Icelandic Sheepdog
Alert · Friendly · Playful
Iceland (nationwide, rural farms), Iceland · Herding Group · 12–15 years
At a glance
- Adult energy
- High
- Coat care
- Regular brushing
A little introduction
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small and energetic breed of dog that was originally bred in Iceland for herding and guarding livestock.
Everyday life
Energy & play
High as an adult · around 60 minutes of daily activity. Puppies need short, self-paced activity and frequent rest.
Coat & grooming
Medium, Double coat. Brush regularly and check for tangles, especially around ears and legs. Introduce handling slowly with rewards.
Food & feeding
Choose complete and balanced puppy food suited to expected adult size; large-breed puppies need an appropriate growth formula. Measure meals using the food label as a starting point, then adjust with your vet as your puppy grows. Fresh water should always be available.
Learning together
Often responsive to training. Teach one small step at a time, reward success, and practise briefly in different places.
Play, comfort & little quirks
Things to try together
Try sniff-and-find games, gentle toy retrieves, short reward-based training, and exploring together. Follow your puppy’s interest and rest breaks.
When to give them space
Watch for avoidance of loud surprises, rough handling, overwhelming greetings, or play that goes on too long. Each puppy has their own comfort zone.
Ideas to explore with your individual puppy, not fixed breed likes and dislikes.
Health & choosing a puppy
Ask your vet about growth, vaccination, parasite prevention and body condition. Ask a breed club about relevant health screening before choosing a puppy.
Explore next
Icelandic Sheepdog name ideasQuestions worth asking about health
Ask your vet and the relevant breed club which screening records apply to this breed. Ask to see the actual records, rather than relying on “health checked” alone.
Use these questions to start a conversation with your vet. This guide cannot assess a dog’s health or replace a veterinary examination.Before you meet a Icelandic Sheepdog
A few thoughtful questions for the rescue or breeder. Tick each question as you discuss it, and take your time before deciding.
My meeting checklist
Start with Dogs Trust’s getting-a-dog guidance ↗. Ask your vet which screening records apply to this breed and individual dog. These questions help you prepare for that conversation; they don’t replace your vet’s advice.