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Icelandic Sheepdog
Health grade C- Shoulder height42–46 cm
- Weight9–14 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Icelandic Dog is a cheerful, extremely vocal Nordic herding dog and guard dog—bred to guide sheep and horses across vast landscapes with its voice and to warn farms of birds of prey.
- Health grade C: In the Icelandic Sheepdog, health risks primarily concern the joints and eyes, especially hip dysplasia (HD), cataracts, and primary lens luxation (PLL).
- You live in a rural area or have tolerant neighbors who don't mind a dog that likes to announce things.
- You want to combine daily physical exercise with mental stimulation—a Nordic herding dog will wither away on routine walks without a job to do.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls—his high-pitched voice is his most important work tool, he will bark, that is his hardware.
Self-check
Would the Icelandic Sheepdog really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Icelandic Sheepdog fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Icelandic Sheepdog right for you?
At a glance
Icelandic Sheepdog overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
42–46 cm
Weight
9–14 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Double layer, dense undercoat, medium length top coat
- Origin: Iceland
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Icelandic Sheepdog, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Icelandic Sheepdog come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Icelandic Sheepdog — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Illustrative imageShort
Illustrative imageLong
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a friendly, people-oriented companion who bonds closely with their family and wants to be involved in everything.
- You lead with patience and positive reinforcement, as this sensitive, natural-born dog reacts to harshness with pure stress.
Less ideal if:
- You have to leave him alone for long periods every day, as this breed is programmed for the constant presence of its humans.
- You expect a stoic, calm dog that simply ignores external stimuli while out on a walk.
The real vibes check
An Icelandic Dog doesn't just scan the horizon, but the sky as well—and comments on every exciting change with his voice. He is not a quiet follower, but an enthusiastic co-pilot who will accompany your life loudly and joyfully. If you understand his talkativeness as genuine communication rather than disobedience, you will gain the most loyal partner from the North.
Breed Profile
The Icelandic Dog, also known as the Icelandic Shepherd Dog, is a small to medium-sized dog that is a real eye-catcher. He is stocky and well proportioned, with a wedge-shaped head, large, expressive eyes and triangular, high-set ears that stand erect in attention. A special feature of the Icelandic Dog is its bushy tail, which is happily carried over its back. Its coat is double-layered, with a dense undercoat that protects it from the cold and a slightly longer top coat. The Icelandic Hound belongs to FCI Group 5, which includes the Spitz and prototype dogs. He is often classified as a herding dog and has a long history in this role. There is no distinction between performance and show lines.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 42 - 46 cm (Female), 42 - 46 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 9 - 11 kg (Female), 11 - 14 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Loyal, cheerful, intelligent
- Coat
- Double layer, dense undercoat, medium length top coat
- Coat Color
- Varied including black, chocolate brown, beige, red, white
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Icelandic Hound is a treasure of a dog, and his personality will truly charm you. His friendly, cheerful personality makes him a delightful family member. He is known for his loyalty and is often very affectionate towards his humans. Based on its nature, the Icelandic Hound was traditionally used as a herding dog. He is still a great helper when herding sheep or other animals. Although he is no longer needed for work as often, he still loves having tasks and being busy. Herding is in his genes, and he can show this talent in herding dog sports. The Icelandic Hound is a fairly active dog, but he is not hyperactive. He enjoys long walks and playtime, but he's also happy to relax at home as long as he gets enough exercise. His intelligence means he gets bored easily, so it's a good idea to provide him with mental stimulation through training, toys and interactive activities. In terms of temperament, the Icelandic Hound is quite even-tempered. He is alert and will let you know when something is wrong, but he is not prone to barking excessively. He is friendly towards strangers as long as they do not pose a threat. An important aspect of the Icelandic Dog's character is his people-oriented nature. He loves being close to his family and is often very affectionate. He gets along well with children and is often ready to play and have fun. As for being alone, the Icelandic Hound can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, but he prefers to be in company. It's important to teach him that it's okay to be alone to avoid separation anxiety. The Icelandic Hound has a moderate hunting instinct. He will be curious about small animals, but with training this can be controlled. That doesn't mean he doesn't get along well with other pets. He can often be very friendly with cats and other dogs, especially if he is socialized with them from an early age.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
The Icelandic Dog is known for its wide repertoire of vocalizations, including unique barking tones sometimes called "Iceland singing." It is an expression of its cheerful and communicative nature!
What Awaits You
Icelandic dogs are friendly and curious. They are great companion dogs, but they tend to bark and like to report anything new. They are suitable for active people who do a lot with them.
Housing & Care
The Icelandic Dog is adaptable and can live in both the city and the country provided it receives sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. This dog is very social and enjoys the company of people, including children. He usually gets along well with other dogs and can live with cats and other pets if he is accustomed to them from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Icelandic Hound is intelligent and eager to please, which makes training easier. He has a natural herding instinct and it is important to offer him alternatives so that he can use his energy positively. Agility, obedience, or dog sports that promote agility and obedience are good options. It is also important to know that Icelandic dogs have high energy, but care should be taken not to over-exercise them. It is beneficial if the dog learns frustration tolerance and impulse control so that he can cope well in different situations. This breed is not prone to becoming a ball junkie, but as with any dog, play should be done in moderation to avoid obsessions.
