ICELANDIC SHEEPDOGS
The Icelandic Sheepdog accompanied the Vikings when they settled Iceland in 880 AD. A distemper epidemic in late 1800’s nearly wiped out the breed but determined English and Icelandic fanciers helped to revive it. The Icelandic Sheepdogs are lively and affectionate as well as intelligent and are easily trained. Like most Nordic Spitz breeds the Icelandic Sheepdog enjoys the outdoors and regular exercise. They are smaller in size than most Northern breeds, measure 15-19 in. (38-48 cm) at the shoulder and weigh from 25-35 lb. (11-16 kg). Their coat is thick and coarse, comes in both short or long haired and requires only regular brushing. There is a variety of colours. They may be wheaten, wolfsable, black or off white, usually with white markings and a black mask. In Iceland the dogs are still herding sheep and horses. They do not tend to group up the sheep and keep them in a flock like the Border Collie but are very efficient at bringing in strays. They are able to trace sheep which have been covered up with snow and dig them out.
When first meeting an Icelandic Sheepdog you will see a cheerful and friendly dog. It gives an enthusiastic welcome and loves to be patted. The dog is very social; a typical family dog which is very devoted to everybody. It prefers to be with its family all the time, follows the family members round the house, and lies down at their feet.
However, being a sheepdog it also has the characteristic qualities of a herder like intelligence, independence, and eagerness to work, all of which make it very trainable. In return it has practically no hunting instincts.
At our ranch we strive to breed and raise physically and mentally healthy Icelandic Sheepdogs. As breeders of these very special dogs we are dedicated to maintain the form, utility and character bestowed to them by centuries of natural and human selection. Since we started breeding the Icelandic Sheepdog in 2001 we have chosen to breed more of the old North American lines.
Before breeding all our dogs are tested for the health of their eyes and hips.
Our dogs are registered with CKC.
The Icelandic Sheepdog accompanied the Vikings when they settled Iceland in 880 AD. A distemper epidemic in late 1800’s nearly wiped out the breed but determined English and Icelandic fanciers helped to revive it. The Icelandic Sheepdogs are lively and affectionate as well as intelligent and are easily trained. Like most Nordic Spitz breeds the Icelandic Sheepdog enjoys the outdoors and regular exercise. They are smaller in size than most Northern breeds, measure 15-19 in. (38-48 cm) at the shoulder and weigh from 25-35 lb. (11-16 kg). Their coat is thick and coarse, comes in both short or long haired and requires only regular brushing. There is a variety of colours. They may be wheaten, wolfsable, black or off white, usually with white markings and a black mask. In Iceland the dogs are still herding sheep and horses. They do not tend to group up the sheep and keep them in a flock like the Border Collie but are very efficient at bringing in strays. They are able to trace sheep which have been covered up with snow and dig them out.
When first meeting an Icelandic Sheepdog you will see a cheerful and friendly dog. It gives an enthusiastic welcome and loves to be patted. The dog is very social; a typical family dog which is very devoted to everybody. It prefers to be with its family all the time, follows the family members round the house, and lies down at their feet.
However, being a sheepdog it also has the characteristic qualities of a herder like intelligence, independence, and eagerness to work, all of which make it very trainable. In return it has practically no hunting instincts.
At our ranch we strive to breed and raise physically and mentally healthy Icelandic Sheepdogs. As breeders of these very special dogs we are dedicated to maintain the form, utility and character bestowed to them by centuries of natural and human selection. Since we started breeding the Icelandic Sheepdog in 2001 we have chosen to breed more of the old North American lines.
Before breeding all our dogs are tested for the health of their eyes and hips.
Our dogs are registered with CKC.
