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Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Breed | Icelandic Sheepdog Dogs Introduction
Icelandic Sheepdog is of Nordic Spitz type and Icelandic’s only original dog breed. They are loving and friendly dogs that are heartily loyal to their owners. Also, they have other names like Friaar Dog, Icelandic Spitz, Canis Islandicus, Íslenskur Fjárhundur, and Iceland Dog. Icelandic Spitz are social dogs that do not react well to being left for long periods and hence are not suitable for people with busy schedules.
They have a strong herding instinct and might try to herd cars if they don’t have a flock to herd. It is recommended to keep them in a secure fence to prevent them from running off. Icelandic Spitz are small-to-medium-sized dogs that possess a dense double coat and have various predominant colors with white markings. They are also known for their facial expression which are always happy and friendly. They are trainable dogs that are very intelligent, and eager to please.
Icelandic Spitz is known for herding horses and sheep and doesn’t get along well with birds. In the early days, this type of dog breed was used to keep sheep safe from birds of prey hence they still watch the sky and bark at birds or anything that moves fast and might seem like a threat. Icelandic Spitz are high-energy dogs that need enough exercise every day for mental stimulation. They are also good with children and other dogs but are quite reserved with strangers. Icelandic Spitz can also serve as watchdogs due to their protective nature. They are closely related and look similar to the Vallhund of Sweden and the Buhund of Norway which originate from the same hereditary stock.
Origin | History
The well-known Nordic Spitz-type dog breed was brought to Iceland in the ninth century by the Viking settlers. Icelandic Spitz dog breed have lived in Iceland for more than 1,100 years which makes them the country’s only native dog. They are used for rounding up ponies and herding horses and sheep. Icelandic Spitz dog breeds were killed off more than 75% by a disease in the late 19th century. Before that, the dogs were being shipped to England, particularly to shepherds who were eager to own the dog due to their outstanding herding skills.
However, following their death, the importation of these dogs was prohibited in 1901 to give the Icelandic Spitz time to recover. In addition, at this time, the purebred Icelandic Spitz was almost vanishing. This dog breed has since recovered and is now found in abundance. Moreover, they are protected and acknowledged by the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association and are part of the American Kennel Club.
Icelandic Sheepdog Lifespan
This dog breed has a life expectancy of between 11 and 15 years.
Grooming
Trim your dog’s nails once a month or whenever necessary using suitable nail clippers and trimmers to prevent overgrowth that might cause pain to your dog. Cutting your dog’s nails also prevents them from cracking. Brush your Icelandic Spitz dog coat at least once a week using a metal comb or a slicker brush to prevent mats and tangles. Ensure that you brush your dog’s hair at least 5 times every week during heavy shedding season to prevent hair from falling on the floor surface and seats.
Clean your dog’s ears once every week using dog wipes or clear ear cleanser and cotton balls inserted in the cleanser. Also check your dog’s ears weekly for any pests, wax overload, debris, parasites, and ear infections. Bath your Icelandic Spitz once every month using a designated canine shampoo and condition if necessary. You can also bathe your dog when necessary if they get dirty or muddy. Brush their hair before a bath and after a bath.
Rinse the shampoo and conditioner off the dog thoroughly until the water runs clean. Air dry your dog and brush its coat to prevent tangling and matting and to have a nice shine. Ensure that you brush Icelandic Spitz’s teeth at least bi-weekly if not daily using a suitable canine toothpaste and toothbrush to prevent dental issues, remove plaque, and prevent tartar accumulation.
Icelandic Sheepdog Shedding
They shed heavily year-round and tend to shed even more heavily during their twice-a-year shedding season in Spring and Fall.
Hypoallergenic
Icelandic Spitz are not hypoallergenic dogs and are known to shed heavily throughout the year and more heavily twice a year hence they are unsuitable for people with dog allergies. Their drool, urine, and dander are culprits to allergic reactions like runny nose and sneezing.
Icelandic Sheepdog Training
This dog breed is easy to train since they are always eager to please and are friendly and intelligent dogs. This makes their obedience training and puppy classes interesting for both dogs and their owners. Icelandic Spitz dog breed responds well to positive reinforcement and a trainer or owner should never use harsh training methods on these dogs since they do not respond well.
Puppy training classes and early socialization are important for your Icelandic Spitz to help it grow into a well-mannered and well-adjusted dog. Socialization exposes the pooch to new people, animals, places, sounds, smell, situations, and sights. Training sessions should be about 5 – 15 minutes and avoid harsh corrections if your dog does not get a command right.
Train your dog to simple commands like stay, come, heel, drop, sit, no, and wait. Also, reward your dog every time they get a command right and alternate the rewards with treats and praise. Your Icelandic Spitz dog needs housebreaking through crate training, potty training outside the house, and forming a feeding schedule.
Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament | Traits
– Social.
