Dog Breeds - Icelandic Sheepdog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members or other individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may display a tendency to be somewhat reserved and aloof with everyone except their owner, while others have a more outgoing and friendly nature treating everyone they know as if they were their closest friend. It is important to recognize that each breed, as well as individual dogs within that breed, can have their own unique personalities and temperaments when it comes to showing affection.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent of a breed's tolerance and patience regarding the behavior of children along with their inherent family-friendly nature plays a pivotal role. The supervision of dogs around young children or those with limited interaction with dogs, should always be practiced.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is essential to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds tend to have a more innate predisposition to get along well with other dogs both in the home and in public settings

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Understanding the amount of fur and hair a particular breed is prone to shedding is crucial. Breeds that shed profusely will necessitate more frequent brushing are more likely to provoke certain allergies and will require regular vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Taking into account your available time, patience and budget for grooming, it's important to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required by a specific breed. Remember, all breeds need regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Considering your preference for cleanliness, it's essential to evaluate how prone a breed is to drooling. If you have a strong preference for a neat environment and are not comfortable with dogs that leave slobber trails on your arm or create sizable wet spots on your clothes, it may be wise to consider a breed that is less inclined to drool.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree of friendliness a breed typically displays towards strangers varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed tends to exhibit towards play, even beyond puppyhood varies. Some breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds are more inclined to alert you when strangers are present. These breeds possess a heightened predisposition to react to potential threats be it the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change encompasses various aspects, such as alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other fluctuations in day-to-day life. Some breeds effortlessly adjust to these changes, while others may find it more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds have a natural inclination to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when and where they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation required by different breeds vary. High-energy breeds exhibit readiness and enthusiasm for their upcoming adventures, engaging in activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes, content to laze around and snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, such as barks or howls can vary among breeds. Certain breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or even at birds in the window, while others reserve their barking for specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds can still be vocal using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, particularly those with specific jobs or tasks may require regular mental exercises involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members or other individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may display a tendency to be somewhat reserved and aloof with everyone except their owner, while others have a more outgoing and friendly nature treating everyone they know as if they were their closest friend. It is important to recognize that each breed, as well as individual dogs within that breed, can have their own unique personalities and temperaments when it comes to showing affection.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent of a breed's tolerance and patience regarding the behavior of children along with their inherent family-friendly nature plays a pivotal role. The supervision of dogs around young children or those with limited interaction with dogs, should always be practiced.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is essential to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, certain breeds tend to have a more innate predisposition to get along well with other dogs both in the home and in public settings

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Understanding the amount of fur and hair a particular breed is prone to shedding is crucial. Breeds that shed profusely will necessitate more frequent brushing are more likely to provoke certain allergies and will require regular vacuuming and lint-rolling.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Taking into account your available time, patience and budget for grooming, it's important to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required by a specific breed. Remember, all breeds need regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Considering your preference for cleanliness, it's essential to evaluate how prone a breed is to drooling. If you have a strong preference for a neat environment and are not comfortable with dogs that leave slobber trails on your arm or create sizable wet spots on your clothes, it may be wise to consider a breed that is less inclined to drool.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree of friendliness a breed typically displays towards strangers varies. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally enthusiastic about meeting new humans whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed tends to exhibit towards play, even beyond puppyhood varies. Some breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others may prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds are more inclined to alert you when strangers are present. These breeds possess a heightened predisposition to react to potential threats be it the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by the family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change encompasses various aspects, such as alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other fluctuations in day-to-day life. Some breeds effortlessly adjust to these changes, while others may find it more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among different breeds. Some breeds have a natural inclination to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when and where they please.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation required by different breeds vary. High-energy breeds exhibit readiness and enthusiasm for their upcoming adventures, engaging in activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes, content to laze around and snooze.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to remain happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, particularly those with specific jobs or tasks may require regular mental exercises involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red & White	146
Black & White	019
Cream & White	077
Gold & White	092
Gray & White	105
Sable & White	165
Tan & White	197
White Tan & Black	220
Chocolate & White	271
Black	007
Chocolate	071
Cream	076
Fawn	082
Golden	093
Gray	100
Red	140
Sable	164
Tan	195
Fawn & White	086
Chocolate & Tan	072

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Markings	002
Black Mask	004
Tan Markings	012
Piebald	025
Gray Markings	028
Chocolate Markings	043
Cream Markings	044
White Markings	014
Reddish Brown Markings	040

About The Breed

The Icelandic Sheepdog is indeed a charming and friendly breed known for its faithfulness and herding capabilities. As a Nordic spitz-type breed, Icelandic Sheepdogs have distinct features like a dense coat, fox-like face, pointed ears and a bushy, curling tail. Despite their small-to-medium size, typically standing under 18 inches at the shoulder, Icelandics are enthusiastic in their devotion to their human companions.

This breed's spitz heritage and adorably expressive face contribute to their appeal. Icelandics often have a combination of colors with accompanying white markings, and their facial expressions consistently convey a friendly and happy demeanor. They are known for being a delightful and loyal companion always seeming as if there is no place they would rather be than by your side.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A ICELANDIC SHEEPDOG

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Icelandic Sheepdog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Icelandic Sheepdogs, in general, are considered to be a healthy breed. However, like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as patellar luxation. Responsible breeders typically conduct relevant health tests on their breeding stock to minimize the risk of these conditions occurring in their litters. It is important to regularly check an Icelandic Sheepdog's ears for any signs of infection and maintain good dental hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly with dog-specific toothpaste. Routine checkups with a veterinarian and appropriate parasite control measures are vital for ensuring the dog's overall health and promoting a long and happy life. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Icelandic Sheepdog does indeed have a profuse double coat, which consists of a longer outer coat and a dense undercoat. As a result, they are known to shed moderately with shedding season occurring twice a year. To maintain their coat and keep the dog looking its best regular brushing is recommended on a weekly basis, and during shedding season, daily brushing may be necessary. This helps to remove dirt and loose hair and prevent matting. Tangles can be gently worked out using a slicker brush or metal comb. Apart from coat care, it's important to trim the dog's nails regularly to avoid discomfort or pain caused by overly long nails. Consulting a veterinarian or professional groomer for guidance on proper nail care is advisable.

Exercise

	Icelandic Sheepdogs are known to be active and enjoy outdoor activities, often making excellent companions for long walks or hikes. Providing them with moderate exercise on a daily basis is important to keep them healthy and content. This can be achieved through regular walks and engaging play sessions. Moreover, Icelandic Sheepdogs can benefit from participating in various canine sports and activities that stimulate both their minds and bodies. Obedience training, herding, tracking, agility, rally and other similar activities can provide mental stimulation and help strengthen the bond between the dog and their owner.

Training

	Early socialization and puppy training classes are indeed highly recommended for Icelandic Sheepdogs. They help to foster proper behavior and ensure that the dog grows into a well-adjusted and well-mannered companion. Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for being lively, intelligent, and eager to please, which generally makes them easy to train. However, it's important to note that they do not respond well to harsh corrections or training methods. Positive reinforcement techniques that reward desired behaviors are usually more effective with this breed.

Nutrition

	Feeding an Icelandic Sheepdog a diet that is suitable for their age and activity level is essential for their health and well-being. Whether they are in the puppy, adult or senior stage, their nutritional needs may vary. It is important to be aware of which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. Some common foods that are generally not safe for dogs include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol and caffeine. It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian or the dog's breeder if you have any specific questions or concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Additionally, it is crucial to provide your Icelandic Sheepdog with clean and fresh water at all times to ensure they stay hydrated.

Historiography

Indeed, about 1,100 years ago Norse settlers embarked on a journey across the Norwegian Sea to establish a new Scandinavian country on the uninhabited island of Iceland. These pioneers brought with them various elements of their culture, including language, literature and even dogs. The ancestors of the modern Icelandic Sheepdog were among the spitz-type dogs that the settlers used for herding sheep and rounding up ponies.

Today, Iceland has retained its distinct Scandinavian identity and the Icelandic Sheepdog holds a special place as a beloved national symbol. This breed serves as a reminder of the historical bond between the people of Iceland and their ancestry. The Icelandic Sheepdog's role as a working and companion dog reflects the continued importance of herding and agriculture in Icelandic culture.