Icelandic Sheepdog Characteristics: The fun-loving and affectionate Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group. The Icelandic Sheepdog, is characterized by its compact, hardy appearance with a gentle, happy and confident expression with a thick coat and a distinctive spitz-type, richly plumed tail that curls up and over its back. Other characteristics include dark brown, medium sized, almond-shaped eyes; medium sized, erect triangular shaped ears and a brisk, agile gait. The temperament of the Icelandic Sheepdog can be described as Friendly, Inquisitive, Playful. The coat type of the Icelandic Sheepdog is described as thick, weatherproof coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Icelandic Sheepdog demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Herding dog (Spitz type) and is known by its nick name the "Dog of the Vikings". The origin of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed was in Iceland where it was developed in the Dark Ages. Fast Facts about the Icelandic Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Icelandic Sheepdog breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Nick name: "Dog of the Vikings" *** Origin: Iceland *** Icelandic Sheepdog Male Height: 16.5 to 18 inches *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 20 to 45 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: thick, weatherproof coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Health Problems: Patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12 to 15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group: The Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group. Other names for the Icelandic Sheepdog: The Icelandic Sheepdog is known by the nickname of the "Dog of the Vikings". Other names for this breed of dog include the Iceland Sheepdog, Islandsk Farehond and the Friaar Dog. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Icelandic Sheepdog" derives from its original place of origin in Iceland. Icelandic Sheepdog History and Origin: The country of origin of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed was in Iceland during the Dark Ages (874 AD), where it was used for herding livestock. Its nickname the "Dog of the Vikings" was particularly apt as the ancestors of this breed. spitz-type dogs were brought from Scandinavia by the Vikings. The difficult and often inhospitable terrain of Iceland together with its cold climate was not a very popular place for the Vikings to settle. The great Viking explorer, Leif Ericson, was actually born in Iceland, as his father had been banished from Norway. These early Vikings used their agile dogs to help them hunt, fish and herd their livestock. As different settlers arrived in Iceland over hundreds of years the original Viking dogs began to be cross bred with other dogs and the original Viking Dog and it was in danger of becoming extinct until an Englishman named Mark Watson visited Iceland. Mark Watson recognized the qualities of the dog and started the breeding program, with the help of Pall A. Palsson, the chief veterinary officer in Iceland, for the Icelandic Sheepdog during the 1950's. The Icelandic Sheepdog was introduced to the United States in the 1960's and the Icelandic Kennel Club was formed in 1969 to protect the cultural heritage of the dog. Icelandic Sheepdog Modern History: The modern history of the Icelandic Sheepdog moved on and the breed is now used as a herder, family pet and companion. The Icelandic Sheepdog retains its hardy Spitz type attributes of the Viking dogs with its retained a wolf-like appearance, pointed ears and muzzle, its thick, dense coat and its distinctive spitz-like high carried tail that curls up and over the dog's back. The Icelandic Sheepdog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010. Icelandic Sheepdog Height: This breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 16.5 to 18 inches. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Icelandic Sheepdog Weight: The weight of the male Icelandic Sheepdog in this medium sized dog is 20 to 45 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Icelandic Sheepdog Coat Type: The coat type is described as thick, weatherproof coat. Icelandic Sheepdog Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Gold & White, White & Cream, Gray & White, Chocolate & White, Fawn & White and Black & White. Icelandic Sheepdog Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Icelandic Sheepdog are categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Icelandic Sheepdog is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Icelandic Sheepdog Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-6 puppies. Icelandic Sheepdog puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Icelandic Sheepdog puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Icelandic Sheepdog Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular Icelandic Sheepdog breed is described as Fun-loving, Friendly, Inquisitive, Playful and Affectionate. Icelandic Sheepdog Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Icelandic Sheepdog requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a brisk, agile strident gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Icelandic Sheepdog Diet: A fully grown Icelandic Sheepdog should be fed 2 times per day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed include Patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Icelandic Sheepdog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Icelandic Sheepdog Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed is 12 to 15 years. Icelandic Sheepdog Male Dog Names: Icelandic Sheepdog Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Icelandic Sheepdog names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Vijay *** Marco *** Henrik *** Arnar *** Runar *** Ciao *** Thor *** Loki *** Oreo *** Oreo. Icelandic Sheepdog Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl Icelandic Sheepdog. Our top choice of good female Icelandic Sheepdog names are Frida *** Birta *** Arna *** Freyja *** Sunna *** Effie *** Finnd? *** Tara *** Gilda *** Tinna. Fast Facts about the Icelandic Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Icelandic Sheepdog breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Iceland *** History / Date: Dark Ages *** Male Icelandic Sheepdog Height: 16.5 to 18 inches *** Male Icelandic Sheepdog Weight: 20 to 45 pounds *** Coat Type: thick, weatherproof coat *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Icelandic Sheepdog Lifespan: 12 to 15 years *** | 