Icelandic dog – spitz by origin and shepherd to use

Beautiful scenery and a vibrant culture are what spring to mind when you think of Iceland. However, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a unique breed of dog that is one of its treasures. This energetic dog, well-known for its spitz-like features, has a rich cultural history on the island.

The Vikings brought the Icelandic Sheepdog to the island, and it has been a faithful friend for centuries. These dogs are vital companions for farmers in the difficult terrain because they were bred to help with sheep herding. They are intelligent and agile enough for the job, enabling them to easily traverse Iceland’s difficult terrain.

In addition to their ability to work, Icelandic Sheepdogs are renowned for their amiable and lively disposition. They are frequently referred to as social butterflies among dogs because they thrive on human company. It’s difficult not to adore these spirited dogs with their cute fox-like faces and fluffy coats.

In this article, we’ll explore the unique traits of the Icelandic Sheepdog, from their impressive herding skills to their warm personalities. Whether you’re considering adding one to your family or just want to learn more about this charming breed, you’re in for a treat!

Feature	Description
Origin	Icelandic dogs are a type of spitz, known for their thick fur and pointed ears.
Usage	Originally bred for herding sheep and protecting farms in Iceland.
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent, and very loyal to their families.
Exercise Needs	Require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Grooming	Regular brushing is needed to manage their thick coats, especially during shedding season.
Trainability	They are eager to learn but can be stubborn at times, so consistent training is key.

Brief historical certificate

It’s unclear exactly when Icelandic shepherds first appeared on the scene. Their progenitors are thought to have been ancient Scandinavian spitz-shaped dogs that arrived in Iceland sometime between the ages of IX and X. Animals first assisted their owners in the hunt, but later, due to a shortage of game, they were expertly retrained as shepherds by the scent of searching for missing sheep, who fended off the herd.

The Icelandic dog’s exterior hasn’t altered in hundreds of years.

Because so few foreign dogs were introduced to the island, the Icelandic shepherd Laika’s existence has remained largely unaltered since that time. The breed was on the brink of extinction due to an epidemic of an unidentified disease that struck in the 19th century, killing nearly all of the sheep and then spreading to their four-legged shepherds. In 1901, the government resurrected itself and issued an order prohibiting the export of representatives overseas.

As the population grew over time, the first breed standard was described and the international cynological community granted recognition in 1972. The Icelandic Shepherd is registered under number 289 in group 5 "Spitz and dogs of primitive type" (section 3 "Scandinavian guard and herding dogs") of the FCI registry. The current standard was last revised on June 20, 2007.

Although there is currently no threat to the extinction of Icelandic Spitz, there are only about 16,000 of them left.

Description of the Icelandic dog

Currently, Icelandic sheepdogs are still found in isolated Icelandic pastures where they carry out their primary function of herding sheep. They serve as guards and are rarely utilized for hunting, but they do occasionally assist in the search for lost persons and animals. Nonetheless, shepherd huskies are typically kept as family pets and companions, and they take part in a variety of dog shows and competitions.

Breed standard

Scandinavian Shepherds have a strong, slightly squat skeleton, well-developed muscles, and a well-built, lean, Spitz-type dog that is slightly smaller than average in height. Compact, elongated, rectangular frame with a wide, sloping croup, a deep, broadened chest, a slightly tucked-up belly, and a straight, strong, and muscular back. Males are larger and visibly more powerful than females.

The Icelandic Shepherd is a tiny dog with a sturdy build that is compact.

• A strong wedge-shaped head with a domed skull and a triangular muzzle tapering towards the nose, slightly longer than the cranial part, is set on a high, curved, moderately long neck (without dewlap). Stop is clearly defined.
• Nose pigmented black or dark brown (in dogs with cream and chocolate coats).
• Jaws in a scissor bite with a full set of teeth. Black or dark brown lips fit tightly.
• Almond-shaped eyes are small with black eyelids. Iris is dark brown, in cream and chocolate individuals it is slightly lighter (eyelids are brown). The look is intelligent, cute, cheerful and happy.
• Ears with rounded tips, triangular, erect, small, well express the mood of the animal, sensitively reacting to all sounds.
• Muscular, straight, parallel legs, oval paws with arched strong toes, knitted into a tight lump, and elastic pads.
• High-set tail is curled into a ring, thrown over the back.
• Height at the withers (ideal):

• in bitches — 42 cm;
• for males — 46 cm.

