Icelandic SheepdogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Icelandic Sheepdog descends from the dogs brought by the first Viking settlers (the years 870–930). The dogs became indispensable for rounding up livestock and for daily farm work. Wikipedia says it is the only dog breed native to Iceland and one of the few breeds whose ancient origin is documented both archaeologically and in writing.

At the end of the 19th century, plague and distemper wiped out more than 75% of the breed, and importing dogs into Iceland was banned. The breed came close to extinction again at the end of the 20th century. In 1994 the Icelandic Parliament decided that it is part of the country's cultural heritage and must be protected as a national breed.

How the breed developed

• 870–930 – The Vikings bring the dogs to Iceland.
• 1755 – Buffon publishes an engraving of the “dog of Iceland”.
• Late 19th century – Diseases wipe out more than 75% of the breed.
• 17 July 1972 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1994 – Parliament declares it part of Iceland's cultural heritage.
• 2010 – The AKC recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a Nordic herding spitz, slightly under medium size, sturdy, with erect ears and a curled tail. Seen from the side, the body is rectangular. Males and females differ clearly.

General appearance

The expression is gentle, intelligent and happy, and its bearing confident and lively. Wikipedia says it often has double dewclaws on the hind legs. The AKC says it always seems to be smiling.

The standard accepts fawn and red in various shades, from cream to reddish brown, greyish, chocolate brown and black. The main colour is always accompanied by white markings.

The standard describes it as a hardy, agile herding spitz that barks, which makes it very useful for driving sheep. It is very alert and announces visitors without being aggressive. It is cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and confident, with a gentle nature.

The AKC says it is lively, intelligent and eager to please, so it trains easily. It does not respond well to harsh corrections and loves to be the centre of the family's attention.

Tips for effective training

• Use only gentle methods. The AKC says it does not respond well to harshness.
• Work on the barking. It barks to drive the flock and to announce visitors.
• Keep it close to the family. It loves to be the centre of attention.
• Try dog sports. Obedience, herding, tracking, agility.

The AKC says it loves outdoor activities and is a great companion on long walks and hikes. Moderate daily exercise, walks and play, keeps it healthy and happy.

Tips for a balanced life

• It copes very well with cold and wind.
• In summer, give it shade.
• It suits families with children very well.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the double coat sheds quite a lot, especially twice a year. A weekly brush, daily during the moulting season, removes the dead hair.

Common health problems

The AKC says Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally very healthy, but they can be prone to:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Trim the nails, including the double dewclaws.

The AKC recommends food suited to the dog's age and activity level, with fresh water always available.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The Vikings' dog. It descends from the dogs the Vikings brought to Iceland.
• National heritage. The Icelandic Parliament protects it as a national breed.
• Double dewclaws. It often has two dewclaws on each hind leg.
• It barks at work. Barking helps it drive the sheep.
• A “species” in 1788. Gmelin even classified it as a separate species, Canis islandicus.

Iceland's cultural heritage

Wikipedia says that in 1994 the Icelandic Parliament (Alþingi) decided that the Icelandic Sheepdog is part of the country's cultural heritage and must be protected as a national breed. As early as 1755, the naturalist Buffon published an engraving of the “dog of Iceland”.

Where does the Icelandic Sheepdog come from?

From Iceland; it descends from the dogs brought by the Vikings.

How big does it get?

Males ideally measure 46 cm and females 42 cm; they weigh about 11–14 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes. It is cheerful, friendly and very good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.