Icelandic Sheepdog

• Group 5: Spitz and primitive types
• Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders

• Without working trial

Iceland

Icelandic Spitz, Icelandic Sheepdog

Males: 46 cm ideal Bitches: 42 cm ideal

The Iceland dog is recognized by the FCI breed from Iceland (FCI Group 5, Section 3, Standard No. 289 ). Since 2010, the breed is also recognized by the AKC.

Origin and History

Description

The Iceland dog is the only dog breed with Iceland as a country of origin. He is up to 46 cm tall. All colors are permitted, but should prevail. There are bred two coat types:

The ears are erect, of medium size; triangular with firm edges and slightly rounded tips. The tail is set high, curled over the back, this is touched.

Nature

As with all herding dogs sufficient physical and mental workload is important so that the Iceland dog can be a balanced family dog. Iceland dogs usually show little hunting behavior, but the race for their breed loves to bark is known.

Since the Iceland dog had to distribute any dangerous for the herd of wild animals in its function as a herding dog, care was taken in breeding that aggressive behavior of the breed was bred out. Just because the dog for the kids on the far flung farms in Iceland often was the only playmate, the breed should have an acceptable and affable nature. This distinguishes the present-day Iceland dog.