The movements of the Icelandic sheepdog are agile, light, incredibly resilient, and productive. They are also bold and vigorous.

Features of the coat

The coat has two layers and is extremely thick and dense. Two categories of coats exist:

• Short coat, consisting of rather coarse guard hair of medium length, and soft, soft undercoat. On the neck and chest, the coat is longer, forming a collar, on the hind legs there are feathers, the tail is well-furred. Shorter coat on the front legs and head.
• Long coat of stiff-coarse guard hair and thick, soft undercoat. Elongated coat on the back of the ears, chest and neck, feathers on the limbs, shortened – on the top of the head, on the muzzle, as well as on the front of the ears and legs.

The Icelandic Sheepdog’s coat can get fairly short.

The following dominant colors are permitted by standard:

• gray;
• black;
• all shades of red (orange);
• chocolate brown.

White markings (on the head, chest, limbs, tail) always follow the primary predominant tone. There is a lighter shade of fur on the belly and all over the lower body, including the tail. The muzzle of those with light fur (gray and red) is covered in a dark mask. Tricolor dogs with predominantly black fur have red tan cheekbones, paws, and the distinctive eyebrows above the eyes in addition to the classic white spots. When there are multiple colored spots on a white background, the color can be variegated.

Faults and disqualifying signs

Any departure from the breed’s characteristics is considered a defect, and the degree of expression and the impact on the animal’s health and well-being are used to determine how severe a defect is. A black back in red dogs or a solid black coat (without spots) are considered faults.

• bulging or round eyes;
• yellow iris;
• lack of dewclaws.

Those who exhibit overt mental, behavioral, or physical abnormalities may be disqualified.

Breed character

Laika, the Icelandic Shepherd, is a gregarious, playful, lively, and curious dog. The breed is people-oriented and insatiably devoted to its owners; it needs to communicate and is always on their heels, spinning underfoot. The vigilant and courageous shepherd dog does a good job keeping watch over the assigned territory. It takes pleasure in making use of the superb voice that nature has bestowed upon it, letting out a loud bark at the least provocation. The inclination to hunt is not very strong.

The Icelandic Spitz does a good job of defending the area it controls.

Dogs that value peace never bite, always attempting to stay out of trouble. Since they view other animals as their flock that needs to be protected, they get along well with them. They hardly ever chase cats at all, and when they do, it’s only for fun; they never hurt them physically. This spitz builds the most genuine and private relationships with kids; the dog’s patience is practically boundless.

A amiable and placid shepherd extends a warm greeting to newcomers without displaying any hint of hostility. There is a particular prejudice against all birds that is explained by the necessity he had in the past to defend the lambs entrusted to his care from aerial attacks by birds of prey. A dog can hold its head up high and meaningfully search the sky for someone for an extended period of time.

The choice of a puppy and its cost

Since there are literally units in Iceland, it is difficult to acquire a little Icelander. It is preferable to get in touch with specialized nurseries for a puppy that are situated in the USA, Denmark, Sweden, or its native Iceland. A responsible breeder will undoubtedly present the required paperwork (parents of the puppy’s pedigree, puppy metric, etc.) attesting to the pet’s thoroughness.

A puppy may cost between thirty and thirty-five thousand rubles, depending on the kennel’s condition and the puppy’s chances.

Purchasing dogs from advertisements or from other dog owners is not advised because purebred Icelandic shepherds are frequently given away by various estates. They can only be distinguished visually by a skilled dog handler.

Icelandic dog puppies are practically unheard of in our nation.

It is better to contain a shepherdess in a private house or a country cottage with the possibility of free walking in a spacious courtyard. In the aviary, and even more so, they do not keep such dogs on the leash, since they need the constant presence of people nearby, otherwise they yearn and behave destructively. These small shepherds get used to the apartment conditions quickly and do not experience any inconvenience.

Features of care

Icelandic dogs are very humble when they first arrive.

