Your Quick Guide to Icelandic Sheepdogs
- From Viking Ships to Your Sofa: A Breed That Almost Disappeared
- What Does an Icelandic Sheepdog Actually Look Like?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog Personality: Sunshine with a Side of Sass
- Keeping an Icelandic Sheepdog Happy and Healthy
- Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Other Similar Breeds
- Is an Icelandic Sheepdog Right For YOU? The Honest Checklist
- Finding Your Icelandic Sheepdog: Breeder or Rescue?
- The Final Word
Let's be honest, you probably saw a picture. That smiling, fox-like face with perky ears and a tail curled over its back, maybe covered in a gorgeous coat of tan and white. It looks like a plush toy come to life. The Icelandic Sheepdog has this way of grabbing your heart through a screen. I get it. I was you, years ago, falling for that exact image. But before you start dreaming of Viking adventures and cuddly farm life, let's pull back the curtain. This isn't just a pretty dog. It's a living piece of history with a personality as big as the Icelandic landscapes it comes from. Owning one is a joy, but it's a specific kind of joy, and it's definitely not for everyone.
This guide isn't going to sugarcoat things. We're going to dig into everything: the glorious, energetic, loving highs and the sometimes noisy, hairy, stubborn lows. My goal is to give you the full picture, the kind you'd get from chatting with a longtime owner over coffee, so you can really decide if this breed is your perfect match or a beautiful mismatch.
From Viking Ships to Your Sofa: A Breed That Almost Disappeared
To understand the Icelandic Sheepdog, you have to start with where it came from. This isn't a breed cooked up in a kennel club last century. These dogs sailed to Iceland with the Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Think about that for a second. Their ancestors weathered Atlantic storms in Viking longships. They were essential working partners, not pets. Their job? Herding sheep, cattle, and ponies across rough, unforgiving terrain, and alerting farmers to anything unusual. Survival of the fittest was the only breeding program for centuries.
That history is baked into their DNA. It explains their toughness, their weather-resistant double coat (more on that hairy mess later), and their vocal nature—a quiet herding dog is a useless herding dog. By the late 19th century, though, they were in real trouble. Disease and crossbreeding had pushed the pure Icelandic Sheepdog to the brink of extinction. It was a concerted effort by breed enthusiasts in Iceland and abroad, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, that brought them back. The American Kennel Club only recognized them in 2010, which tells you how recently they've stepped onto the world stage as a companion dog.
What Does an Icelandic Sheepdog Actually Look Like?
They're a medium-sized spitz breed, which is a fancy way of saying they have that classic "Northern dog" look: prick ears, a thick coat, and a tail that curls up. They stand about 16 to 18 inches at the shoulder. But it's the expression that gets you—alert, friendly, and intelligent. They always look like they're in on a secret joke.
Coat Colors and That Famous Double Coat
You'll typically see them in a few classic color patterns:
- Tan & White: Ranging from a creamy tan to a rich reddish-gold, with white markings. This is probably the most common and iconic look.
- Chocolate Brown & White: A richer, deeper brown shade.
- Grey & White: A cooler, wolf-like grey tone.
- Black & White: Less common, but striking.
Now, let's talk about the coat. The "double coat" term gets thrown around a lot, but with an Icelandic Sheepdog, you need to understand what you're signing up for. The undercoat is incredibly dense, soft, and woolly. It's their insulation. The outer coat is longer, harsher, and water-resistant. Together, they form a shield against cold and wet. Together, they also form a monumental amount of shedding.
The Icelandic Sheepdog Personality: Sunshine with a Side of Sass
If you want a one-word description, it's "happy." Genuinely, infectiously happy. They greet you like you've been gone for years, even if you just took out the trash. They are famously great with children, gentle and playful. They usually get along well with other dogs and, if properly socialized, with other pets too. Their herding instinct is more about gathering and watching than the intense eye-stalking of a Border Collie.
But here's where some potential owners get tripped up.
Their Intelligence and Independence
They're smart. Not always "eager-to-please, do-anything-for-a-treat" smart, but "problem-solving, what's-in-it-for-me" smart. This means training requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. They can be stubborn. They get bored with endless repetition. Positive reinforcement is the only way to go—yelling or harsh methods will just make them shut down or become sneaky. My own dog learned "sit" and "down" in a day, but convincing him that "come" was more important than that fascinating squirrel took, well, we're still working on it.
The Vocal Conversation
Remember, they were bred to bark. At sheep, at strangers, at changes in the wind. An Icelandic Sheepdog doesn't just bark; they have a whole repertoire of sounds—yips, whines, howls, and "baroo" sounds. They bark to alert you (a leaf fell in the yard!), to express excitement (you're home!), and sometimes just to hear their own voice. This is a major consideration for apartment dwellers or those with close neighbors. You can train a quieter "speak" and a solid "quiet" command, but you are never going to turn off this fundamental part of their nature. If you want a silent dog, look elsewhere.
So, you've got a friendly, smart, hairy, chatty dog. What does it need to thrive?
