Icelandic Sheepdog

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Patellar luxation · Cataracts

The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native breed, brought by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago and used ever since to herd sheep and horses across open country. It came close to extinction twice, from disease in the nineteenth century and from crossbreeding in the twentieth, and was saved by a small recovery programme in the 1950s. It is a classic spitz: thick double coat, pricked ears, curled tail and an open, smiling face. It is one of the friendliest herding breeds. Icelandic Sheepdogs are cheerful, sociable and affectionate with everyone, including strangers, which makes them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions. They are playful into old age and generally reliable with children and other animals. The one trait every owner should know about in advance is the voice: this breed was bred to bark, both to move stock and to warn of birds of prey, and it barks readily and often. Training can moderate it but not remove it. Exercise is around an hour a day, and the breed enjoys hiking, agility and herding. The thick double coat needs brushing weekly and daily during the heavy twice-yearly moult, which produces a remarkable quantity of hair. Health is reasonably good; buy from a breeder who screens hips, patellas and eyes, since hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and cataracts are the documented concerns. Because the population is small, ask about the coefficient of inbreeding and the line's longevity.

• How much exercise does a Icelandic Sheepdog need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Icelandic Sheepdog need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Icelandic Sheepdog suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Icelandic Sheepdog a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Icelandic Sheepdog live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Icelandic Sheepdog?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Cataracts. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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