Human orientation
Very friendly, needs close communication with family.
THE PAW CATALOG
Icelandic Shepherd
🇮🇸
History of the Icelandic Shepherd breed
Origin: Iceland
An ancient Scandinavian breed that arrived with the Viking settlers and is the only native breed of Iceland. She was bred to bring down sheep from the mountains and search for livestock lost in the snow. In the 20th century, the breed almost disappeared, but it was saved by the efforts of enthusiasts.
The Icelandic Shepherd is a medium (about 46 cm in males and 42 cm in females) dog with a thick double coat. Vigilant, hardy, agile, inquisitive and fearless, but not aggressive. Very friendly and happy to meet everyone. It is loud, so those who want silence should choose another breed. It requires daily activity and close communication with the family.
Sizeaverage
OriginIceland
Life is nearby
Suitable for active owners, in particular those who love sports, such as agility. A large yard is needed for running, but she is not left in the yard all day, because she wants to be a part of family life.
Walks
High Daily physical and mental activity: walks, games, agility. Must run over a large area.
Training
Positive reinforcement works best because she does not respond well to harsh methods. Basic obedience is a must. Barking is limited from an early age.
Care
The thick double coat is combed and combed weekly, bathed every few weeks. Twice a year the dog sheds, and then care is more frequent. Ears, teeth and claws are examined.
Children
Very friendly, welcomes everyone. Children and the dog are always supervised by an adult. The shepherd's instinct can be manifested in attempts to "collect" children.
Other animals
Generally friendly. The herding instinct can be manifested towards other animals. Acquaintances are carried out gradually.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
Responds well to positive methods, but is sensitive to roughness.
Zooaggression
Generally friendly, but herding instinct sometimes manifests itself.
Health and reproductive risks
There is no comparable survival estimate for the breed in the British cohort used. Among the described breed risks: dysplasia of the elbow joints, dislocation of the patella; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
Thick wool requires regular brushing, especially during shedding.
Health
Dysplasia of elbow joints
Dysplasia of the elbow joints: parents look at the health of the joints before choosing a puppy. Excess weight increases the load on the joints, so the puppy should not be overfed. Lameness is shown to the veterinarian.
Dislocation of the patella
Dislocation of the patella is manifested by periodic "jumping" on the hind leg. The degree is determined by the veterinarian, mild cases are only observed.
Photo of the breed
