Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Herding Group

The Icelandic Sheepdog used to be a Viking dog and it has a great personality. With its fluffy coat and tail, this dog makes a great fit with most families. Capable of handling extremely cold temperatures, it makes a great farm dog as well.

History

The Icelandic Sheepdog arrived in Iceland with the Vikings and was used to herd cattle, horses and sheep around 900 AD. The breed soon became indispensable to Iceland's native population.

It is considered to be among the oldest dog breeds on the planet and is regarded as Iceland's only exclusive dog breed. These days, while not as popular as other breeds, the Sheepdog is growing in acceptance.

Physical Features

This dog is a bit below middle sized with a twisted tail and prick ears. Seen on the surface the breed is rectangle-shaped. There have been two kinds of coat, short and long, both dense and intensely weatherproof.

Ideal height of dogs is 18 inches; and bitches at 16 inches. Seen from the side, the breed is rectangular, and the body length is measured from tip of the shoulder to tip of the buttock is higher as compared to height on the withers. Degree of chest is equivalent to the foreleg length. The predominant shades are: different shades of tan, which range from cream to reddish brown; chocolate brown, grey, and black. White always accompanies the predominant color.

Personality

Icelandic Sheepdogs are energetic and tough. It's an agile and hardy herding dog which barks, which makes it really great for finding lost sheep or driving animals in the mountains, in the pastures or herding. Icelandic Sheepdog is characteristically alert and will usually give visitors a keen welcome without having to be ruthless. Icelandic Sheepdog is unafraid, playful, inquisitive, friendly and cheerful.

Common Health Problems

Generally a pretty healthy dog.

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