Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a friendly, medium-sized spitz that arrived in Iceland with Viking settlers and has herded sheep and horses there for over a thousand years. It is cheerful, tireless and famously talkative.

Origins and appearance

The breed nearly disappeared in the twentieth century following disease and a population decline, then recovered through dedicated breeders. Icelandic Sheepdogs have a sturdy, rectangular build, a wedge-shaped head, upright ears, a curled tail and a dense double coat, in shades of tan, red, black or gray, often with white markings. There are short-haired and long-haired varieties.

Temperament

They are happy, curious and outgoing. They love people, including strangers, and are often good with children and other animals. They are alert and bark readily, using their voice to herd and alert. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily activity, with walks, play and training. They enjoy herding, agility and hiking. Use a leash or secure fence. Provide mental work.

Training

They are intelligent and eager. Use positive methods and variety. Early socialization is easy but important. Teach a quiet cue and a reliable recall. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat sheds heavily twice a year. Brush weekly and daily during shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as distichiasis and cataracts
• Ear problems. See dog ear infections
• Patellar luxation. See luxating patella in dogs
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks

Living with an Icelandic Sheepdog

They suit active families with space and tolerant neighbors. They need company and activity.

A typical day

An Icelandic Sheepdog wants a morning outing, some training, rest and an afternoon walk or play. They enjoy being part of family activities and greeting visitors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are playful and talkative. Begin socialization, handling and training. Teach quiet cues early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming tools and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold very well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include allowing barking to escalate, underexercising, leaving the dog alone and shaving the coat.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye testing, and the parents' temperaments. The breed is uncommon outside Iceland, so expect a wait.

A friendly, talkative farm dog

On Icelandic farms, a dog's job included gathering livestock and announcing visitors, so a loud bark was a feature. At home, rewarding quiet, giving plenty of exercise and teaching a calm greeting make life easier. The breed's friendly personality usually shines when it has company and a purpose.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Icelandic Sheepdog suits friendly, active owners who want a cheerful, trainable spitz and accept barking and shedding. It may not suit quiet homes. For a similar herder, see the Norwegian Buhund.

Seasonal care and routines

Icelandic Sheepdogs have coats built for harsh weather, and they handle cold, wet conditions well. Heavy shedding happens in spring and autumn, and an undercoat rake plus a daily brush will keep hair in check. During summer, offer shade, fresh water and shorter exercise sessions at cooler times of day. A kiddie pool can be a fun way to cool off.

Games to keep the mind busy

Because the breed was bred to work, short training games such as name-the-toy, hide and seek or a simple obstacle course in the garden satisfy its need for tasks. Rotating toys keeps the dog interested, and food puzzles help when you are busy.

The takeaway

Icelandic Sheepdogs are cheerful, loud and loyal, and they need exercise, training and company.