The Icelandic Sheepdog

The first farming settlements appeared at the end of the 9th century. Dogs were needed to drive sheep and horses and to stop these animals from wandering into wild country.

The sheepdog from Iceland still shares many similarities with the Norwegian Buhund, the Finnish Spitz, the Lapland dog and other Arctic types.

The dog is mentioned not only in the Icelandic sagas but also in ancient English literature such as William Shakespeare's Henry V ("Pish for thee, Iceland Dog! Thou prick-eared cur of Iceland!"; Act II, Scene I).

The Icelandic Sheepdog is light and supple in its movements and quite tireless; it has almost no hunting instincts (this is very convenient in the field). One rarely needs to call the dog as it makes sure it keeps its master in sight for it certainly does not want to lose him. Even a pup soon acquires this habit.

The coat may be short or long but it is always very water resistant. Any combination of colors is allowed although one color must be dominant.

The dog keeps itself clean and washing it is not necessary, an occasional brushing will do. During the moulting season (once a year for the dog and twice for the bitch) all loose hair should be regularly plucked or brushed out. The dog does not usually have a strong doggy smell.

Owing to the trend towards a way of life more in harmony with nature, there has been a growing interest during the last few decades for Arctic dogs and other natural breeds from various parts of the world.

This is easy to understand; these breeds are often strong animals with a high resistance to infectious diseases. They were after all partly or wholly self supporting till quite recently and survival of the fittest played a major role.

If it is already a habit with you or other members of your household to walk at least one and a half hours every day, whereby your dog gets ample free exercise (and remember this: any weather is good weather for a dog), then the Icelandic Sheepdog will be an ideal companion for you. It is always cheerful, absolutely devoted, friendly towards everyone and very caring and trustworthy with children.

The dog belongs in a household and never in a kennel. Its special characteristics, which are its great charm, will be lost if it is kept separated from the household.

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