– Loving.
– Playful.
– Friendly.
– Intelligent.
– Eager to please.
– Inquisitive.
– Protective.
– Affectionate.
– Vocal.
– Loyal.
Exercise Needs | Exercise
This type of dog breed loves outdoor activities and is a great companion on long hikes and walks. They require moderate exercise every day for mental stimulation and to keep them happy and healthy. Icelandic Spitz can exercise for about 30 minutes every day through play sessions and walks. They also need to exercise their mind and body by taking part in canine sports like herding, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and other activities that can be fun for the dog and owner.
Icelandic Sheepdog Barking
They are very vocal dogs and tend to bark to alert their owners of anything strange or incoming person. Icelandic Spitz also bark when they see a bird or something that moves fast and might be perceived as a predator. This is because this dog breed was used to keep sheep safe from birds of prey in their early days.
Height
A male Icelandic Spitz has a height of between 15 – 18 in ( Approx. 38 – 46 cm ) while bitches have a height of around 13 – 16.5 in ( Approx. 33 – 42 cm ).
Apart from Icelandic Spitz, other dog breeds include:
Icelandic Sheepdog Weight
Icelandic Spitz weighs between 19 – 30 lbs ( Approx. 9 – 14 kg ).
Icelandic Sheepdog Size
Males Icelandic Spitz have a height of between 15 – 18 in ( Approx. 38 – 46 cm ) and bitches have a height of around 13 – 16.5 in ( Approx. 33 – 42 cm ). Both male and female Icelandic Spitz weigh between 19 – 30 lbs ( Approx. 9 – 14 kg ).
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Issues | Health Problems
They are overall healthy dog breeds but can be vulnerable to various health issues like:
– Hip dysplasia.
– Elbow dysplasia.
– Eye problems.
– Kneecaps issues.
Icelandic Sheepdog Names
Icelandic Spitz can also be given other names by their owners including:
– Hai.
– Hengil.
– Sog.
– Puffin.
– Esjan.
– Dyn.
– Snorri.
– Katla.
– Anita
– Laki.
– Soley.
– Krafla.
– Gunnar.
Feeding | Food
The amount of food your Icelandic Spitz consumes depends on their activity level, size, and age. Feed your dog a balanced diet that contains vitamins, fiber extracted from berries and vegetables, healthy fats, high-quality protein, minerals, and healthy fats. The high-quality proteins are mostly found in dairy products, chicken, fish, and beef. Feed your Icelandic Spitz with 2 1/2 to 3 cups of food of their suitable dog breed every day. Provide them with a bowl of clean and fresh water every day.
Icelandic Sheepdog Colors
Icelandic Spitz normally possesses dual split colors with white markings. Some of these colors include:
– Gray and White.
– Sable and White.
– Chocolate Brown and White.
– Cream and White.
– White Tan and Black.
– Gold and White.
– Reddish Brown and White.
– Black and White
Icelandic Sheepdog Black
It is very rare to come across completely black-colored Icelandic Spitz since most of them have a combination of two colors with white markings.
Icelandic Sheepdog Black And White
A black Icelandic Spitz mostly has white markings on its face and legs, and its chest is white. They can also have white color on their neck and forearms.
Icelandic Sheepdog Short Hair
Icelandic Spitz can have a long-haired or a short-haired dense double coat. Those with short-haired coats can possess medium-length hair on their outer coats.
Icelandic Sheepdog White
It is rare to find a purely white Icelandic Spitz since they can mostly have a predominantly white color with other colors like brown and gray on their face, ears, or back.
Icelandic Sheepdog Puppy
The dam can litter between 3 – 8 puppies at a go. The puppies stay with the breeder for the first eight weeks of life to breastfeed and socialize with their mother and litter mates.
Icelandic Sheepdog Price
The Icelandic Spitz dog is quite expensive and an average puppy costs between $1,500 – $2,000 depending on their size and breeder.
Icelandic Sheepdog Mix
These are pure-breed dogs that have lived in Iceland for more than 1,100 years since the ninth century. Icelandic Spitz is commonly known as Iceland’s only original breed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Shed
Yes. Iceland Spitz shed heavily year round and tend to shed more heavily throughout their twice-a-year shedding season in summer and winter.
How Long Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Live
Iceland Spitz can live between 11 – 15 years.
How Big Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Get
Males Icelandic Spitz are 15 – 18 in ( Approx. 38 – 46 cm ) tall and bitches are 13 – 16.5 in ( Approx. 33 – 42 cm ) tall. Both male and female Icelandic Spitz weigh between 19 – 30 lbs ( Approx. 9 – 14 kg ).
Icelandic Sheepdog Quick Facts
- They are Iceland’s only original breed and have lived in the country for more than 1100 years.
- Icelandic Spitz are pure breed dogs.
- Their bitches are shorter than males but weigh the same.
