A full-grown Icelandic Sheepdog is medium-sized and can weigh 21 to 39 pounds, with females typically staying at the lower end of this range. Males measure about 18 inches tall at the shoulder, while female Icelandic Sheepdogs are slightly shorter at 16.5 inches. 

Despite their smaller frame, Icelandic Sheepdogs are sturdy and have high stamina. They also have a good balance of strength, agility, and athleticism for herding and outdoor activities.

Icelandic Sheepdogs typically stop growing at 12 months old. Most of their height growth occurs by the time they’re about nine months, but they continue to fill out and develop muscle until they reach full maturity around their first birthday. 

Once they reach their full height, you can start transitioning them to adult dog food to support their long-term health as their nutritional needs shift towards a lower-calorie and protein-dense diet.

Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs shed heavily. While Icelandic Sheepdogs can have long or short hair, regardless of their coat length, they’re a double-coated breed with a soft undercoat, coarse outer coat, and bushy tail that sheds consistently.

Be prepared to brush an Icelandic Sheepdog at least once a week and up to daily during their heaviest shedding periods in the spring and fall. This consistent grooming helps to remove excess hair, prevent matting, and promote a healthy coat.

Icelandic Sheepdogs’ coats come in several colors, including shades of tan (from cream to reddish brown), chocolate brown, gray, and black; white markings are common but are never the predominant color. The most common white markings are a blaze on the face, chest, socks, or tips of their tails. Icelandic Sheepdogs with tan and gray coloring often have black face “masks” and black on the tips of their tails.

Icelandic Sheepdogs typically live between 12 and 15 years. Their longevity is influenced by their hardy nature, shaped by centuries of surviving Iceland’s harsh conditions. With proper care — like regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise — they often reach their mid-teens in good health.

The Icelandic Sheepdog’s lifespan is quite comparable to that of similar breeds. Norwegian Buhunds and Finnish Lapphunds tend to live around 12 to 14 years as well, sharing similar traits in terms of health and durability and belonging to the spitz-type breeds. 

These breeds all benefit from strong working-dog genetics, which can help them maintain active, healthy lives well into their senior years.

Icelandic Sheepdogs have a spitz-like appearance, resembling other hardy northern breeds such as the Norwegian Buhund, Finnish Lapphund, and Keeshond. They share the same thick double coat, curled fluffy tail, upright, triangular ears, and alert expression.

Their overall build is similar to the Norwegian Buhund in size and shape, while their coat and markings may remind you of a Finnish Lapphund or a smaller Keeshond, especially with their bushy tails and expressive faces.

Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs can be good with cats, especially those who have been raised alongside them from an early age.

Throughout their long histories working on farms, Icelandic Sheepdogs often shared pastures and barns with other animals, including barn cats. However, they may also be prone to trying to herd their feline friends, so positive reinforcement training is key to setting safe boundaries and facilitating a harmonious relationship. With gradual, proper introductions and consistent training, this friendly and energetic breed should get along well with the household kitties.

Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs are quite smart. These fluffy pups are quick, agile, and intelligent and often excel in herding trials, agility, and rally. Without proper mental enrichment, they can become bored and unfulfilled, leading to frustration, anxiety, or destructive behaviors. Engaging their brains with puzzle toys, rewarding and fun training sessions, and interactive games helps satisfy their natural problem-solving instincts.

Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs can bark a lot. They are alert and vocal and may bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, especially if they weren’t thoroughly socialized in puppyhood.

These active dogs need plenty of opportunities to run and play, along with puzzle toys or training sessions to keep their minds busy. When they feel mentally and physically fulfilled, they’re less likely to bark out of boredom or frustration. A comfortable, quiet resting space is also crucial to prevent barking due to stress or overstimulation.

Early socialization is key for Icelandic Sheepdogs, as it helps them feel confident in new situations. Without proper socialization, they may develop fear-based barking when faced with unfamiliar people or environments. Helping them learn to be comfortable with a wide range of experiences early on can prevent this. 

Providing them with balance in all these areas helps reduce excessive barking and keeps them happy and healthy.

Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs are often good family dogs. They’re well-loved for their friendly, affectionate, and loyal nature, making them great companions for families with children and other pets. They tend to be social and love being involved in family activities. Since they’re intelligent and playful, they can be a lot of fun for active households.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are best suited for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They thrive with families who can meet their need for daily exercise and play, whether through hikes, long walks, herding games, or playtime in a yard. They also do well with families who are home often, as they love companionship.

Yes. Icelandic Sheepdogs can be left alone for short periods, but they don’t do well when left alone for several hours at a time. Bred to live and work alongside humans and other animals, they’re highly social, and if left alone for too long, they can develop separation anxiety, which might lead to destructive behaviors, chronic stress, or excessive barking.

For pet parents who need to leave their Icelandic Sheepdog at home during the work day, it’s important to gradually expose them to absences from an early age, beginning with short, incremental time away and gradually increasing the period of time as your pup becomes comfortable.

Providing them with mental enrichment, like puzzle toys, and a comfortable space to relax can help reduce anxiety. However, they’re best suited to households where someone is often home or where they have a consistent routine with plenty of interaction and companionship of other pets throughout the day.

Yes, most Icelandic Sheepdogs are relatively easy to train. Their intelligence and eagerness to engage with their pet parents make them highly motivated learners. They pick up on cues quickly and are often excited to participate in training sessions, especially when working closely with their family. 

However, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. It’s important to use positive reinforcement methods like treats and fun games to keep them engaged and motivated. Play and interactive training, such as herding-style games, are great for tapping into their natural instincts and keeping them mentally stimulated. 

These energetic dogs love tasks that challenge both their bodies and minds, so incorporating physical activities, like fetch or agility, alongside traditional training helps maintain their focus and enthusiasm. Keeping sessions varied and fun will make learning a rewarding experience for them.

Icelandic Sheepdogs come from Iceland, where they were brought by Viking settlers. They are an ancient breed believed to have originated around 874 to 930 AD when Norse people first arrived in Iceland. They are descendants of Nordic spitz-type dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdogs were bred to herd livestock, particularly sheep, in the challenging terrain of Iceland. They were essential for driving and managing flocks and protecting them from birds of prey and other predators. Their agility and alertness made them perfect for working in Iceland’s rugged landscape.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are typically healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Here’s a list of some conditions that may affect them:

• Distichiasis: This is a condition where extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid margin, which can irritate the eye. In mild cases, the extra lashes may not cause issues, but if they do irritate the cornea, it can lead to discomfort or even corneal ulcers. Treatment may involve lubricating eye drops or surgery to remove the extra lashes if they cause significant problems.

• Cataracts: Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to impaired vision. This condition can occur in older Icelandic Sheepdogs or be an inherited issue. While some dogs can live comfortably with cataracts, surgery is an option if the cataracts progress and severely affect vision. Early veterinary checkups are key to managing this condition.

• Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis over time. Icelandic Sheepdogs can be prone to this condition, especially as they age. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular low-impact exercise, like swimming or walking, can help reduce symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to improve mobility.

• Patellar luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. It’s a common condition in small to medium-sized dogs and can cause limping or difficulty walking. Mild cases may not need treatment, but more severe instances might require surgery to realign the kneecap and prevent further discomfort.

• Cryptorchidism: Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. This can lead to fertility issues or increase the risk of testicular cancer if left untreated. Neutering is typically recommended to prevent complications associated with this condition.

Regular vet checkups, screenings, preventative care, early treatment, and a healthy lifestyle can help manage or prevent these conditions in Icelandic Sheepdogs. Staying informed about their health needs and monitoring for early signs of these issues can keep your Icelandic Sheepdog happy and healthy for years.

No, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not hypoallergenic. They have a thick double that can trigger allergies in people sensitive to dog dander. 

To reduce dog allergens at home, frequently groom and occasionally bathe your Icelandic Sheepdog to reduce dander. Vacuuming often with a pet-friendly vacuum and using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help control allergens. 

Keeping certain areas pet-free and washing your dog’s bedding frequently also reduces the spread of allergens. Additionally, handwashing after handling your dog and opting for hard flooring over carpets can make a big difference.