Nutrition & Care
The Icelandic dog is relatively undemanding in terms of nutrition. A balanced diet with high-quality food that meets the needs of an active dog is ideal. Fresh water should always be available. In terms of grooming, the Icelandic Dog has a dense undercoat and a water-repellent top coat that protects it from Iceland's harsh climatic conditions. This fur texture also suits the German climate well. The dog sheds moderately, but regular brushing is required to prevent mats and keep the skin healthy.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Icelandic Sheepdog, health risks primarily concern the joints and eyes, especially hip dysplasia (HD), cataracts, and primary lens luxation (PLL). A health-oriented breeder therefore has their breeding dogs comprehensively examined to systematically rule out hereditary eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD). When buying a puppy, pay specific attention to the certificates: ask to see proof for both parents of a hip dysplasia (HD) grade of A to C and proof of PL 0 for patellar luxation (PL). You should also insist on official eye screening results confirming that both parents are free from primary lens luxation (PLL), distichiasis, and corneal dystrophy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye check-ups, these active dogs usually remain fit well into old age.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, knees, and eyes tested and pay strict attention to genetic diversity due to the small population size.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
15
Risks tracked
12
Recommended standard
7
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Icelandic Sheepdog cost?
A Icelandic Sheepdog costs around ~€160 per month (€90 – €300, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,790 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,290.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€160
In the first year
~€4,790
Across the dog's life
~€29,290
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative imageIllustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Icelandic Dog is the only dog breed that originated in Iceland. The history of the Icelandic Dog is closely linked to Viking history. It is believed that the Vikings brought the Icelandic Hound to Iceland in the 9th century. These dogs were probably closely related to the Norwegian Buhunds and other Nordic breeds. Over centuries, the Icelandic Dog developed in isolation in the harsh environment of Iceland. It was primarily used as a herding dog for sheep, horses and other livestock. He not only used his herding talent, but also his loud barking to keep the herds together. The breed suffered from diseases introduced by imported dogs in the 19th century and their numbers declined drastically. Fortunately, a rescue operation was launched in the 1960s that restored the population. The Icelandic Dog has been recognized as a separate breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) since 1969.
Original Use
The Icelandic Hound was used by the first settlers as a herding dog for sheep, cattle and horses.
Origin
Iceland
Date
874
Owner experiences
At home and in family life, owners almost universally describe the Icelandic Sheepdog as a very cheerful, friendly and affectionate compa…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home and in family life, owners almost universally describe the Icelandic Sheepdog as a very cheerful, friendly and affectionate companion. Many owners highlight how people-oriented it is, how well it fits into a busy household, and how patient and easygoing it usually is with children and other dogs. It loves being in the thick of things and happily joins its people on outdoor activities, hikes or at the stable.
The biggest everyday challenge, though, is its love of barking, which owner accounts regularly say contradicts some of the more flattering breed descriptions. Icelandics tend to comment loudly, sometimes in shrill tones, on joy, excitement, unfamiliar noises or the arrival of visitors. Many owners also report how hard it is for the breed to be left alone: because they bond so closely with their people, many of these dogs react to separation with stress, persistent barking or howling, so training in very small steps from puppyhood is essential.
On training and keeping one busy, owners highlight how quickly these dogs pick things up and how much they enjoy learning.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training and keeping one busy, owners highlight how quickly these dogs pick things up and how much they enjoy learning. Despite that intelligence, many owners say the Icelandic Sheepdog is anything but a pushover that simply follows orders: as a herding dog bred to work independently, it likes to question whether a command makes sense and at times shows a good dose of stubborn self-will. In owners' experience, drilling or harshness tends to make it insecure or shut down stubbornly, while a calm, good-humored and consistent approach works best.
Arousal control is another recurring theme in training. At dog schools or in dog sports, many young Icelandics get wound up quickly out of sheer excitement and respond to frustration or anticipation with loud barking. Experienced owners therefore advise teaching the dog to switch off and rest from the very start, rather than revving it up further with constant action.
On hunting and movement-related behavior, owners paint a nuanced picture: a classic prey or tracking drive toward furred game, like that…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On hunting and movement-related behavior, owners paint a nuanced picture: a classic prey or tracking drive toward furred game, like that of hunting breeds, is comparatively weak in most Icelandic Sheepdogs, or they can be called off it easily. Their original herding drive, however, often shows up as a strong reactivity to movement. Many owners describe their dogs as prone to going after running animals, birds in the sky or other eye-catching distractions, and then, as herding dogs do, loudly holding them at bay or chasing them off.
Health-wise, owner reports describe the Icelandic Sheepdog as a sturdy, weatherproof, long-lived breed without extreme exaggerations from breeding. Many of these dogs really come alive in cold, wet weather or snow. Grooming is also described as uncomplicated: the dense coat largely cleans itself, but during the spring and fall shedding season it releases huge amounts of undercoat that call for thorough brushing.
Sources:elbpfoten.netdogforum.deforum.hund.infolabradorlaika.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Icelandic Sheepdog the right dog for me?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Icelandic Sheepdog live?
The average life expectancy of a Icelandic Sheepdog is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Icelandic Sheepdog need?
Icelandic Sheepdog grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Icelandic Sheepdog good for families with children?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Icelandic Sheepdog come in?
The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in these colors: Fawn, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Grey, Black, Sable, Black and tan, Brown and tan, Piebald, Tricolor.
Are you a Icelandic Sheepdog breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Icelandic Sheepdog.