Icelandic Sheepdog: bred for changeable weather

Among the beautiful Icelandic landscape and Viking heritage, you can find one of the peculiarities of the dog world: the Icelandic Sheepdog, locally known as the "íslenski fjárhundurinn." The history of this enchanting breed is nearly as fascinating and rich as the environment itself.

It’s about friendly, energetic, lively dogs that always seem to be cheerful in some way, fitting superbly into a family environment as long as they have some tasks to do. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a “jack-of-all-trades” around the house, capable of performing various tasks from guarding the home to herding. Confident yet very loyal, its appearance is unique. Some believe that the expression “man’s best friend” specifically refers to this breed of dog.

History

The history of the Icelandic Sheepdog can be traced back almost a thousand years when Viking settlers brought the ancestors of the breed to the island. The unique natural conditions of the island captivated those who arrived. In response to the new environmental influences, the dogs were selectively bred, becoming indispensable parts of animal husbandry in the unpredictable Icelandic climate. Their main tasks included herding and guarding livestock.

Until the 16.th century, there are relatively few mentions of the breed, with Olaus Magnus, a Swedish monk, providing one of the early descriptions. He noted that the breed was particularly favored among the upper classes. This claim is consistent with John Caius’s notes from 1570. In 1576, Abraham Fleming provided a more detailed account of the dogs. From this point, numerous descriptions of the breed emerged, often from the pens of travelers. While details varied from writer to writer, the main characteristics of the Icelandic Sheepdog remained.

Unfortunately, the 19th century was not kind to the breed. Due to the spread of tapeworms, the population of Icelandic Sheepdogs significantly decreased, and further diseases led to even fewer remaining. By 1950, their existence was endangered due to the dwindling population. Fortunately, due to the efforts of some dedicated breeders, extinction was averted. In the United States and England, Mark Watson played a leading role in the initiative, while in Iceland, Páll A. Pálsson and Sigríður Pétursdóttir were notable contributors. The latter, to ensure the genetic diversity of her kennel, imported two puppies from Watson. In 1969, the Icelandic Kennel Club was established with the goal of preserving one of Iceland’s national treasures, the Icelandic Sheepdog.

Breed standard

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a compact, muscular dog breed that conceals its immense self-confidence within its 9-14 kg body and 30-41 cm height. They defend against cold, extreme weather with their medium-length, double-layered coat, which can come in colors such as reddish, brown, or gray, sometimes with white patches. Although rare, you may also encounter individuals with a black coat.

The parallel limbs and robust torso give this small to medium-sized dog a distinctly sturdy appearance. Its skull is convex, and it has a long, tapering nose. The friendly, expressive eyes, along with its straight, erect ears, contribute to an almost fairy-tale fox-like look. The tail curls over its back. According to the breed standard, they have wolf claws on each leg (but at least one), making regular nail maintenance advisable. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1972, placing it in the category of spitz and primitive types of dogs.

Character

These dogs function incredibly well in a family environment and with children, which is why the Icelandic Sheepdog is known for its good temperament. They get along not only with people but also with other dogs. Due to the breed’s background, they have a strong guarding instinct and thrive on human interactions, making them highly trainable. However, they don’t tolerate being alone well. Like most dogs, Icelandic Sheepdogs respond better to positive training methods, and early socialization is crucial for them to adapt to the outside world, handle it neutrally, and if necessary, filter out unnecessary stimuli.

Due to their relatively high energy levels, it’s advisable to establish a routine, but the breed is quite flexible in this regard. They excel in certain canine sports, but these dogs also thoroughly enjoy “just” regular walks or hikes with their owners. As they are excellent watchdogs, it’s common to hear complaints about them being particularly vocal, often barking, making them quite expressive in everyday life.

Ideal environment

This breed was developed in the unpredictable, harsh environment of Iceland, so its thick double coat primarily favors cooler climates. However, they adapt reasonably well to warmer weather. In the summer, their coat thins out, and they visibly “shed their summer coat” to cope with the heat. Compared to working dogs, Icelandic Sheepdogs can adapt to a less active lifestyle and don’t mind spending a weekend on the couch. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that they are active dogs who feel their best when they receive sufficient mental and physical stimulation. That’s why it’s beneficial to incorporate activities into our routine to engage with them, whether in the form of play or other forms of mental and physical exercise, despite their adaptability.

Care

Despite appearances, grooming the Icelandic Sheepdog is not a complicated task if the owner regularly brushes their coat. Generally once a week, but more frequently during shedding seasons. In addition to brushing, occasional baths are also beneficial. It’s advisable to regularly check the condition of their nails. Allowing them to become too long not only looks unappealing but can also cause discomfort to the dog.

Common health problems

The Icelandic Sheepdog is generally a healthy dog breed. But, like many others, they may be prone to a few health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as knee dislocation. Their ears are susceptible to inflammation, so it’s recommended to regularly check and keep them clean. Maintaining their health requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits.