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.

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.

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.