10 Things to Know Before Getting an Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only dog breed that could trace its ancestry back to Iceland. Canis islandicus, Icelandic Spitz, Iceland Dog, Islandsk Farehond, Friaar Dog, and Friaar are all synonyms for Icelandic Sheepdog. The initial role of these dogs was to herd animals on mountainous terrains. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a genuine Nordic spitz with the telltale characteristics of pricked ears and a curled tail. Do you want to know if it's worth it to buy one? Here are the things you need to consider before bringing it home!

They are Iceland's single native breed of dog.

The ancestors of the Icelandic Sheepdog are thought to have come from spitz-type dogs that the Vikings brought to Iceland over a thousand years ago. The dogs in Iceland have changed and adapted over the years to meet the needs of farmers and shepherds in the country's severe climate. They were put to service guarding and herding flocks of sheep.

The breed almost went extinct due to dwindling populations. Eventually, efforts were made to safeguard the breed. Although it is still relatively rare today, it is not facing extinction soon. Until 2010, the American Kennel Club did not officially recognize the breed.

These dogs are playful and friendly.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is loving and affectionate. These loyal canines thrive in the center of the family and are a joy to have around. They need constant human companionship and suffer greatly when abandoned for extended periods. They're known for being devoted to their families and getting along well with other people and animals.

If raised and socialized correctly, an Icelandic sheepdog may make an excellent addition to any family. They naturally tend to be loving and accepting of children and other people. Like most herding breeds, these dogs are independent workers with a high degree of intelligence and a laid-back demeanor.

They were initially bred as herders.

The first inhabitants of Iceland raised these canines to herd sheep out of the mountains and kept them safe from predators. Unlike most herding dogs, they rely on their initiative and instincts rather than being directed by a master. Therefore, they must be vigilant, intelligent, tough, and agile.

These pups have an innate need to herd. They'll try other things when they don't have sheep to herd. They are frequently seen in Iceland's rural areas, where they are employed to herd sheep and other agricultural animals, and in the city, where they remain a regular sight. All over the world, they are a popular pet and competitor in conformation and agility contests.

The Icelandic Sheepdogs are shedders.

These dogs are heavy shedders. Their stunning coats have a long outer layer and a dense underlayer. They shed twice a year but more heavily at those times. Once a week, give them a good brushing to maintain the best possible appearance of their coat and prevent hairs from ending up all over the place, especially on your furniture.

The Icelandic Sheepdog needs to be exercised daily.

An Icelandic sheepdog needs at least two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. These canines require daily walks and fun activities, including brisk walks, jogs, hikes, and other outdoor pursuits. They're calm and collected indoors when they've had their daily walk. The Icelandic Sheepdog can become destructive without enough mental and physical stimulation.

The Icelandic Sheepdog puppy has a natural predatory instinct. Letting your pet run free in an open location without a fence is not a good idea. Your dog will likely chase any animal that runs away from it.

This breed of working dogs is intelligent and highly trainable.

Because of their high intelligence, pleasant demeanor, and eagerness to please, teaching these working dogs is a lot of pleasure for both the dog and its owner. Their work demands them to be vigilant and flexible. Always utilize positive reinforcement in teaching your Icelandic Sheepdog, as the breed does not take to negative reinforcement.

The dog's intelligence means it should learn your commands relatively quickly, provided you are consistent. They are also fast at picking up new skills independently and have an innate ability to remember things like unlocking doors.

The Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy.

The average Icelandic Sheepdog can live between 12 and 15 years. They are a pretty robust and healthy breed. Even though they are generally healthy, Icelandic Sheepdogs can suffer from conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, kneecap, and eye issues. They have a low tolerance for canine cataracts, cryptorchidism, and luxating patella. However, none of these diseases or infections are widespread or directly linked to the breed.

They have a high prey drive for birds.

With proper socialization, Icelandic Sheepdogs can get along with virtually any pet. One possible exception is birds. Previously, they were employed to protect sheep from predatory birds.

These dogs are known for keeping a vigilant eye on the sky and barking at birds or other fast-moving creatures they may perceive as predators. When taking your dog outside, make sure it is either leashed or in an enclosed environment. The herding instinct in this breed might make it run after everything that moves.

The Icelandic Sheepdogs are pretty easy to groom and maintain.

The Icelandic Sheepdog naturally has a thick double coat. Brush your dog at least once a week to eliminate dead hair and prevent mats from forming in their thick double coat. You may need to brush as often as once a day during those times when the dog's undercoat sheds in spring and fall.

Your dog will need to be washed about once a month on average. The rest is routine maintenance. Their nails should be checked monthly to see if they need trimming. Also, inspect your dog's ears for wax, dirt, or infection at least once a week. To maintain proper dental hygiene and pleasant breath, it's essential to brush your dog's teeth regularly using a pet toothpaste that your veterinarian has approved.

The Icelandic Sheepdog needs a balanced diet for medium-sized dogs.

The most important thing to remember when caring for a dog is to provide a diet suitable for its breed, size, and age. Get your dog on a high-quality, balanced diet. Two measured meals each day are the norm for most households. As your pet gets bigger, its dietary and energy requirements will change.

Despite the Icelandic Sheepdog's high activity level, it is not advised to free-feeding your pet. You should always consult your veterinarian about the specific type and amount of food you should feed your pet. In addition, your dog needs access to clean water at all times to avoid dehydration.

These dogs work best if they have a huge place to roam around.

Because of their boundless energy, Icelandic sheepdogs are better suited to a house with a yard than a condo or apartment. In busy locations, he has to be on a leash or safely contained in a yard with a fence.

Also, they tend to make a lot of noise when they see or hear a stranger, which could be annoying if you live in a high-density housing complex. Those seeking a quiet dog should go elsewhere, as they are a rather loud breed.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a barker.

These dogs are friendly and mellow around strangers; however, they will bark to let them know he has seen them. This is not the right breed to buy if you want a dog to protect your home from invaders because he is not inclined to bite if threatened.

They bark at everything new they hear or see to warn their family. It would be helpful if you started working on breaking this tendency as soon as possible unless you live in a place with no neighbors.

The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in various coat colors.

The Sheepdog's coat is famously thick and may be found in two different lengths. Both long- and short-coated dogs have a dense, velvety undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The colors can vary, but they often have two distinct halves and are marked with white, and sometimes the dogs may wear black masks.

Several colors are available, including fawn and red in various tones from white to reddish brown, grey-shaded chocolate brown, and black. However, white must always complement the primary color and should never be the single color. This is so that the Icelandic Sheepdog can always be seen by its handler, no matter the lighting or weather conditions.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is friendly toward children and other pets.

When it comes to kids, they might be pretty kind and caring. Nonetheless, regardless of how friendly a dog and a youngster appear toward one another, it is always vital to oversee any interactions between them. With the right amount of socialization and adult supervision, this dog ought to get along nicely with kids of all ages.

In contrast to popular belief, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not shy animals. If socialized at a young age, it can adjust to living with other pets except for birds. It will be less nervous around people and other animals if you introduce it to as many new experiences as possible.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is an excellent choice for a companion animal. However, the puppy's high energy and intensity levels may be too much for smaller kids or the elderly. This dog requires constant company and is unhappy when left alone. Because of this, the breed is not recommended for single people living in apartments. As you might have guessed, this puppy brightens everyone's day with its gentle demeanor and loving ways. Having one around the house is sure to brighten everyone's day.

If you've decided to bring this pup home, ensure the breed is a good fit for your family and your way of life.