Origin
Iceland
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
9–14 kg
Height
42–46 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Tan · Chocolate · Gray · Black · Cream
Icelandic Sheepdog
About This Breed
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog breed, brought by Vikings over 1,100 years ago. They are cheerful, hardy herders adapted to Iceland's harsh terrain and climate, and are known for their friendly demeanor.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Icelandic Sheepdog
Origin
| Origin | Iceland |
| Group | Herding |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 9–14 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 42–46 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Tan · Chocolate · Gray · Black · Cream |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Cheerful · Friendly · Inquisitive · Alert |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Icelandic Sheepdog breed descends from dogs that Viking settlers brought to Iceland. According to the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA), the Icelandic Sheepdog is related to the Karelian Bear Dog and was historically used to herd horses, cattle, and sheep. The Icelandic Sheepdog’s size is smaller than a typical herding breed, weighing 25–30 pounds and standing 16.5–18 inches at the shoulder. Because of their thick coat, pointed ears, and curled tail, the dogs are considered a Nordic Spitz breed and closely resemble a fox.
Care Guide
Their affection and loyalty to their family members make the Icelandic Sheepdog a great family dog. They want nothing more than to be by their humans’ side, but they need an active household to be their happiest. Icelandic Sheepdogs have a high energy level, so they need activities, such as going on a run or herding animals on a farm, to keep them entertained. Thanks to their intelligence and work ethic, Icelandic Sheepdogs pick up training cues quickly and want nothing more than to please their family members. However, it’s still important to begin training and socializing Icelandic Sheepdog puppies when they’re 8 weeks old—just like with any dog breed. Their thick, double coat does shed a lot, so a weekly brushing is needed to minimize matting and reduce the amount of loose fur inside your home.