Keeping an Icelandic Sheepdog Happy and Healthy
Exercise: More Than Just a Walk Around the Block
This is not a couch potato. They have energy to burn. A bored Icelandic Sheepdog is a destructive Icelandic Sheepdog. We're talking about a dog that can happily hike for miles, but their needs can often be met with good mental stimulation too. Here's what a good day looks like:
- Physical: At least 60-90 minutes of activity. This can be a long walk or hike, a vigorous play session (fetch is a favorite), or dog sports.
- Mental: This is crucial. Training sessions, puzzle toys, hide-and-seek with treats, nose work games. Tiring out their brain is just as important as tiring out their body.
- Social: They are social butterflies. Dog park visits (if yours is well-suited), playdates, or just trips to a pet-friendly store fulfill this need.
Grooming: The Non-Negotiable Routine
We touched on shedding. Here's the actual routine:
- Brushing: 2-3 times a week with an undercoat rake and a slicker brush. Daily during the heavy shedding seasons.
- Bathing: Only every few months, or when truly dirty. Over-bathing strips their natural oils.
- Nails, Ears, Teeth: The usual. Check ears weekly for debris, trim nails regularly, and brush teeth often.
That double coat is mostly self-cleaning. You'll be amazed how dirt just falls out of it once it dries.
Common Health Issues to Know About
Generally, they're a hardy breed thanks to their rugged history, but no dog is perfect. Reputable breeders screen for these conditions:
| Condition | What It Is | What Breeders Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis. | Screen breeding dogs via the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP. |
| Patellar Luxation | A knee cap that slips out of place. | Physical exam screening by a vet. |
| Eye Conditions | Including cataracts and retinal issues. | Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist with certification from organizations like the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). |
| Allergies | Some can be prone to skin or food allergies. | Manage through diet and environment; not typically screened for genetically. |
Always, always ask a breeder for proof of health clearances for the puppy's parents. A good breeder will be transparent and proud to share them. The Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA) is a fantastic resource for finding ethical breeders who follow these practices.
Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Other Similar Breeds
People often confuse them with other spitz dogs. This table might help clear things up.
| Breed | Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Finnish Spitz | Spitz type, vocal, energetic. | Finnish Spitz is primarily a bird hunter ("bark pointer"), often more aloof with strangers, typically solid red-gold in color. |
| Norwegian Buhund | Similar size, herding background, spitz. | Buhunds tend to be slightly more intense and driven in their herding, often a bit more reserved. Coat is usually wheaten or black. |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Herding breed, family-friendly, intelligent. | Shelties are collie-types, not spitz. They have a long, straight coat, are often more sensitive/nervous, and lack the curled tail and prick ears. |
| American Eskimo Dog | Spitz type, white coat, intelligent. | Eskies were bred primarily as companions/show dogs, not herders. They are often more standoffish with strangers and come in only white. |
Is an Icelandic Sheepdog Right For YOU? The Honest Checklist
Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Can I provide at least 1.5 hours of active engagement (physical/mental) every single day? Rain, shine, or busy workday.
- Am I okay with a vocal dog? Can I manage it with training, and will my living situation allow it?
- Can I commit to a significant grooming routine? The hair is real.
- Do I have a sense of humor and patience for a smart, sometimes stubborn dog? Training will be a journey, not a quick fix.
- Do I want a shadow? Icelandic Sheepdogs form very close bonds and prefer to be with their people. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for very long hours regularly.
- Do I have an active family or lifestyle? They shine as hiking, running, or adventure buddies.
If you nodded yes to most of those, you might just be the perfect home for one of these incredible dogs.
Finding Your Icelandic Sheepdog: Breeder or Rescue?
Going Through a Reputable Breeder
This is the most common route. A good breeder is your partner. They will interview you as much as you interview them. They will have the health clearances, raise puppies in their home, and be a resource for the dog's entire life. Expect to be on a waiting list. The ISAA breeder referral is the best place to start. Price can vary, but expect a range similar to other purebred dogs from ethical breeders.
Rescue and Adoption
While less common because the breed is still rare, Icelandic Sheepdogs do sometimes end up in need of new homes through no fault of their own. People underestimate the energy or the barking. Breed-specific rescues, like those networked through the ISAA, or general spitz/herding breed rescues are worth checking. Adopting an adult dog can also give you a clearer picture of their personality from the start.
Your Icelandic Sheepdog Questions, Answered
The Final Word
Living with an Icelandic Sheepdog is an experience. It's coming home to a wagging tail and a happy "baroo" every single time. It's having a loyal, funny, furry sidekick for every adventure. It's also finding hair in your keyboard, negotiating with a sassy thinker over whether they *really* need to come inside, and explaining to guests that the barking is just their way of singing the song of their people.
They are not an easy, low-effort dog. But for the right person or family—someone active, patient, humorous, and ready for a deep bond—they are an absolutely extraordinary companion. They carry the spirit of the Vikings: hardy, brave, and fiercely loyal to their tribe. If your tribe is ready for that, an Icelandic Sheepdog might just be the most rewarding decision you ever make.
Do your homework. Talk to breeders and owners (the Icelandic Sheepdog community on social media is very active and welcoming). Meet the dogs in person if you can. Listen to that bark. Feel that coat. See if that infectious, ancient smile is meant for you.
Comment