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Icelandic sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native breed, brought by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago and used to herd sheep and horses across open country.

It nearly died out in the twentieth century and was rebuilt from a small number of dogs, partly through a British-led rescue effort.

It stands 42 to 46 centimetres, weighs 9 to 14 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a thick double coat in short and long varieties, and traditionally double dewclaws on the hind legs. It is cheerful, friendly and notably unsuspicious of strangers for a herding breed, and it barks — which was the point, since it herded by voice across long distances.

Origin
Iceland; brought by Norse settlers, the only native breed
Size
42–46 cm; 9–14 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Thick double coat, short or long; heavy moult
Feature
Double hind dewclaws are traditional and prized
Health
Sound, but a small gene pool; hip dysplasia, patellar luxation

Related: Belgian sheepdog · Bergamasco sheepdog · Croatian sheepdog

2 icelandic sheepdog photos of 1 dog, newest first

  • Heather II, a icelandic sheepdog

    Heather II

    Heather II was promoted to librarian managing an avalanche of blank books; unfortunately, a heap of wooden spoons spills from a cupboard.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

Living with a icelandic sheepdog

They bark. Herding sheep across Icelandic terrain was done by voice, and the instinct persists — an Icelandic Sheepdog announces aircraft, birds and visitors with equal enthusiasm. Train a quiet cue early.

The double hind dewclaws do not wear down and need regular trimming or they curl into the leg.

The gene pool is narrow after the near-extinction. Ask what a breeder does about diversity as well as about hip and patella scores.

The double coat moults heavily twice a year; brush weekly and daily through it.

They are friendly and good with children, need moderate to high exercise, and enjoy dog sports.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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