Icelandic Shepherd Dog

 

The Icelandic Shepherd is a Nordic Spitz-type dog, with erect ears and a curled tail. They are smaller than average in size, with a rectangular outline. His appearance and bearing give an impression of assurance, liveliness, gentleness, and intelligence.

History of the breed

The Icelandic Shepherd appeared in Iceland with the landing of the first Viking explorers on the island from the 9th century. Over the generations, it has developed a formidable resistance to the harshness of the climate and living conditions of the shepherds. His ability to drive and herd large flocks over vast and difficult terrain has made him extremely popular.

Outside of Iceland and Scandinavia in general, the Icelandic Shepherd is still quite rare. They are becoming increasingly popular as family dogs because of their gentle and cheerful nature. The Icelandic Shepherd Dog breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) on February 17, 1972.

Physical characteristics

Its coat: double, thick. The topcoat can be semi-long or long. It is rough, while the undercoat is softer and very dense.

Color: predominantly fawn (cream to reddish-brown), chocolate, gray or black, always with irregular white markings on part of the face, collar, chest, and tip of the tail. Black mask in fawn or grey dogs.

Head: Triangular in shape, with strong bones. The skull, slightly domed, is a little longer than the muzzle. The stop is well defined without being exaggerated. The nose is black or brown, the muzzle well developed, the lips black and well joined, the cheeks flat, the jaws articulated in scissors.

Ears: Medium size, well erect, triangular in shape, with a rounded top, extremely mobile and expressive.

Eyes: almond-shaped, dark brown (lighter in dogs with brown or cream coats), of medium size. 

Its body: fits in a rectangle, robust. The back is straight, muscular and strong, the loins wide and muscular, the croup rather short and wide, the chest well let down, the ribs well sprung, the belly slightly raised.

The tail is high set, curled, and touching the back.