General

History

The Icelandic sheepdog is one of the oldest dog races in the world. One says that the former ancestors already about 900 (874-930) by the Vikings were brought to Iceland. So it is not strange that the actual Icelandic dog shows so much conformity with for example the Norwegian Buhund, the Finnish Spitz, the Lapland dog, the Norbotten Spitz and other Arctic types.
At that time the dogs were kept by the farmers to drive their sheep and horses.
One sees in ancient literature often references to this old Icelandic dograce.

Characterises

The Icelandic sheepdog has a strong and robust building and a cheerful and enthusiastic character. There are stories that the ear language of the Icelandic dogs is the most of all the dogs. The ears of  these dogs are continues in movement. Apparently this is a welcome complement to rest of the body language. Single or double dewclaws on the hind legs are desired. Some dogs even have single or double dewclaws on one of their front legs. Dewclaws appears to be the so known “altspoor” (remnant), a remainder of the Lundehund.  They seem to be useful as a better grip in mountainous areas in the snow.
Icelandic Sheepdogs in Iceland like to bark and do this frequently. Also in the Netherlands they have this habit. With a consequent approach you can direct this in an acceptable way. Our dogs are an acception on this. They bark hardly ever.

Race purity

Thanks to the isolated location of Iceland is that the original race characterize stayed so pure. Nevertheless on Iceland there are not  many typical Icelandic Sheepdogs left. For the most part they made crossbreed with the Bordercollies, Shetland sheepdog, or other European breeds. The real Icelandic Sheepdog who suits with the original standard is more seen in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands we owe a lot to Ans Beer-Schell. During a large number of years she has intensive herself for the Icelandic Sheepdog with unbridled dedication and   great perceverance.

On behave of her insight in the Netherlands we now have beautiful dogs with the original race characterize marks.

Character

Characterise for the Icelandic Sheepdog is his strong character, always curious, cheerful, bright and enthusiastic. Besides comes an enormous dedication and great endurance.
24 hours a day you can count on a natural, free and easy, cheerful friend, witch always keeps an eye on you.The real Icelandic Sheepdog will always trust you. He is very nice to children and can bears a lot of them. He is extraordinarily intelligent and learns extremely fast therefore.
With the right attention and a lovingly training you can teach an Icelandic Sheepdog very much. When you use moreover a hard approach it gives a back to front effect.

It’s not for nothing that is written Sheepdog in the official naming. From ancient times the Icelandic Sheepdog actually is a real workdog. With a friendly, but consequent training you can come far. Not only with obedience, but especially  by skill and flyball.
With the right training you can make your Icelandic Sheepdog a reliable assistant by driving the cattle as horses, cows and sheep…. But unfortunately also a cat, birds on the beach and a rabbit in the bush he will go after. But the pleasant thing about these dogs, they will return after they lost site of you.
Icelandic dogs have an enormous energy and must preferably every day go out to ran, play and romp about and around. Long walks and/or dog sporting are a must.

He likes to go next the bicycle or on a an active vacation. Stay at home he does not like, because the nicest thing he does is to stay 24 hours in your neighbourhood.
It is not strange that when you come out of a walk from three or four hours and you come home or at your car, tired but satisfied, your dog is watching you as if he will say  “Now already…..I like to do this again”.

Physique build

Adult Icelandic Sheepdogs have an average (middle) size.
Females around 42 cm and males around 46 cm.
The Icelandic Sheepdog grows rather slowly to adulthood (maturity). Mostly they are grow out if they are about 18 month old. His mentaly adulthood (maturity) takes even more time, till he is 2 or 3 years old.
What stands out especially in his physical appearance are his expressive eyes with that intelligent look and not to be forgotten his full curly tail.

Fur (Coat)

The Icelandic Sheepdog does not usually have a strong doggy smell. His coat is a real polar coat and the hairs can be short, semi long or long. Only during the moulting season it is recommended to treat the coat with a coarse brush. In fact a female dog moults twice a year and a male dog once a year. For the rest of the time they need not so much brush work. They can do that perfectly themselves, their coat seems to be self-cleaning.
The coats of our dogs are half long. The coats are almost waterproof (watertight)
When the dogs are out for a swim, for a matter of fact they like to do that and they can do that very good, most of the time they are within an hour as good as dry again.

The undercoat is not getting wet at all.

Colours

The most common colours by Icelandic Sheepdogs are foxy red, from light to darkred, black with white, black threecolours, grey and crème. The most common colour however is foxy red. There is always a dominant colour. Icelandic puppy’s are like magic balls, they can be born rather dark and eventually turn out in a foxy red colour, when they are mature.