Icelandic Sheepdog

Boasting a thick coat and the typical inclination to bark of his Spitz relatives, this sturdy Nordic breed is said to have arrived in Iceland on Viking vessels. The Icelandic Sheepdog has a unique personality; he is cheerful and inquisitive, which makes him an entertaining companion with a sense of humor!

Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally amiable, with an upbeat and playful personality. They get along very well with adults, kids and other four-legged friends alike! Male Icie pups tend to be more laid-back and cuddlier than their female counterparts; however, both genders display tremendous affection towards their people. It’s important to note that this breed does not fare well when left alone for extended periods of time – they truly flourish off human companionship!

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a beautiful Spitz-like breed, boasting an enchanting foxy face with triangular ears that stand erect. Their muscular rectangular bodies are slight tucked in at the abdomen and their tails curl daintily over their backs. Adults typically weigh between 20 to 45 pounds, with males being slightly heavier compared to females.

The Icie is generally amiable to new visitors; however, he will alert you of their presence by barking. Even with the loud sound, this breed isn’t known for taking aggressive action against strangers and won’t usually show his teeth to intruders. Therefore, if your goal is primarily a watchdog then an Icie might not be suitable for you.

The Icie breed is especially fond of children, but it’s still essential to monitor any interactions between kids and dogs, regardless of how amiable they may be with one another. It is vital to instruct children on proper behavior when interacting with the Icie (or other canines): no tugging on their tails or ears, hitting them in the head, or entering their food bowls or crates without invitation. With appropriate socialization and oversight, this particular type of dog should do well around offspring of all ages.

Icelandic Sheepdogs have the reputation of being friendly with most other animals, particularly when raised together. While these dogs are usually amicable towards many critters, birds may be an exception due to their history as predominant predators in Iceland. This can lead to Icie’s instinctual habit of staring into the sky on alert for danger from above and they could impulsively lunge at pet birds or those outdoors.

When it comes to double-coated breeds like Icelandic Sheepdogs, shedding is an inevitable part of their grooming. Twice a year they will go through heavy shedding periods where brushing them regularly becomes essential for removing the excess hair. Even with regular brushing you can still expect some accumulation of fur in your home as this breed tends to shed heavily during these times.

The Icie loves being with his family, regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors. He is the perfect companion for an adventurous house where he can accompany active people on excursions such as hiking, camping trips and participating in canine sporting activities. With this type of home environment – filled with activity, fun and companionship – he will thrive!

  • Furlyfe Rank See Rank
  • Group AKC Herding
  • Origin Iceland
  • Size Small
  • Weight 20 to 45 pounds
  • Coat Length Medium
  • Coat Type Double
  • Colors Black & White, Chocolate & White, Cream & White, Fawn & White, Gold & White, Gray & White, Red & White,
  • Other Names Icelandic Spitz, Islandsk Farehond
  • Temperament Agile, Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Hardy, Inquisitive

Breed Characteristics

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