IcelandThe Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog. It was brought to the country by northern settlers who began arriving in 874 AD. It quickly adapted to local conditions, agricultural methods, and the Icelanders' harsh struggle for survival over the centuries, making it indispensable for herding livestock.
A hardy and cheerful dog
This is a hardy, cheerful, and friendly dog with a gentle nature. Its hard work, eagerness to learn and please, and cheerful bark made the shepherd's work easier and earned its owner's trust and affection, and often a share of their dinner. The Icelandic Sheepdog is also an excellent guard dog without being aggressive, although its hunting and retrieving instincts are not well developed.
Erect ears and a curled tail
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog with erect ears, a well-curled tail, and double dewclaws on the hind legs. Its mood is expressed by its constantly moving ears and intelligent, lively dark brown eyes. The coat can be of varying lengths, long or short, but is always dense and extremely weather-resistant. Several colors are permitted, but always with a predominance of one color. Permitted colors include various shades of reddish-brown, from pale fawn to reddish-brown, wheaten, chocolate brown, gray, and black. White markings always complement the base color. Black dogs must be tricolor.
Threat of extinction
In 1969, a group of concerned Icelanders founded the Icelandic Kennel Club, initially with the sole purpose of saving the Icelandic Sheepdog when it became clear it was seriously endangered. Since its founding in 1979, the Icelandic Sheepdog Club has been responsible for the preservation and development of the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog's popularity has grown over the decades, and despite this, the breed remains very small in numbers but is no longer endangered. In 1996, a committee of Icelandic Sheepdog breed clubs from seven countries was established with the specific goal of standardizing and improving the breed.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a valuable part of our national heritage, a treasure that must be preserved for the future.
IcelandThe Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog. It was brought to the country by northern settlers who began arriving in 874 AD. It quickly adapted to local conditions, agricultural methods, and the Icelanders' harsh struggle for survival over the centuries, making it indispensable for herding livestock.
A hardy and cheerful dog
This is a hardy, cheerful, and friendly dog with a gentle nature. Its hard work, eagerness to learn and please, and cheerful bark made the shepherd's work easier and earned its owner's trust and affection, and often a share of their dinner. The Icelandic Sheepdog is also an excellent guard dog without being aggressive, although its hunting and retrieving instincts are not well developed.
Erect ears and a curled tail
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog with erect ears, a well-curled tail, and double dewclaws on the hind legs. Its mood is expressed by its constantly moving ears and intelligent, lively dark brown eyes. The coat can be of varying lengths, long or short, but is always dense and extremely weather-resistant. Several colors are permitted, but always with a predominance of one color. Permitted colors include various shades of reddish-brown, from pale fawn to reddish-brown, wheaten, chocolate brown, gray, and black. White markings always complement the base color. Black dogs must be tricolor.
Threat of extinction
In 1969, a group of concerned Icelanders founded the Icelandic Kennel Club, initially with the sole purpose of saving the Icelandic Sheepdog when it became clear it was seriously endangered. Since its founding in 1979, the Icelandic Sheepdog Club has been responsible for the preservation and development of the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog's popularity has grown over the decades, and despite this, the breed remains very small in numbers but is no longer endangered. In 1996, a committee of Icelandic Sheepdog breed clubs from seven countries was established with the specific goal of standardizing and improving the breed.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a valuable part of our national heritage, a treasure that must be preserved for the future.