Icelandic Sheepdog
The Viking settlers' herding companion — a smile with a curled tail, still doing its rounds.
Vital stats
| Size | Small-medium · 42–46 cm |
| Weight | 9–14 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — 60 min/day plus brain work |
| Shedding | Heavy, twice-yearly moults |
| Coat | Thick double coat · tan, red, grey or black with white |
| Group | Herding · FCI №289 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to gather sheep across Iceland's open lava fields — often working by voice across long distances — the Icelandic Sheepdog is happy, busy, and vocal by design. At home that translates into a merry shadow that announces every arrival, herds stray family members towards the kitchen, and greets guests as long-lost friends.
Habits & quirks
The full-body greeting
Wagging starts at the tail and takes over the entire dog — strangers included.
Herding the household
Family members drifting apart on a walk will be politely rounded back up.
Weather-proof joy
A coat built for Icelandic winters means rain and snow are features, not bugs.
The town crier
Every arrival, bird, and interesting cloud gets a bulletin — it worked by voice for centuries.
Care
| Exercise | An hour of daily activity plus training games or herding-style play — an idle Icelandic invents loud hobbies. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing most of the year, daily during the two dramatic seasonal coat-blows. |
| Training | Channel the bark early with a quiet cue; the instinct to announce is strong and sincere. |
| Company | Bred to work beside people all day — this is not a breed for long solitary hours. |
Common questions
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Yes — barking was literally part of the job, used to move sheep across distances. Training can moderate it, but a quiet dog this is not.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs rare?
Outside Iceland, quite — the breed nearly vanished in the 20th century before a dedicated rescue effort. Expect breeder waiting lists.
Are they good with children?
Among the best — gentle, playful and patient, with a herding style that's about presence rather than nipping. Supervise as always.