Icelandic Sheepdog

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Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdog Alisa von Lehenberg.jpg
Other namesIcelandic Spitz
Iceland Dog
Íslenskur fjárhundur
Islandsk Fårehund
Friaar Dog
Canis Islandicus
OriginIceland
hideTraits
Height Dogs 46 centimetres (18 in)[2]
Bitches 42 centimetres (17 in)[2]
Weight 25–30 pounds (11–14 kg)[1]
Coat Double
Color Tan, reddish-brown, chocolate, gray, black, white is a prominent required color
Life span 12 yrs
hideKennel club standards
FCI standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Icelandic Sheepdog (Icelandic: Íslenskur fjárhundur [ˈistlɛnskʏr ˈfjaurˌhʏntʏr̥]) is a breed of dog of spitz type originating from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. It is of similar type to the Norwegian Buhund, the Shetland Sheepdog, and the Welsh Corgi. They are commonly used to herd sheep in the Icelandic countryside.

Appearance[]

These are the current breed standards:

  • Neck: moderately long, muscular, arched, carried high
  • Back: level, muscular, strong
  • Chest: long, deep, well sprung; reaches its elbow
  • Belly: only a slight tuck upwards
  • Tail: high-set, curled, touching back
  • Forequarters: straight, parallel, strong fore legs
  • Forefeet: oval-shaped toes, arched, tight, with well-developed pads
  • Shoulders: oblique, muscular
  • Hind legs: one or often two dew claws on each leg
  • Gait: displays endurance and agility, driving action, covers ground effortlessly
  • Head: strongly built, close-fitting skin, skull slightly longer than muzzle making it look triangular from side or above
  • Nose: black, or dark brown in lighter-color breeds
  • Muzzle: nasal bridge straight, slightly shorter than skull, tapers evenly towards nose to form triangle
  • Lips: black, close-fitting, sometimes partially pink
  • Bite: scissor
  • Cheeks: flat
  • Eyes: medium, almond-shaped, brown, eye-rims are black
  • Ears: erect, medium in size, triangular, very mobile as they move in sensitivity with dog's moods, very sensitive to noise
  • Height: male: 46 cm female: 42 cm
  • Color: tan, reddish-brown, chocolate, grey, black, with white as a required prominent color
  • Appearance from side: rectangular, length from shoulder to base of tail is greater than height at withers
  • Depth of chest: equal to length of fore leg
  • Coat:: two types - long and short, both thick and waterproof[1]

Temperament[]

Icelandic Sheepdogs are tough and energetic. Hardy and agile, they are extremely useful for herding and driving livestock or finding lost sheep. However, the dogs are not known for hunting. They are very alert and always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome, without being aggressive. Friendly and cheerful, the Icelandic Sheepdog is inquisitive, playful and unafraid. They generally get along well with children, as well as other pets.

Activities[]

Icelandic Sheepdogs can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Icelandic Sheepdogs that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.[3]

History[]

A photo of a dog described as an Iceland Dog, printed in 's Dogs of all Nations in 1915.[4]

In 1650, Sir Thomas Brown wrote, "To England there are sometimes exported from Iceland ... a type of dog resembling a fox ... Shepherds in England are eager to acquire them!"

Plague and canine distemper destroyed over 75% of the breed in the late 19th century, leading to a ban on the importation of dogs to Iceland. The purebred Icelandic Sheepdog was again bordering extinction in the late 20th century and in 1969, the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association (HRFÍ)[5] was established to preserve the breed, among other aims.

The Icelandic Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in June 2010, alongside the Leonberger and the Cane Corso.[6]

The Icelandic Sheepdog often has two dewclaws on each hind leg.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2015-09-17.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Icelandic Sheepdog" (PDF). FCI. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  3. ^ Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2010). Stockdog Savvy. Alpine Publications. ISBN 978-1-57779-106-5.
  4. ^ Mason, Walter, Esplin (1867). Dogs of all nations (1915). Retrieved 24 November 2010.
  5. ^ "HRFÍ". hrfi.is.
  6. ^ "AKC Welcomes the Cane Corso, Icelandic sheepdog and Leonberger". akc.org.

External links[]

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