Icelandic Sheepdog
Herding Group · Purebred · Iceland's only native dog — a cheerful Viking Spitz that herded sheep for a thousand years
25–30 lbsWeight
16–18 inHeight
12–14 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Herding Group · Purebred · Iceland's only native dog — a cheerful Viking Spitz that herded sheep for a thousand years
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Icelandic Sheepdog — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog breed — a compact, foxy Spitz-type herder brought to the island by Norse Viking settlers around 874 AD. For over 1,100 years, this breed has worked alongside Icelandic farmers, herding sheep and horses across the island's dramatic volcanic landscape, alerting to birds of prey circling above flocks, and serving as loyal farm companions through harsh sub-Arctic winters. Shakespeare even mentioned them in Henry V, describing Icelandic dogs as characteristic of the Norse world.
The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in short- and long-coated varieties, in a range of warm colors — cream, golden, red, chocolate, grey, and black — almost always with white markings. Their most defining features are the foxy, wedge-shaped face, the curling tail carried over the back, and their irrepressible cheerfulness. Icelandic Sheepdogs are famously happy, inquisitive, and vocal — they bark to communicate, alert, and simply because life is good. In Iceland today they are a cherished national symbol; outside Iceland they remain rare and are considered one of the best-kept secrets in the dog world.
Real Icelandic Sheepdogs — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for being energetic, focused, and trainable. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Training is generally a pleasure with Icelandic Sheepdogs — they are responsive, motivated, and pick up commands quickly. They are typically gentle and patient with children, making them a reliable family companion.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate activity they can become restless, vocal, or destructive. They are happiest with owners who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a dense double coat built for protection against the elements. They shed year-round with two major blow-out seasons in spring and fall. Regular brushing dramatically reduces the amount of hair around your home and keeps the coat healthy.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly responsive to training and genuinely enjoy learning. Their combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them a joy to work with — they pick up new commands quickly and retain them well.
Keep training sessions varied and engaging to prevent boredom. Icelandic Sheepdogs can handle advanced training — agility, nose work, therapy work, or competitive obedience are all excellent options for channeling their intelligence.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy for their size, though regular screening helps catch issues early. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Icelandic Sheepdog is ideal for active families or individuals who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to daily vigorous exercise. Their trainability makes them approachable for first-time owners who are prepared for an engaged lifestyle. Not the right fit for sedentary households or those with very limited time for exercise.
Icelandic Sheepdogs need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a medium-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Medium or large-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Icelandic Sheepdog's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Icelandic Sheepdog is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Icelandic Sheepdog costs between $120–$250 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 10–13 year lifespan, a Icelandic Sheepdog typically costs between $12,000–$22,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Icelandic Sheepdogs have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Icelandic Sheepdog crosses.
Icelandic × Shetland Sheepdog. Two small Nordic herders — brilliant, agile, vocal, deeply loyal.
Icelandic × Corgi. Short-legged, foxy, herding-obsessed with twice the personality.
Icelandic × Samoyed. Fluffy, cheerful, cold-weather Nordic companion with a huge smile.
Icelandic × Aussie. High-energy, intelligent, strikingly beautiful herding mix.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.