Icelandic Sheepdog

Iceland’s only native dog breed is a friendly and faithful herder. Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the 50 or so Northern breeds from around the world classified as Spitzes. The breed’s “spitziness” is expressed by a dense coat, foxy face, pointed ears, and a bushy, curling tail. They are friendly and happy dogs and they come in several predominant colors, always accompanied by white markings.

Common Health Conditions

• Hip dysplasia can cause your Icelandic Sheepdog’s hip joints to form improperly and can lead to arthritis.
• Luxating patellas (when the knee cap ‘slips’ from the joint). These are thought to be more common in smaller breeds, and a congenital condition.
• Some Icelandic Sheepdogs experience eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.