Originally bred by the Vikings to protect lambs from birds of prey, today Icelandic Sheepdogs are loving, curious, friendly, and playful canine companions. If you are interested in this breed, please continue reading. The following important information will help you decide if an Icelandic Sheepdog will fit well with your family and lifestyle.
In terms of size, Icelandic Sheepdogs are small to medium sized dogs, standing 16-18 inches tall and weighing 25-30 pounds. The average lifespan of an Icelandic Sheepdog is 12-14 years.
Personality wise, Icelandic Sheepdogs are extremely affectionate with family members and playful too. They do exceptionally well with young children. They are tolerant of children’s behaviors and patient with young ones. Icelandic Sheepdogs also get along well with other dogs. However, like all breeds, they must be socialized appropriately around children and other animals when they are puppies.
An Icelandic Sheepdog will be moderately open to strangers. However, this breed has a strongly protective and vigilant nature. Therefore, Icelandic Sheepdogs make very good watchdogs.
This is an adaptable breed that can adjust to changes in routine, so an Icelandic Sheepdog can fit in well with a busy family. This is not the breed for apartment dwellers however, given the exercise needs. Also, Icelandic Sheepdogs are very sensitive and do not do well if left alone. This breed tolerates cold weather very well and hot weather moderately well. Icelandic Sheepdogs have a strong prey drive and wanderlust potential and must be kept on leash when outdoors.
These dogs are intelligent, responsive, and very eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with reward-based methods. Prospective owners of an Icelandic Sheepdog should know, however, that they have high energy levels and are very easily bored. They make good companions for active individuals and families who like to hike or go on long walks. Play sessions in the yard can also work well as a form of exercise. You should know that Icelandic Sheepdogs can be very vocal and bark quite a lot, especially at birds in the sky, which is a remnant of their heritage as sheepdogs who protected livestock from birds of prey.
The Icelandic Sheepdog’s medium length double coat requires weekly brushings in terms of grooming. The coat sheds a fair amount, especially during shedding season which occurs twice a year. These dogs are not heavy droolers.
All in all, Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly and loyal dogs of Nordic descent that make wonderfully devoted family pets. They have characteristic spitz features including a foxy face, erect ears, curly tail, and contended expression.
If you think an Icelandic Sheepdog would be the perfect pet for your family, check out listings of reputable and responsible Icelandic Sheepdog breeders on Puppy Hero. We pre-screen all breeders so you can be sure you’re bringing home a purebred puppy that was raised with love and attention.
