Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdogs are perceptive and typically have their ears perked up to take in what’s going on around them. They are not a fearful breed, though, and will offer strangers a warm welcome. These herding dogs enjoy being around their family and other pets. When they are not, they can have some separation anxiety. Daily intensive exercise can help lessen their restlessness. Overall, Icelandic Sheepdogs make cheerful, fluffy family companions.

With a fluffy tail that arches over their back, Icelandic Sheepdogs can have a long or short coat. Both are waterproof, though, allowing them to weather any storm or terrain. Their dense coats do shed, and you might see an increase in hair around the house twice a year, but weekly brushing helps.

Icelandic Sheepdogs thrive in rural settings, especially ones where they can herd sheep or other livestock. They also have an outside voice when working or playing, so having some room between you and your neighbors is certainly nice to have. Icelandic Sheepdogs are herders and instinctively try to manage situations, so some consistent training helps remind them who the real pack leaders are. Icelandic Sheepdogs are playful, affectionate companions of people, children, other dogs. They do well with most pets, too, if raised together.

Icelandic Sheepdogs like to be kept on their toes mentally and physically. They are happy when given a job an are even happier when they get more than two hours of exercise per day. Harness their herding instincts in an agility competition or flyball, which is a game that combines a tennis ball flung from a mechanical box and a race to the finish line.