Pet Wiki

Faroese Sheepdog

Also called Faroese herding dog

A working farm dog valued for calm, controlled handling of sheep and for keeping watch over the homestead.

CoatDouble
OriginFaroe Islands.1
Rare breedShort profile
Quiet, careful herder
Can find sheep buried in snow
Watchful guard dog
1

Personality what they are like

A working farm dog valued for calm, controlled handling of sheep and for keeping watch over the homestead.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

Looks much like a Border Collie, which played a large part in shaping the type.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Faroese Sheepdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred for daily work gathering sheep on steep island pasture, so it suits an active, outdoor life with a job to do.1

The story where it all began

The Faroese Sheepdog grew out of Norse dogs brought to the islands, mixed with earlier local dogs that may have arrived with Irish and Scottish monks. In more recent times Border Collies had a strong influence on the type, and it may share roots with the Icelandic Sheepdog.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    These dogs are taught to stay silent while gathering sheep rather than barking at the flock.1

  2. 2

    Instead of nipping heels, they control sheep by taking hold of a foreleg or shoulder.1

  3. 3

    They can track down sheep that have been buried by snowdrifts.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Faroe Islands, the North Atlantic archipelago where it was developed as a landrace for herding sheep.2

Name ideas for your new friend

TórSólFjallLítlaStormMóðirReyðSæðiVatnGrímaFuglHvít

A day in the life told by a Faroese Sheepdog

I wake before the sun, the wind tasting of salt and grass. My human calls, and we head to the pasture. The sheep scatter, I circle wide, calm and steady, guiding them back. A ewe strays toward a cliff; I block her gently, my eye on the slope. By noon, the flock grazes together. I lie on a lichen-covered rock, watching the horizon. A skua glides overhead, I note it, but stay still. Evening falls soft and grey. I trot home beside my human, tired and proud. The island hums under my paws.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

None
A local working landrace rather than a breed registered with the major kennel clubs.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Faroese Sheepdog, and at what times?

Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals, at consistent times. Free feeding is not recommended for puppies. Ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog's age and routine.3

What should a Faroese Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a balanced dog food as recommended by your vet, following the label for amounts. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol.34

How often should I bathe a Faroese Sheepdog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, and at least once every three months is a good general rule. Bathe more often if your dog is outdoors a lot or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Faroese Sheepdog need brushing?

Brush every three days, and daily during heavy shedding, as this double coat sheds. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces loose fur. Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Faroese Sheepdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or groomer if unsure.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Faroese Sheepdog need?

This breed needs daily walks and play, as it was bred for active farm work. It suits an active, outdoor life with a job to do, so plan for at least one good exercise session each day.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Faroese Sheepdog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth every two days, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste only, never human toothpaste. Check ears every 14 days and clean gently without pushing anything into the canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Faroese Sheepdog live?

Lifespan varies, and this breed's typical range isn't specified in our sources. Ask your vet or a good breeder for expected longevity based on your dog's health and line.

Is a Faroese Sheepdog good with children and other pets?

This breed is a calm, controlled working farm dog, so it generally does well with family life. Its temperament suits gentle handling, but always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.1

Can a Faroese Sheepdog be left alone?

As a working dog bred to keep watch, it may cope with short periods alone, but it thrives with activity and company. Leaving it alone for long hours isn't ideal, so ask your vet or a trainer for guidance.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Border CollieIcelandic Sheepdog

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Faroese Sheepdog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, working style, fun facts
  2. wikipedia.nucleos.com wikipedia.nucleos.com
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.