Icelandic Sheepdog (Imported) Breed Information and Buying advice
Are You Looking to Buy or Adopt a Icelandic Sheepdog (Imported)?
Here you can learn about:
Quick Icelandic Sheepdog (Imported) Facts
Recognized Breed Colour and/or Coat Markings
Overview
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small-to-medium spitz-type herding breed originating from Iceland. Known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and lively personality, this breed was traditionally used to herd sheep and guard farms in harsh Nordic conditions. Highly sociable and people-oriented, the Icelandic Sheepdog is often described as an excellent family companion. However, it is also naturally vocal and energetic, requiring regular exercise and engagement.
Physical Appearance
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a compact, sturdy dog with a thick double coat and classic spitz features.
Key physical characteristics:
Dense double coat (short or long varieties)
Fox-like face with alert expression
Upright, pointed ears
Bushy tail curled over the back
Well-balanced, athletic build
Coat colours include combinations of tan, red, black, chocolate, and grey, often with white markings.
How big do Icelandic Sheepdog dogs get?
Height:
Males: 34–46 cm
Females: 30–42 cm
Weight:
9–14 kg
Character Traits
The Icelandic Sheepdog is friendly, alert, and enthusiastic. It forms strong bonds with its family and is known for its positive, outgoing temperament.
They are best described as:
Sociable and cheerful
Intelligent and responsive
Energetic and alert
Common personality traits
Intelligence: High
Affection: Very high
Energy level: Moderate to high
Loyalty: Strong
Playfulness: High
Aggression: Not aggressive
Trainability: High
Guarding ability: Moderate alertness
This breed is eager to please and responds well to training.
Ability to Socialise
Icelandic Sheepdogs are naturally sociable but still benefit from early exposure.
With other dogs: Very good
With children: Excellent
With cats and small pets: Generally good when raised together
With strangers: Friendly
They are one of the more naturally social herding breeds.
Lifestyle Suitability
The Icelandic Sheepdog adapts well to family life but still requires activity and engagement.
Best suited to:
Families and active households
Owners wanting a sociable companion
Homes with access to outdoor space
Lifestyle considerations
First-time owners: Yes
Apartment living: Possible with exercise
Left alone: Short periods only
Noise sensitivity: Moderate
Barking: High (alert breed)
Drooling: Very low
Heat tolerance: Moderate
Cold tolerance: Excellent
This breed’s vocal nature should be considered in close living environments.
General Health & Health Issues
Average lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Generally Icelandic Sheepdogs are a healthy breed, but potential concerns include:
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Eye conditions (such as cataracts)
Responsible breeding and health checks are important.
Exercise & Play Time
Minimum requirement: 1 - 1.5 hours daily
Ideal activities:
Walks and play sessions
Herding-style games
Obedience or agility training
Mental stimulation helps prevent excessive barking.
Nutrition & Feeding
A balanced diet suited to small-to-medium active dogs is recommended.
Feeding guidelines (approximate)
Adults: 150–250 g per day
Puppies require structured feeding
Monitor weight and adjust as needed.
Care & Maintenance
Grooming
The double coat requires:
Brushing 2 - 3 times per week
Increased grooming during shedding seasons
Routine ear and dental care
Shedding is moderate to heavy seasonally.
Emotional Care
Icelandic Sheepdogs are highly social and thrive on companionship. They do not do well when left alone for extended periods.
History of the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native dog breed and dates back over a thousand years. Brought by Viking settlers, it was used to herd livestock and guard farms in challenging conditions. The breed faced near extinction in the 19th century from contagious disease, but has since been preserved through careful breeding programmes.
Interesting Facts About Icelandic Sheepdog Dogs
Iceland’s only native dog breed
Known for its distinctive bark used in herding
One of the oldest Nordic breeds
Highly adaptable to cold climates
Getting an Icelandic Sheepdog Puppy
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your Icelandic Sheepdog puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards carefully.
More specifically, here is some Icelandic Sheepdog puppy buying advice:
This breed is naturally vocal and energetic. Owners who prefer a quiet or low-energy dog should consider whether this breed is suitable.
Because the breed is relatively rare in the UK:
Confirm Kennel Club registration/pedigree authenticity
Review health testing documentation
Ensure early socialisation has been prioritised
Avoid unusually cheap or undocumented puppies
Meet the mother and assess temperament
A well-bred puppy should be confident, friendly, and comfortable around people.
Average Costs
Owning an Icelandic Sheepdog involves ongoing financial responsibility.
Typical purchase price:
£1,500 - £2,500
Monthly food cost:
£40 - £60
Insurance:
£35 - £55 per month
Annual routine veterinary care (approximate):
£300 - £600
Costs may vary due to the breed’s rarity.
Other Reading and Responsible Ownership
For further guidance:
The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk
Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk
While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may also explore recognised rehoming routes.
