Icelandic Sheepdog

Life Span: 14 to 15 years

Availability: Easy to get

About Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog, also known at times as the Iceland Dog. Cheerful and happy around the home, Icelandic Sheepdogs form deep bonds with family members. They love being helpful, but most of all they love togetherness and family time. Icelandic Sheepdogs get along very well with children.

The breed suffered several setbacks during the 19th century and came close to extinction. First, many dogs became severely infected with tapeworms due to direct contact with infected sheep. The infestation was serious and widespread. It even entered the human population and affected several percent of all people who were living in Iceland at the time. The second disaster was a major distemper epidemic that killed roughly three-quarters of the entire Icelandic dog population in the late 1800s.

The first breed standard for the Icelandic Sheepdog was drafted in 1887. It was written in Danish. The first breed club was formed in 1969, for the purpose of preserving and promoting this ancient breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Icelandic Sheepdog in 2010. While still not a common breed, it is slowly but steadily gaining in popularity in this country.

Visits to Groomer- High

Drooling-No

Bath-Rare

Tolerance to heat-Basks in it

Tolerance to cold- Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-Yes

Colour- Chocolate & White, Fawn & White, Gold & White, Gray & White, White & Cream, Black & White

Coat Type-Soft

Hair Length-Short

Hair Density-Dense

Icelandic Sheepdog are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Beezers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Hip dysplasia

Cataracts

Ear infections

Allergies

Deafness

Retinal Dysplasia

Temperament
Icelandic sheepdogs are tough and energetic. Hardy and agile, they are very useful for herding and driving livestock or finding lost sheep. Icelandic Sheepdogs are very alert and will always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome without being aggressive. Friendly and cheerful, the Icelandic sheepdog is inquisitive, playful and unafraid. They usually get along well with children and other pets.

Training & Intelligence
Icelandic Sheepdogs are smart, willing and eager to please. This makes them pretty easy to train. However, because they are so intelligent and enthusiastic, they should be kept challenged with a variety of different training, exercise and play activities, so that they don’t become bored. It can be helpful to rotate their activities every few days, to keep them alert and happy.

Breeding
Litter Size-4 to 6 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation
Icelandic Sheepdog are a healthy and sturdy breed . Generally a dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help.