Icelandic Sheepdog Information

The Icelandic Sheepdog has been described as far back as 880 AD when it arrived in Iceland withe the Viking emigration from Norway. In 1492 and 1555 Icelandic literature referred to Iceland Dogs.

The very fist edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica published in England in 1771 included the Iceland Dog in a genealogical table of 33 different breeds of dogs.

Plagues and distemper destroyed more than 3/4 of the dogs in the late 1800's. This led to laws banning the importation of dogs into Iceland and the exportation of Iceland Dogs, in order to cut down on diseases being transferred. Due to the isolation of the dogs, the breed has remained pure for hundreds of years. The existing stock was rebuilt from the highest quality survivors of the epidemics.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are very happy, lively, energetic dogs that are very alert to everything around them. They are very affectionate and eager to please. They are exceptionally gentle with children and are always friendly unless they sense danger.

Icelandic Sheepdogs should stand at 16 to 19 inches tall and weigh 25 - 35 pounds. They can have a medium or long coat. The coat is very thick and soft. Coloring can be white with patches, tan with light undersides or silver or black sable. Their coloring can change until they are around two years old.