Icelandic Sheepdog

Originated in the 17th century. The Icelandic dog was on the verge of extinction due to an epidemic disease. It was only through the combined efforts of Icelandic and British breeders and enthusiasts that the breed survived. Over the past few decades, the Icelandic dog population has grown, and although still small, it is no longer in danger of extinction.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only native breed in Iceland. Brought to Iceland by Scandinavian colonists from about 874 to 930 A.D., the Icelandic Dog and its work style are well adapted to the local terrain and husbandry methods, and has been considered an essential herder by Icelanders struggling to survive for centuries. Some say the Icelandic Dog was introduced to Iceland by the Norwegians, who called it the Friesian. The ancestor of the Icelandic Dog may have been the Norwegian Shepherd Dog, which, like the Norwegian Shepherd Dog, is similar in appearance to other species of foxhounds, and the Icelandic Dog is also primarily a sheepdog rather than a hunting dog. The head is sturdily structured with compact skin. The skull is slightly longer than the muzzle. The head is triangular in shape, both when viewed from above and from the side. The nose is black or dark brown. The muzzle is well developed, with a straight nose. Lips black or dark brown, closed tightly. Eyes medium sized, almond shaped, dark brown. Ears erect, medium sized, triangular, rounded at the ends, and rotating sensitively in response to sound. The neck is of medium length, with pronounced muscles and compact skin. The body is robust, with a flat, strong, muscular back. The hips are moderately short and wide. The chest is deep and broad. The abdomen is slightly tucked upward. Tail tail root is high and curled on the back. The forelimbs are straight and the hindlimbs have broad thighs and well-developed muscles. The feet are oval, slightly arched and compact, with well-developed foot pads. The cloak is double-layered and thick, there are two types, short-haired type and long-haired type, but these two types of cloak have the following common features: the outer hairs are coarse, there is a thick and soft inner layer of hair. The hair on the face, top of the head, ears, and front side of the legs is shorter; the hair on the neck, chest, and back side of the legs is longer. There are different degrees of brown color: from yellowish to reddish brown and dark brown (chocolate), gray, and black. And often accompanied by white patches. The Icelandic Shepherd is a typical working dog. His personality can be sensed by his barking, and his physical appearance shows that he is a very athletic dog, and therefore is not suitable for the city and requires regular grooming of his coat.

A hard-working and agile sheepdog that barks to herd, drive herds and find lost sheep and cattle. Very alert by nature, always giving a warm welcome to visitors without any hostility. The hunting instinct is no longer too strong. It is a cheerful, friendly, curious, game loving and fearless companion.

Strong and alert, stubborn and kind, rather barky, can be a guard dog and needs strict training. Not suitable for city life, can adapt to cold climate, easy to train, suitable for keeping in remote rural areas, factories and other places, is a very good watchdog.