Pet Wiki

Icelandic Sheepdog

Also called Íslenskur fjárhundur, Icelandic Spitz, Iceland Dog, Friaar Dog

Happy, curious and playful, with a gentle and confident nature.

SizeMedium
Weight9 to 14 kg (20 to 31 lb)12
Height42 to 46 cm (17 to 18 in)males 46 cm, females 42 cm32
Lifespan12 to 15 years1
CoatDouble coat, short-haired or long-haired
OriginIceland, from dogs brought by the Viking-age settlers.31
GroupFCI group 5
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
cheerful and friendly
devoted to its people
agile all-round herder
342

Personality what they are like

Happy, curious and playful, with a gentle and confident nature. It greets visitors with an announcement bark rather than suspicion and loves being part of family life.324

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Icelandic 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, short-haired or long-haired

A sturdy, slightly longer-than-tall Nordic spitz with pricked ears and a curled tail. Both coat lengths are thick and weatherproof, with a coarse outer layer over a soft, dense undercoat; long-haired dogs have a fuller tail and feathering.32

Colourstan shades from cream to reddish brownchocolate browngreyblackalways with white markings; tan points and a dark mask can occur321

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high. As an agile working herder it enjoys daily walks, play and jobs to do, and it uses its voice when working stock.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the dense double coat regularly, more often during seasonal shedding; long-haired dogs need a little extra attention.32

Home where they are happiest

Hardy in cold, wet weather thanks to its coat; happy in a family home as long as it gets activity and company.32

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and generally mild with others; the UKC notes little aggression and a low hunting drive, having evolved with no natural predators to face.2

The story where it all began

The breed descends from dogs that arrived with Norse settlers between about 870 and 930 AD and became vital helpers on Icelandic farms. Numbers fell sharply more than once, including in the late 1800s, and dedicated breeders later rebuilt the population.312

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is Iceland's only native dog breed.4

  2. 2

    Iceland's parliament recognised the breed as part of the national cultural heritage in 1994.1

  3. 3

    In 1788 the naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin described it as a separate species, Canis islandicus.1

  4. 4

    William Shakespeare mentions an 'Iceland dog' in Henry V.1

  5. 5

    It herds by barking, a style that suited Iceland's open, rugged terrain.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from its Icelandic origin and its traditional role as a sheepherding dog; in Icelandic it is called 'Íslenskur fjárhundur', meaning 'Icelandic sheep dog'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SólTindurLóaFrostGullMoliBjörkSnúðurVakaStrákurDísaHrafn

A day in the life told by an Icelandic Sheepdog

I wake to the sound of birds and the smell of grass. My human opens the door and I bounce out, barking a happy hello to the world. We walk through the fields where I trot beside them, my tail waving. I spot a sheep and give a friendly woof, but I stay close. At home, I greet everyone with a wag and a bark. I love to play fetch and then curl up for a nap. Every day is a joy with my family.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 289, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 3 Nordic watchdogs and herders; standard dated 03.07.2018. Wikipedia gives 1972 for the first FCI acceptance.3
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 20 January 1996.2
AKC
Herding Group; recognised in 2010 (per Wikipedia).1

How many About 5,000 registered worldwide1

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

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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 Icelandic Sheepdog, and at what times?

Feed adult Icelandic Sheepdogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. For exact times that suit your dog's routine, ask your vet.5

What should an Icelandic Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, and garlic. For feeding amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.6

How often should I bathe an Icelandic Sheepdog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Always use a dog-safe shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Icelandic Sheepdog need brushing?

Brush your Icelandic Sheepdog every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Long-haired dogs may need a little extra attention to keep their coat tangle-free.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Icelandic 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 to avoid pain.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Icelandic Sheepdog need?

This active herding breed needs moderate to high exercise, including daily walks and play. It also enjoys having jobs to do and will use its voice when working.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Icelandic Sheepdog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily ideally, or at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and gently clean the outer ear without pushing anything inside.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Icelandic Sheepdog live?

Icelandic Sheepdogs typically live a happy 12 to 15 years, bringing joy to their families throughout that time.1

Is an Icelandic Sheepdog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is gentle, playful, and confident, making it wonderful with children and generally mild with other pets. It loves being part of family life.324

Can an Icelandic Sheepdog be left alone?

This very people-oriented breed may struggle with long periods alone. It's best to provide company or activities, and for specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.

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

Norwegian BuhundSwedish VallhundFinnish LapphundNorrbottenspets

Where this comes from

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

  1. Icelandic Sheepdog, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, lifespan, AKC year, history, fun facts, population
  2. Icelandic Sheepdog, United Kennel Club ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
  3. FCI standard no. 289, Icelandic Sheepdog fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  4. Icelandic Sheepdog, AKC akc.orgused for traits, fun fact
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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