Hygiene

The collection of hygienic precautions consists of:

• weekly combining to prevent the formation of stiffons (during active molting more often);
• water procedures 1-2 times a year using zoo shampoos;
• inspection of ears and eyes every 5-7 days, cleaning from discharge with veterinary lotion, herbal decoction, etc.;
• shortening of claws, if they do not wear down on their own, with a claw cutter;
• brushing teeth once every 7-10 days with a special toothpaste for animals and a finger brush.

Walking

Spitz are nimble and active dogs that require daily walks lasting two to three hours so they can walk off their hunger for movement. Only those who can give their pets the appropriate amount of physical exercise, such as going on bike rides, early morning jogs in the park, mountain hikes, nature excursions, and other active pursuits, are suitable for this breed.

The Icelandic Spitz requires a lot of movement.

Nutrition

First-generation dogs are typically fed homemade, freshly prepared food by their owners, but store-bought freeze-dried food is starting to gain traction. Expert dog breeders recommend selecting goods for active and mobile dogs that are in a class no lower than premium:

• Hill’s Science Plan Performance;
• Royal Canin Sporting Life Trail 4300;
• Purina Dog Chow Active;
• Pro Plan Adult Performance.

The Pro Plan Adult Performance diet is intended for adult dogs who have an exceptionally high activity level.

The organic diet includes:

• boneless sea fish or minced fish;
• lean meat (veal, rabbit, etc.);
• offal (trimmings, tripe, kidneys, etc.);
• seasonal vegetables and fruits, greens;
• eggs;
• low-fat dairy products (fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, etc.);
• cereals (buckwheat, millet, etc.);
• vitamin and mineral supplements.

Pasta, baked goods, smoked meats, sweets, fatty foods, and hollow tubular bones are all off limits to shepherds.

Health

The harsh climate of their homeland has hardened the Icelandic Shepherd into a healthy breed.

Natural selection and life in harsh climates have done their job, giving Icelandic guard dogs excellent health and a robust immune system. There are no harmful inherited predispositions in them. The lifespan of an Icelandic Spitz is roughly 12–14 years.

It is necessary to vaccinate Icelandic Sheepdogs once a year and deworm them once every six months. Collars, drops, and other methods of tick and flea prevention are required.

With spitz ancestry, the Icelandic dog has developed into a multipurpose shepherd that is ideal for the country’s untamed environments. This breed is the ideal choice for both herding livestock and living a happy, healthy life as a cherished family pet because it not only demonstrates exceptional intelligence and adaptability but also embodies the spirit of hard work and companionship. Explore the distinct qualities and background of the Icelandic dog to learn why it is valued in Icelandic culture and is used for purposes other than work.

Training and education

Shepherd Laikas are the best at learning and training; they remember commands right away and carry them out voluntarily and happily. It’s easy to teach a clever pet a number of fairly difficult tricks. Shepherds participate actively in dog events such as agility, flyball, and freestyle.

It is advised that the puppy participate in a general training program after eight months (OKD).

The Icelandic Sheepdog is eligible to compete in a number of dog events.

Weaning the puppy from "vacuuming," or gathering trash from the street and consuming various, potentially lethal treats, is crucial. "No" or "no" is one of the first commands that needs to be learned. Until she was very old, our dog had this terrible habit, but as soon as she heard the word "no," she opened her mouth and let go of the object.

Best nicknames

It is completely unnecessary to give a cute Spitz adorable names; even though he is small, he is still a shepherd.

The names listed below are appropriate for boys:

Girls may be referred to as follows:

Video: meet the Icelandic Shepherd

The Icelandic dog is an amazing breed that perfectly captures the essence of its untamed homeland. Given its spitz ancestry, it has remarkable features like pointed ears and a thick coat that make it ideal for surviving in arid environments. This breed’s heritage is ingrained in the utilitarian demands of Icelandic life, in addition to its striking appearance.

The Icelandic dog is an excellent shepherd, showing intelligence and agility in herding livestock. They are extremely useful on farms due to their keen instincts and capacity for close collaboration with humans. Their ability to work together makes them excellent family companions in addition to being working dogs.

In the end, the Icelandic dog is a breed that provides loyalty and companionship, regardless of whether you are drawn to them for their looks or their working prowess. If someone is looking to add a new furry friend to their life, they are a fascinating option because of their special blend of history, character, and skill.

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