The Icelandic Sheepdog in Iceland's indigenous dog breed, where it is considered a beloved national symbol. Due to its resistance, its agility and intelligence, it has been used throughout history to graze cattle and sheep. However, in addition to his role as a shepherd and protector of flocks, he is also considered an excellent companion dog due to his cheerful and friendly nature.
Do you want to know more about the Icelandic Sheepdog? If so, don't hesitate to read the following file on our site in which we will detail the most important characteristics of this dog breed.
Origin of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only breed of dog that originated in Iceland. Specifically, it was introduced to the island by the first Viking settlers more than 1,000 years ago.
Over the centuries, the Icelandic Sheepdog has adapted to the rugged terrain of Iceland and the needs of Icelandic herders, becoming an sheepdog extraordinary However, at the end of the 19th century, a disease wiped out more than 75% of the herding dog population in Iceland. This situation, added to the decrease in agricultural needs during the early 20th century, put this breed on the verge of extinction However, today, thanks to the work of breeders in Iceland and other countries, the population of this breed of dog has been recovered, and it is not only used for grazing, but also as a pet, due to its cheerful, friendly and playful character.
If you are interested, we leave you this post with other Top 15 sheepdogs.
Characteristics of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) includes the Icelandic Sheepdog in Group 5 (Spitz-type and primitive-type dogs), Section 3 (Nordic guard and herding dogs). The most important characteristics of its racial standard are the following:
- Generally speaking, it presents the typical appearance of the Nordic Spitz: seen in profile, it is longer than it is tall, which gives it gives a rectangular appearance.
- It is a breed of medium dog: with a weight that can range between 11 and 14 kg, and a height of 42 to 46 cm.
- On the face, the medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes stand out: almost always dark brown. A characteristic feature is his endearing facial expression, always sweet, friendly and cheerful.
- The mucosa (eyelids, lips and nose) have different colors: They can be black, dark brown or cream, depending on the color of the coat.
- The ears are triangular: medium in size and they are always kept upright. They are characterized by being very mobile, reacting sensitively to noises and showing the state of mind of the animal.
- The tail is set high and remains curled: in contact with the rump. It is quite hairy and the length of the hair is in proportion to the length of the rest of the coat.
- Being a Nordic dog, Its coat has two layers: it is thick and extremely resistant to inclement weather. The hair is shorter on the face, top of the head, and front of the limbs, and longer on the neck, chest, and back of the thighs.
Iceland Sheepdog Colors
Within the breed, two varieties are distinguished depending on the length of the coat:
- Shorthaired: The outer layer of hair is medium in length, and the undercoat is thick and soft.
- Longhaired: The outer layer of hair is longer, and the undercoat is equally thick and soft.
Regardless of coat length, the color of the Icelandic Sheepdog's coat is always a combination of white with other predominant colors, which They may be:
- Fire: varies from cream to reddish brown.
- Chocolate brown.
- Gray.
- Black.
The white markings are usually found on the face, neck, chest, legs (boots of variable height and the toes of The tail). In addition, tan and gray dogs often have a black mask on their faces.
Iceland Sheepdog Character
In terms of temperament, Icelandic Sheepdogs are happy, affectionate and playful dogs. When they do their herding work, they stay focused on their work and it is common to hear their barking frequently, since they use their vocalizations to warn of danger.
In general, they are dogs that adapt perfectly to families with children and with other dogs However, it is not recommended that share a home with smaller animals (such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) since, due to their herding instinct, they have a tendency to chase small animals.
It should also be noted that they are particularly active dogs, who greatly enjoy outdoor activities and long walks with their caregivers. For this same reason, it is not recommended that they live in apartments or small houses, but it is preferable that they live in houses with ample land where they can enjoy the fresh air free.
Care of the Icelandic Sheepdog
In addition to the basic care of any dog, guardians of this breed must take into account a series of special considerations:
- Feeding: the Icelandic Sheepdog must receive a high-quality diet, according to his age and their level of activity When selecting the ration for these animals, it is important to consider their daily energy expenditure, which will vary considerably if they are working dogs or pets.
- Exercise – Icelandic Sheepdogs are very athletic, active and intelligent dogs, so exercise should be part of their daily routine. They are high-energy dogs that require a combination of physical and mental exercise to stay physically and mentally he althy. For this reason, in addition to daily walks, it is important to offer them games and training that stimulate them both physically and sensorially. Otherwise, Icelandic Sheepdogs can develop destructive behaviors, anxiety, or other behavioral problems. For more information on Anxiety in dogs: symptoms and solutions, do not hesitate to consult this article.
- Hygiene: As with all Nordic dogs, The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds profusely, especially in the spring and fall seasons. For this reason, it is important to carry out regular brushing (2-3 times a week during the moulting season), to remove all the dead hair and help the new coat look more beautiful and he althy.
- Temperature: Due to their origin, Icelandic Sheepdogs tolerate high temperatures poorly. Therefore, it is important to protect them from the heat and sun in summer, especially in the middle of the day.
Education of the Icelandic Sheepdog
As with any breed, training and socialization with people and other animals should start at an early age to get a well-adjusted and well-adjusted partner.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a intelligent dog and eager to please, so they are generally easy to train dogs that learn quickly. However, training should always be based on positive reinforcement, as harsh corrections can have very negative consequences for the animal.
As a characteristic feature, we must point out that it is a very vocal breed, since originally they used barking to alert shepherds from possible dangers in the mountains. For this reason, it is common to see Icelandic Sheepdog puppies bark at anything that catches their attention. However, although it is a normal and natural behavior in this breed, it is a habit that can be corrected through correct positive training
On the other hand, it is important to bear in mind that, being a herding dog, it is common for them to have the instinct to chasesmall animals or even some vehicles. For this reason, it is advisable to work on and correct this behavior from an early age in order to avoid dangerous situations in the future.
Iceland Sheepdog He alth
As with many other dogs, the Icelandic Sheepdog is predisposed to a number of pathologies. Some of the most frequent in this breed are:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Patella dislocation.
- Waterfalls.
- Distichiasis: growth of new eyelashes from the tarsal glands or meibomian glands.
- Cryptorchidism.
Therefore, it is important to perform regular veterinary check-ups (twice a year) in order to detect these or other pathologies in their early stages and institute early treatment.
Despite having a certain predisposition to some pathologies, in general it is a he althy breed, with a life expectancy that ranges between 12 and 14 years old.
Where to adopt an Icelandic Sheepdog
If you are thinking of including an Icelandic Sheepdog in the family, we recommend that you start by visit shelters and animal protection associations that are close to your home, since in this way you will be able to personally meet the dogs that are waiting for adoption.
However, you should know that the Icelandic Sheepdog is not a common breed in our country, so it may be difficult for you find a specimen that is waiting for reception. For this reason, you can also choose to contact the clubs or societies responsible for the breeding and recovery of this breed, so that they can guide you in your search.
In any case, remember that what is truly important when it comes to including a new member in the family is not that they meet any racial standard, but that you can welcome them into your home and adapt to your needs and lifestyle.
