Icelandic Sheepdog
USD $800-$1000 Price Avg.
Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs)
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Medium
Size
12-15 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 144 |
| Origin | Iceland |
| Other Names | Canis Islandicus, Friaar Dog, Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz, Islandsk Farehond, Íslenskur Fjárhundur |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $800-$1000
How much does a Icelandic Sheepdog cost? According to a rough estimate, you will spend between $800 to $1000 on your Icelandic Sheepdog if you purchase it from a reputable breeder. If you select a dog with exceptional bloodlines, the price may be higher. The price might even be higher if the dog has already been trained. You'll usually pay less if you get a Icelandic Sheepdog from a shelter. |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) |
| Height | 12-16 inches (31-41 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed. And FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. |
| Purpose | livestock herding |
| Date of Origin | 874 - 930 AD |
| Ancestry | Nordic spitz |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense, Soft, Straight, Thick, Wavy |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Gray, Red, White |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Black, Brindle, Brown, Cream, Fawn, Gray, Pied, Silver |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Dense |
| Coat Texture | Straight |
| Recommended Brushes | Deshedder, Nail Clipper, Pin Brush |
| Brushing Frequency | Weekly |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Agile, Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Inquisitive, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | Yes |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | Yes |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Eye Problems, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers cold weather |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 10 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 60 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.5 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.75 - $2.25 |
| Monthly Cost | $52.50 - $67.50 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Icelandic Sheepdog have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small, spitz-type breed of dog that originated in Iceland. It is a hardy and energetic breed that is known for its loyalty and intelligence. The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick double coat that comes in various colors, including black, white, tan, gray, and red. Its ears are erect and its tail is curled over its back.
The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years and can reach heights of up to 18 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown.
The personality of the Icelandic Sheepdog is friendly and outgoing with people they know well but can be wary of strangers. They are highly intelligent dogs who love to please their owners and are eager to learn new things. They have an independent streak but also enjoy being part of the family pack.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are very friendly with other dogs as well as children and other animals if they have been properly socialized from an early age. They do not do well if left alone for long periods of time as they need companionship from their owners or other animals in order to stay happy and healthy.
The temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog is alert yet gentle; they make excellent watchdogs due to their keen sense of hearing but will not bark excessively unless there is something worth barking about! They are also very active dogs who need plenty of exercise on a daily basis in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
The health issues associated with this breed include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, allergies, skin problems such as mange or dermatitis, ear infections, hypothyroidism, luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), heart disease, Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), elbow dysplasia (ED)and bloat/gastric torsion (GDV). Regular vet checkups should be done in order to keep these issues under control if present in your pet’s life span .
The adaptability level for this breed is high; they do best when given plenty of exercise on a daily basis but can adjust easily enough when living in smaller spaces such as apartments or condos provided that their needs for mental stimulation are met through activities like agility training or playing fetch with their owners . The benefits associated with owning an Icelandic Sheepdog include having a loyal companion who loves spending time outdoors exploring nature while still being able to provide protection when needed due its alertness .
History
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that is native to Iceland. The breed is believed to be descended from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a versatile breed that was used for herding, guarding, and hunting. The breed almost became extinct in the early 1900s due to a disease outbreak and the importation of other breeds of dogs. The Icelandic Sheepdog was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 30 and 40 pounds. The coat of the Icelandic Sheepdog is long and thick, and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, and gray. The coat of the Icelandic Sheepdog requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an active breed that requires plenty of exercise. The breed is intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times. The Icelandic Sheepdog gets along well with children and other pets.
