The Icelandic Sheepdog

The Iceland Sheepdog is a typical Nordic Spitz, having pricked ears and curled tail.  It is Iceland's only native dog.  Seen from the side while standing the dog is rectangular, longer than high.  There are two types of coat, long and short, but always thick and water-repellent.  When seen from behind the hind legs are straight, parallel and strong.  Thighs are broad and well muscled.  Well-developed double dewclaws are highly desirable.  The Icelandic Sheepdog is lively, friendly, inquisitive and courageous.  Their expression is gentle, intelligent, and happy.  The ears are very mobile and movement is brisk, and the breed is known for its endurance.  

The dog is a hardy and agile herding dog which barks, and is extremely useful for herding or moving livestock to and from pastures.  In Iceland the dog is very adept at finding lost sheep in the mountains.  The Icelandic Sheepdog is by nature very alert and will always give visitors an enthusiastic barking welcome without becoming aggressive. The Icelandic Sheepdog is cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid.  This dog will get easily attached to the family and to individuals, and will follow their people everywhere if they can   They are extremely clever and trainable.  They learn quickly, remember well, and love to show their tricks. 

The Icelandic Sheepdog came to Iceland with Viking settlers in the ninth century.  There are references to the dogs in many of the Icelandic Sagas, dating from 900AD.  By the middle ages, the Icelandic Sheepdog had become a sought after export, mostly going to England.  The aristocracy and ruling classes there found the dog a favorite as a family pet.

At one time in the beginning of the 20th century the Icelandic Sheepdog was almost extinct, but a group of breeders worked together to save this breed.  Thanks to them the breed is not in danger anymore of becoming extinct.

  
The Icelandic Sheepdog does very well in canine performance such as obedience, agility, flyball and herding, they are also being used as therapy dogs and for rescue and tracking.

Although the Icelandic Sheepdog is a wonderful dog, it is not a dog for everyone.  They use their voice (Bark) quite a bit, they are working dogs and need plenty of exercise, they don't do well left alone they have a strong need for companionship and need a companion while you are away at work. They don't do well left alone crated for long periods of time.   If you leave them alone in the yard make sure your fence is in good repair and make sure they can't dig their way out around the gate as they can be an accomplished escape artist when they want to come looking for you.