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Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Icelandic Sheepdog

Iceland's only native breed. A cheerful, fox-faced spitz with a curled tail, a weatherproof coat and a bark for every visitor.

Two long-coated tan Icelandic Sheepdogs with pricked ears sitting side by side in front of a green hedge
Icelandic SheepdogsPhoto: Disarut / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
9–14 kg20–31 lb
Height
42–46 cm17–18 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Herding
Origin
Iceland
Popularity
#138 US#199 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Cheerful, Friendly, Playful, Alert.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Distichiasis
  • Patellar luxation
  • Cryptorchidism

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An active day of walks, play or dog sports. Brush the double coat once or twice a week, more during a moult. Teach a quiet cue and a reliable recall early.

A good fit for

Active families with children, people who are home much of the day, and owners keen on agility or herding games.

Probably not ideal for

Homes where the dog is alone for long hours, close neighbours who mind barking, and anyone hoping for a low-shedding dog.

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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