Icelandic Sheepdog
Cheerful, alert, and built for rugged weather, the Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s classic all-purpose farm dog.
This friendly spitz-type herder loves being in the middle of family life and usually thrives when it has daily work to do, even if that “work” is training games, hikes, and keeping an eye on the neighborhood.
How the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small-to-medium herding dog known for a sunny attitude and a quick, curious mind.
Bred to help move livestock across open land, this breed often stays close to its people and likes having a job, whether that is learning cues, carrying a pack on a trail, or playing active games in the yard.
Most Icelandic Sheepdogs are social with family and visitors once properly introduced, but they are also natural alarm barkers. They tend to be agile and enthusiastic rather than intense, making them a good match for active homes that enjoy training and outdoor time.
If you want a quiet, low-shedding dog that is content with brief strolls, this may not be your best fit.
History of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog’s story is closely tied to Iceland’s earliest farms and the people who settled them. When Nordic settlers arrived on the island, they brought hardy spitz-type dogs that could handle cold winds, rough ground, and long days outdoors.
In a landscape with few trees, big weather, and long distances between neighbors, a capable dog was both a worker and an extra set of eyes.
Over many generations, those dogs adapted to local life and became valued partners, selected for toughness, steady nerves, and a willingness to stay connected to their humans.
On traditional Icelandic homesteads, a good dog needed to do a little of everything. Icelandic Sheepdogs helped gather and drive sheep that might roam wide across open land, and they were useful for moving other livestock as well.
Their tendency to use their voice was a practical tool in that setting. A sharp bark could turn stubborn animals, keep a flock moving as a group, and help a farmer track the dog’s location when work happened out of sight.
At home, the same alert nature translated into watchdog duty and a dog that stayed engaged with daily routines.
Iceland’s geographic isolation shaped the breed as much as the work itself. With limited outside influence for long stretches of time, these farm dogs developed a consistent type: nimble bodies, upright ears, and a thick double coat that sheds rain and snow.
Temperament was equally important. Dogs that could think independently, respond quickly to changing situations, and still be gentle around children and livestock were the ones most likely to be kept and bred.
That balance of cheerful sociability and ready-to-work focus is still part of the breed’s appeal today.
Like many rural working dogs, the Icelandic Sheepdog faced periods of steep decline. Disease outbreaks in dogs hit isolated communities hard, and population numbers could drop quickly when a contagious illness spread.
Shifts in agriculture and increasing urban life also reduced the need for a dedicated farm herder, and fewer dogs were kept for their original purpose.
With a smaller, scattered population, maintaining healthy genetic diversity became a challenge and made careful planning more important for anyone trying to preserve the traditional type.
Preservation efforts helped the breed rebound and become better known outside Iceland. Enthusiasts worked to identify typical dogs, share breeding stock responsibly, and encourage health-minded selection while keeping the classic temperament intact.
Today’s Icelandic Sheepdog still reflects its roots: a bright, sturdy, people-oriented dog that enjoys purposeful activity and close partnership.
In modern homes, that purpose is often found in hiking, obedience, agility-style sports, scent games, and any routine that lets the dog feel included as a true member of the family.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a compact, athletic dog with a classic spitz silhouette: a wedge-shaped head, pricked ears, and a tail that typically curls over the back.
A weather-resistant double coat helps protect the dog from wind and moisture, and the overall build favors quick turns and steady movement over long days. Many have an expressive face and an eager posture that makes them look ready for the next task.
Coat care is manageable, but it is not hands-off. Regular brushing keeps the undercoat from packing down and helps control shedding, especially when the coat “blows” seasonally.
A slicker brush, an undercoat rake, and a metal comb cover most needs, and occasional baths are usually enough if the dog is well brushed. Basic upkeep also includes nail trims, ear checks, and dental care habits.
Avoid shaving the coat; the double coat is part of how the breed handles temperature and weather.
Daily exercise and mental work are just as important as grooming. This breed typically enjoys brisk walks, off-leash play in a secure area, and training sessions that tap into its problem-solving skills.
Because Icelandic Sheepdogs were bred to notice movement and respond with vocal alerts, many benefit from early “quiet” training and calm greetings at doors and fences.
With consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and plenty of enrichment, they often settle nicely indoors while staying ready for action outdoors.
Coat & Grooming: Brush several times a week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake, adding extra sessions during seasonal shedding.
Shedding: Moderate to high shedding that leaves noticeable hair on floors and clothing, with heavier seasonal coat drop.
Exercise Needs: Active daily time such as brisk walks, play, and short training games, plus occasional longer outdoor adventures.
General Health: Often hardy, but some dogs may be prone to joint or eye concerns; regular wellness visits and responsible breeding practices matter.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for its size, especially when kept lean, well exercised, and supported by routine veterinary care.
First-Time Owner Tips
If you are new to dogs, plan for a companion that is friendly, clever, and occasionally chatty. Icelandic Sheepdogs often bond closely and may follow you from room to room, which is wonderful if you want a true sidekick.
It also means they can become bored or noisy if their days are repetitive. Build structure early with short training sessions, predictable exercise, and calm practice around common triggers like doorbells and passing dogs.
Positive reinforcement usually works best with this breed’s sensitive, eager nature. Focus on rewarding the behaviors you want, and keep lessons upbeat and varied.
Because herding instincts can show up as nipping at heels or trying to “organize” kids and pets, prioritize early socialization and games that teach self-control.
A secure fence, plenty of chew and puzzle options, and a grooming routine you can stick with will make day-to-day life much easier.
- Start a “quiet” cue early and reward calm moments so barking does not become a habit.
- Use short, fun training games to prevent boredom and channel the breed’s quick learning.
- Teach polite greetings and practice around visitors, bikes, and other moving triggers.
- Brush on a schedule and introduce tools gradually, pairing grooming with treats and breaks.
- Provide daily enrichment like sniff walks, food puzzles, and toy rotation to keep the mind busy.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly essentials usually include food, treats, and routine basics like waste bags, replacement toys, and everyday supplies.
Because the Icelandic Sheepdog is typically a small-to-medium, active dog, food costs can vary widely based on calorie needs and whether you choose budget or premium formulas.
Many owners also budget for ongoing preventatives recommended by their veterinarian, along with routine wellness expenses that may be spread out month to month.
Optional or variable costs depend on your lifestyle and how much you DIY. Some families handle brushing and nail care at home, while others add professional grooming for coat blow seasons.
Training can range from occasional group classes to private sessions, and enrichment spending may be higher for active dogs that love new puzzles and outdoor gear.
You may also choose pet insurance or set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected expenses, and prices can shift a lot by region and local service availability.
Food & Treats: Required: about $40 to $90 per month, depending on food quality, treats, and your dog’s activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $60 per month if you groom at home versus occasional professional help.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $20 to $60 per month for ongoing preventatives and routine care basics, guided by your veterinarian and local risks.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $80 per month for insurance or a set-aside savings fund, based on coverage and budget.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $15 to $120 per month for classes, private help, sports foundations, and enrichment toys.
Icelandic Sheepdog FAQs
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs?
They are often affectionate, people-oriented, and playful, which can make them a strong fit for families. As with any breed, success depends on supervision with children, consistent training, and meeting daily exercise needs.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Many are naturally vocal and quick to alert, especially at doors, fences, and new sounds. Early training, plenty of activity, and rewarding quiet behavior can help keep barking manageable.
How much exercise does an Icelandic Sheepdog need?
They typically do best with active daily movement plus mental work, not just a quick potty walk. Brisk walks, play, training games, and weekend adventures are often a good mix.
How often do they need grooming?
Plan on regular brushing throughout the week, with more frequent sessions during seasonal shedding. Keeping up with the undercoat helps reduce mats and makes hair control at home much easier.
Are they good with other pets?
Many Icelandic Sheepdogs live well with other dogs and can do fine with cats when introduced thoughtfully. Because they have herding instincts, early guidance and calm, structured introductions are important.
Can an Icelandic Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It can work if you commit to daily exercise, training, and proactive barking management. A quiet building, soundproofing considerations, and reliable routines make apartment life easier for this alert breed.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs easy to train?
They are often bright and eager to participate, so training can be very rewarding. They may also be independent and easily distracted, so short sessions, clear rewards, and consistent practice tend to work best.
