Herding group

Icelandic Sheepdog

Iceland’s cheerful Viking-era spitz — friendly, playful and chatty.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are medium-sized spitz dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. They are joyful, friendly and people-focused, with a thick coat and a lot to say.

Height
16.5–18 in42–46 cm
Weight
25–30 lb11–14 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
Medium
Group
Herding
Origin
Iceland

Coat: Thick, waterproof double coat, short or long. Colours: Tan, Chocolate, Grey, Black, With white markings.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level4.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Icies are cheerful, playful and affectionate. They are usually friendly with everyone, including strangers, children and other dogs.

They were bred to bark when herding and alerting, so many are vocal. They dislike being left alone and thrive in busy households.

Living with a Icelandic Sheepdog

Exercise

About an hour of daily activity with walks, play and herding games.

Grooming

Brush weekly and more often during heavy seasonal sheds. Long-coated Icies need extra attention behind the ears.

Training

Eager and willing; reward-based training works well. Teach a quiet cue early.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other dogs; their friendly, sociable nature makes them easy family members.

Time alone

Prefers company; long isolation leads to barking and unhappiness.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Icelandic Sheepdog right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Icelandic Sheepdog matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Icelandic Sheepdog typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur occasionally.

  • Cataracts

    Inherited cataracts occur; annual eye exams help.

  • Cryptorchidism

    Undescended testicles occur in male puppies.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Patella evaluation

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Icelandic Sheepdog; Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Norse settlers brought the ancestors of Icelandic Sheepdogs to Iceland around 874–930 AD. The dogs herded sheep and horses and found lost livestock in the mountains.

Disease and a ban on dog imports nearly wiped out the breed in the 20th century. Breeders in Iceland and England revived it, and the AKC recognised the breed in 2010.

Did you know?

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs have double dewclaws on their hind legs.
  • They are Iceland’s only native dog breed.
  • Icies were brought to Iceland by the Vikings over a thousand years ago.

Library guides for Icelandic Sheepdog owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs?
Yes — they are friendly, playful and great with children.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Yes, they are vocal herding dogs.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed?
Yes, especially during seasonal sheds.