The first thing you’ll notice about an Icelandic Sheepdog is that their charming expression looks like a smile
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2 facts about Icelandic Sheepdogs
1. The long and short of it
The glossy coat of an Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the breed’s many appealing qualities. They can have a long-haired or short-haired double-coat but be prepared, Icelandic Sheepdogs shed all year round, and then some during shedding seasons (twice a year). A weekly brush will save your carpets and keep your Icelandic Sheepdog looking like they just walked out of a (canine) hair ad.
2. Barking mad...
...when it comes to birds! Icelandic Sheepdogs have a heritage of herding sheep and protecting them against birds of prey. To this day, Icelandic Sheepdogs are on high alert to potential predators that move fast and come from up above. So if your Icelandic Sheepdog takes to staring at the sky and sometimes even barking at it, rest assured they are not losing their marbles. They’re simply doing their utmost to keep you, and any nearby sheep, safe.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Icelandic Sheepdogs
1. Ears
Flöt en ekki þung eyru hanga niður beggja vegna höfuðsins
2. Feldur
Stuttur, þéttur feldur yfir vatnsheldum undirfeldi
3. Fur
Feldurinn getur verið svartur, súkkulaðibrúnn eða gulur, allt frá rjómagulum upp í rauðleitan
4. Skott
Langt skottið er ofarlega og er stöðugt á iði, stundum iðar jafnvel allur líkaminn.
5. Leggir og hryggjarsúla
Hlurfallslega vel vaxinn og gott jafnvægi á milli leggja og hryggjarsúlu.
They are the opposite of a couch potato - an Icelandic Sheepdog needs plenty of exercise
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Icelandic Sheepdog
The sleek coat of Icelandic Sheepdogs is one of their most appealing features - but they are shedders
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Caring for your Icelandic Sheepdog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The sleek coat of Icelandic Sheepdogs is one of their most appealing features - but they are shedders. A weekly brush will keep their coat clean and shiny, but do up the brushing during shedding seasons. Check ears regularly to avoid infections and maintain good oral health with a canine toothbrush. Enjoying the great outdoors with your Icelandic Sheepdog is a great way to keep them at a healthy weight. But be careful during the warmer months - they overheat with their thick coat that is better suited to colder climes. Training your Icelandic Sheepdog is generally a paws-itive experience as they’re eager to please. Their herding ancestry means they have an independent streak (just don’t let them know that you know). Food rewards in their early training sessions, taken out of their daily rations, and a kind approach will go down a treat.
All about Icelandic Sheepdogs
Is the sky blue? Despite their high energy levels, and love of the great outdoors, Icelandic Sheepdogs enjoy being with their family first and foremost. So long as your Icelandic Sheepdog is getting enough mental and physical exercise, they will calm down once inside and lie at your feet - or cuddle you at the first opportunity.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are too curious and friendly to guard either you or your prized possessions. However, these same qualities make Icelandic Sheepdogs excellent watchdogs. So they’ll helpfully signal the presence of a visitor or delivery with a welcoming bark.
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