Icelandic Shepherd

History, origin & features

The Icelandic Sheepdog first appeared in Iceland with the arrival of the first Viking explorers on the island in the 9th century. Over the generations, the Icelandic Shepherd has developed a formidable resistance to the harsh climate and living conditions of shepherds. Their ability to drive and herd large flocks over vast and difficult terrain has made them extremely popular. Icelandic Shepherd Dogs are Nordic Spitz-type dogs with pricked ears and a curled tail. Smaller than average, their silhouette is rectangular. Their appearance and carriage convey an impression of assurance, liveliness, gentleness and intelligence. Coat: double, thick. The topcoat can be semi-long or long. It is harsh, while the undercoat is softer and very dense. Color: predominantly fawn (cream to reddish brown), chocolate, gray or black, always with irregular white markings on part of the face, collar, chest and tip of tail. Black mask on tan or gray dogs.
Head: triangular in shape, with strong bones. Slightly domed skull, slightly longer than muzzle. The stop is well defined but not overly pronounced. The nose is black or brown, the muzzle well developed, the lips black and close-fitting, the cheeks flat, the jaws scissor-like.
Ears: Medium-sized, erect, triangular with rounded tips, extremely mobile and expressive.
Eyes: Almond-shaped, dark brown (lighter in dogs with brown or cream coats), medium-sized.
Body: rectangular, robust. The back is straight, muscular and strong, the loins broad and muscular, the croup rather short and broad, the chest deep, the ribs well sprung, the belly slightly tucked up.
Tail: set high, curled and touching the back.