaped dark eyes and triangular, high-set ears pointed at the tip. The tail is very fluffy, twisted into a ring, and lies on the back. By the way, as for the dog's fur, it is very long and thick. There are two distinct types: short-haired and long-haired. The coat may be light, tan, or fawn, ranging from milky-white, cream-colour to a reddish brown, black, chocolate-brown or grey. White and light markings, often extensive, occur with all colors; light, tan, and grey individuals may have a black mask

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Head shape

Tail

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Ears

Eyes shape

Fur length

Fur type

Head shape

Tail

Gallery

View 13 more photos

Gallery

View 13 more photos

Origin

Dogs of this breed have a very ancient history that began back in the 10th century AD. They appeared on the territory of Iceland together with the Vikings, who used these dogs as hunters. When Icelandic Sheepdogs began to gain popularity, they also began to be used as shepherds. And already at the end of the 17th century, they were known throughout Europe, but due to the spread of the plague in the 19th century, a law was created that limited the number of Icelandic Sheepdogs that could be kept on each farm, but already in the XX century all over the world there was a record low number of these dogs. But breeders and breed lovers managed to save Icelandic Sheepdogs. Denmark recognized the standard of this breed in 1898.

Origin countries

Iceland

Temperament

Icelandic Sheepdogs even on the surface seem very friendly, so do not even expect that representatives of this breed can guard your home (especially at the level of dogs that were bred for this purpose) or things, because even strangers are treated very well. Icelandic Sheepdogs also treat children positively and can act as a babysitter, but it is better not to leave them alone with children under 5 years old. Can also communicate well with other pets, but they should be introduced to cats in advance. But the exception will be rodents, to which representatives of this breed are treated as prey. Never leave your pet alone at home, because then he will start to get sad and sometimes even spoil your things due to the large amount of energy that is wasted.

Behavior:

Friendly toward strangers

Loyal to owner

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Active

Training

Representatives of this breed have an incredibly well-developed intelligence, so you are unlikely to have problems with training, especially if you do everything correctly. Icelandic Sheepdogs begin to mature very late, up to one and a half years, so during this period you need to be especially patient and calm. Teach them basic commands first and then slowly progress to more complex ones. In no case do not use aggressive or cruel methods, it can have a bad effect on the psyche.

Activity Level:

Active

Interesting facts

Due to the high energy reserves of these lively dogs, Icelandic Sheepdogs can participate in a variety of sports, including obedience, agility, searching, tracking, and many others.
Even now, representatives of this breed can be used as hunters, especially for birds.
In the 20th century, there were only 35 individuals of this breed worldwide.
Thanks to their thick wool, Icelandic Sheepdogs are adapted to life in any climate.

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Representatives of this breed are completely unpretentious in food and are ready to eat everything that the owner gives them, so it is important not to overfeed Icelandic Sheepdogs and observe the feeding regime. Also, never give food to the dog before going outside, because otherwise, it can cause intestinal upset or death. Do not allow fatty, pickled, and spicy food to appear in the dog's diet. It is better to add more meat, meat offal, vegetables and fruits, and cereals, and sometimes treat the dog with sea fish, cleaned of bones. It is also not possible to mix dry feed with natural products.

It is recommended not to get Icelandic Sheepdogs if you do not have the opportunity to live in a private house with a spacious yard because in the apartment they will be very cramped and uncomfortable. But if you still decide to bring Icelandic Sheepdogs into the apartment, always make sure that the walks are long and rich. Also, be prepared for the fact that they need quite frequent care of their fur. These dogs should be combed every day with a special brush with long metal teeth. Bathing them is better only in case of heavy pollution. Eyes should also be wiped every day with a decoction of chamomile, and ears several times a week with a special lotion. Be sure to brush the Icelandic Sheepdog's teeth several times a month with a special paste or treat, and also cut the claws.

Grooming intencity:

Requires lots of grooming

Icelandic Sheepdogs have perfect health and with proper care and nutrition they may not get sick at all, but there are some hereditary diseases:

Hip dysplasia.

Eye diseases that lead to vision loss.

Thyroid cancer. Therefore, if you want a healthy dog, be sure to check the dogs for genetic tests before taking Icelandic Sheepdogs.