Icelandic Sheepdog

also known as Friaar Dog, Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz, Islandsk Farehond, Canis Islandicus, Íslenskur Fjárhundur

Pros History


The Icelandic Sheepdog, also known as the "Icelandic Spitz" or "Icelandic Hound", is a small, spitz-type breed with a long and colorful history. The breed has its roots in Iceland, where it has been used for centuries as a herding and guarding dog for sheep and other livestock.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is believed to have been brought to Iceland by the Vikings during the 9th century. The breed was highly valued by the Icelandic people for its ability to herd and guard sheep, as well as its versatility as a hunting and sledding dog. In fact, the breed was so valuable that it was one of the few breeds to be protected by law in Iceland, with severe penalties for anyone who killed or exported the dogs.

The breed's name, Icelandic Sheepdog, is a reference to the breed's origins and primary function in Iceland. The breed is also known as the "Icelandic Spitz" or "Icelandic Hound" due to its resemblance to other spitz-type breeds.

The Icelandic Sheepdog was first registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010. The breed is also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

Breed Information


Type

Is Icelandic Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Icelandic Sheepdog name? How do you say Icelandic Sheepdogs?

ahys-lan-dik sheep-dawg

Purpose

What were Icelandic Sheepdogs originally used for?

livestock herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for an Icelandic Sheepdog? How long can Icelandic Sheepdogs live?

12-15 years

The average Icelandic Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Icelandic Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Icelandic Sheepdog?

What is the average height of an Icelandic Sheepdog? How big is an Purebred Icelandic Sheepdog height? Icelandic Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
Female 17-18 inches (43.2 - 45.7 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an Icelandic Sheepdog? How much should Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-30 pounds (9 - 14 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg)
Female 20-30 pounds (9 - 14 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs get fat easily?

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Icelandic Sheepdog personality? What are Icelandic Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Agile
Cheerful
Alert
Energetic
Inquisitive

Shedding Level

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does an Icelandic Sheepdog Shed?

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Icelandic Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Icelandic Sheepdog dog?

The Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Icelandic Sheepdogs come from?

Iceland

Ancestry

What are Icelandic Sheepdogs descended from?

nordic spitz

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Icelandic Sheepdog breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Icelandic Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Icelandic Sheepdog breed?

874 - 930 AD

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Icelandic Sheepdog?

Herding (AKC:2010 & UKC)

Icelandic Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Icelandic Sheepdog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Icelandic Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Icelandic Sheepdog coat be naturally?

Brindle
Pied
Silver
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Cream

Coat Length

How long is an Icelandic Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of an Icelandic Sheepdog falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Icelandic Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Icelandic Sheepdog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Icelandic Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can an Icelandic Sheepdog have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An Icelandic Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Icelandic Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Icelandic Sheepdog?

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Icelandic Sheepdogs?

Cataracts
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog breed?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Icelandic Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Icelandic Sheepdogs?

Icelandic Sheepdog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Icelandic Sheepdogs get?

The Icelandic Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Icelandic Sheepdog have? Do Icelandic Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Icelandic Sheepdogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Icelandic Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Icelandic Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Icelandic Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Icelandic Sheepdog busy?

Sleeping, Kissing, Barking, Chasing runners, Cuddling, Eating

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Icelandic Sheepdog? How much energy does an Icelandic Sheepdog have?

Medium

Icelandic Sheepdogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Icelandic Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should an Icelandic Sheepdog walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Icelandic Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Icelandic Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does an Icelandic Sheepdog need?

60 minutes

In general most Icelandic Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Icelandic Sheepdog?

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Icelandic Sheepdog?

Weekly

Icelandic Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Icelandic Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Icelandic Sheepdog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 20-30 pound (9 - 14 kg) Icelandic Sheepdog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Icelandic Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Icelandic Sheepdog is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Icelandic Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Icelandic Sheepdog is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Icelandic Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Icelandic Sheepdog?

The Icelandic Sheepdog have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Icelandic Sheepdogs lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Icelandic Sheepdog dog?

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Icelandic Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Icelandic Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Icelandic Sheepdogs living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good around children?

A Icelandic Sheepdogs typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Icelandic Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Icelandic Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Icelandic Sheepdogs like to play? Are Icelandic Sheepdogs playful?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Icelandic Sheepdog for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Icelandic Sheepdog easily trained?

Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and affectionate companion
    Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being a loyal and affectionate companion to its owner.
  • Excellent watchdog
    Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being an excellent watchdog and will alert its owner to any strangers or potential dangers.
  • Energetic and playful
    Icelandic Sheepdog has an energetic and playful personality, making it a great choice for active families.
  • Highly trainable
    Icelandic Sheepdog is highly trainable and can excel in various activities such as agility and herding.
  • Office Friendly
    Icelandic Sheepdogs are known to thrive in office settings.
  • Suitable for colder climates
    Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick, double coat that protects it from harsh weather conditions, making it well-suited for colder climates.

Cons

  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Icelandic Sheepdog breeds may not be well-suited for indoor living.
  • Barking
    The breed of this dog is known for its loudness.
  • Regular grooming required
    Icelandic Sheepdog requires regular grooming to maintain its thick coat.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Icelandic Sheepdog, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • High exercise and mental stimulation needs
    Icelandic Sheepdog requires a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy.
  • Training and socialization important
    Training and socialization are important for Icelandic Sheepdog to prevent it from becoming overly shy or aggressive.