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Icelandic Sheepdog

Veterinarian Reviewed on December 22, 2007 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

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Physical Characteristics

Breed Group:

Herding group.

Weight:

Approximately 22-33 pounds (10-15 kilograms).

Height:

Approximately 15-18.9 inches (38-48 cm) at the withers.

Color(s):

Icelandic Sheepdogs are white with black-tipped markings in either gold, fawn, or light fawn.

Coat:

Icelandic Sheepdogs have coats of hard, flat fur that’s moderately long on the body, short on the head and legs, and long on the neck and thighs.

Overview

Character:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are excellent guard dogs as well as great companions. Very loyal and friendly, these dogs make very affectionate pets that love to be around people.

Country of Origin:

Iceland.

History:

This breed of spitz dog is believed to have descended from the Norwegian Buhund and other types of dogs transported to Iceland by the Vikings. In fact, Icelandic Sheepdogs bear a significant resemblance to dogs discovered in graves in both Denmark and Sweden that date as far back as 8000 BC. The Icelandic Sheepdog was commonly used for guarding sheep and horses but plague and distemper led to an extreme decline in this breed’s population in the late nineteenth century. Breeders in Iceland and England were able to successfully revive the breed and the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association was established in 1969, with one of its goals being to preserve the Icelandic Sheepdog breed.

Name:

Additional names for this breed include Icelandic Spitz, Iceland Hound, Iceland Dog, Íslenskur fjárhundur, Islandsk Farehond, Friaar Dog, and Canis islandicus.

Temperament:

While Icelandic Sheepdogs bark at approaching people, birds, and aircraft, they typically don’t bite. These dogs crave the companionship of their family members and are very calm indoors, especially when in the company of their owners.

Care

Training:

Icelandic Sheepdogs require firm training.

Activity:

This outdoor working breed requires plenty of exercise and room to run.

Ownership:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are accustomed to living outdoors and are not as well suited to indoor living. However, that said, these dogs love human companionship and are quite happy to quietly curl up inside at the feet of their family members. Icelandic Sheepdogs like to bark a lot and are excellent guard dogs. Since they are good at learning things on their own, owners must be careful to ensure that these dogs don’t learn things that they shouldn’t. Also, these dogs require firm training. Icelandic Sheepdogs require plenty of daily exercise and regular grooming.

Breeders

No breeders listed at this time.

List of dog breeds

Read also: Rat Terrier
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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