Icelandic Sheepdog: Iceland’s Cheerful and Hardy Herding Dog
🐶 Introduction to the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a friendly and energetic herding breed known for its fox-like expression, thick double coat, and cheerful personality. Originally brought to Iceland by Viking settlers, the Icelandic Sheepdog was developed to herd livestock and assist farmers in the harsh Icelandic landscape, earning a reputation for intelligence, agility, and resilience. These affectionate and highly social dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and close companionship, as they enjoy being actively involved in daily family life. Icelandic Sheepdogs are typically alert, playful, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age. With their lively temperament, hardworking nature, and devoted personality, the Icelandic Sheepdog is an excellent choice for active families seeking a loyal and enthusiastic companion dog.
⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Icelandic Sheepdog
- The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only dog breed native to Iceland.
- Icelandic Sheepdogs were brought to Iceland by Viking settlers more than a thousand years ago.
- The breed is known for its cheerful personality and distinctive habit of barking to alert shepherds while herding livestock across rugged terrain.
Overview
- AKC Height: 16.5–18 inches (Males), 15–16.5 inches (Females)
- AKC Weight: 20–30 pounds
- Colors: Various Shades with White Markings
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Group: Herding Group
🐾 Quick Facts About the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Energy Level: High — Icelandic Sheepdogs are active herding dogs that enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate to High — Their thick double coat requires regular brushing and sheds seasonally.
- Good With Kids: Yes — Icelandic Sheepdogs are typically affectionate, playful, and friendly with families and children.
- Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to please, they respond very well to positive training methods.
- Barking Level: High — Icelandic Sheepdogs are naturally vocal and often bark while alerting or herding.
History & Origin
The Icelandic Sheepdog originated in Iceland and is considered one of the oldest Nordic herding breeds in existence. The breed descends from spitz-type dogs brought to Iceland by Viking settlers during the 9th and 10th centuries. These hardy dogs adapted over centuries to Iceland’s harsh climate, rugged volcanic terrain, and isolated farming communities, eventually developing into the resilient and versatile herding breed known today.
Icelandic farmers relied heavily on these dogs to herd sheep, gather livestock, and help manage farm animals across difficult landscapes and changing weather conditions. The breed became especially valued for its agility, endurance, intelligence, and ability to move livestock across rocky terrain, lava fields, and steep hillsides. Its thick weather-resistant coat helped protect it from Iceland’s cold temperatures, rain, and wind.
Unlike some larger herding breeds developed for forceful livestock control, the Icelandic Sheepdog became known for its cheerful working style and frequent use of barking to guide and alert both livestock and shepherds. The breed’s friendly personality and close relationship with people also made it an important companion in isolated rural communities.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, disease outbreaks and changing farming practices caused the breed’s population to decline significantly. Dedicated Icelandic and international breeders later worked carefully to preserve the Icelandic Sheepdog and maintain its traditional appearance and working instincts.
Modern Icelandic Sheepdogs still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of Nordic farm life. Their intelligence, agility, sociability, and alert nature reflect generations of selective breeding for herding and close partnership with people. Beneath the breed’s fluffy coat and smiling expression remains an ancient and highly adaptable Viking-era farm dog deeply connected to Iceland’s history and culture.
Physical Characteristics
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized Nordic herding breed known for its thick double coat, fox-like expression, curled tail, and cheerful personality. As Iceland’s only native dog breed, it was historically used for herding sheep, gathering livestock, and assisting farmers in the harsh Icelandic landscape.
The breed possesses a sturdy athletic frame with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong hindquarters, and agile movement designed for endurance and quick maneuverability across rough terrain. The Icelandic Sheepdog should appear balanced, energetic, and naturally athletic rather than heavy or refined.
One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its thick weather-resistant double coat. The dense undercoat provides insulation against cold weather, while the outer coat protects against moisture and harsh environmental conditions.
The head is wedge-shaped with a moderately tapered muzzle, dark expressive eyes, and highly alert fox-like expression. The breed’s face often conveys intelligence, friendliness, and lively attentiveness.
The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and erect, contributing greatly to the breed’s alert and animated appearance.
The coat may be short or longer-coated depending on the individual dog, although both varieties maintain the dense protective double-coat structure typical of Nordic breeds.
Coat colors vary widely and may include combinations of tan, cream, chocolate, gray, black, and white markings. The varied coloration contributes greatly to the breed’s rustic and charming appearance.
The tail is heavily plumed and carried curled over the back in classic spitz fashion. Movement should appear agile, effortless, and energetic with excellent coordination and balance.
The Icelandic Sheepdog’s structure allows it to move quickly across uneven terrain while maintaining stamina and flexibility during long herding days.
Although fluffy and cheerful in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally a hardworking herding dog with strong endurance and environmental awareness.
Overall, the Icelandic Sheepdog projects energy, intelligence, friendliness, and classic Nordic herding-dog character through its expressive face and weather-resistant coat.
For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.
Temperament & Personality
The Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being affectionate, cheerful, intelligent, and highly social. This breed forms strong emotional bonds with its family and generally thrives on companionship and interaction.
With family members, Icelandic Sheepdogs are typically loving, playful, and emotionally connected. Many individuals enjoy remaining near their people and actively participating in household routines and outdoor activities.
The breed is generally outgoing and friendly with both familiar people and strangers when properly socialized. Their warm approachable personality contributes greatly to their popularity as family companions.
Because of their herding heritage, Icelandic Sheepdogs are naturally alert and observant. They often notice environmental changes quickly and may use barking to communicate unfamiliar activity or excitement.
The breed is intelligent and eager to learn, often responding very well to positive reinforcement training and interactive mental stimulation.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are emotionally sensitive and generally respond best to calm positive interaction and stable household environments. Harsh correction or forceful handling may reduce confidence or create anxiety.
The breed usually coexists very well with children, other dogs, and household pets when properly socialized and supervised.
Because of their deeply social temperament, Icelandic Sheepdogs generally do not tolerate long periods of isolation well. Without enough companionship and stimulation, some individuals may become vocal, restless, or bored.
Many individuals maintain playful puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood while still remaining affectionate and adaptable indoors.
The breed often thrives in active homes where owners can provide regular interaction, companionship, and opportunities for both mental and physical engagement.
In the right home, the Icelandic Sheepdog becomes a cheerful, loyal, emotionally connected companion with lively personality and strong family devotion.
For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide
Exercise & Training
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a moderately active and intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically healthy and behaviorally balanced.
Daily walks, hiking, play sessions, obedience exercises, agility, scent games, and interactive outdoor activities help satisfy the breed’s physical and emotional needs.
Because of the breed’s intelligence and herding instincts, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, trick training, advanced obedience exercises, and varied routines help prevent boredom and support emotional fulfillment.
Training is generally highly rewarding because Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent, cooperative, and eager to work closely with people.
Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and consistency usually produce excellent long-term results. The breed responds best to engaging relationship-based training rather than harsh correction.
Early socialization is important for encouraging confidence around unfamiliar people, animals, environments, and sounds. Positive exposure during puppyhood contributes greatly to stable adaptable adult behavior.
Because of their alert nature and tendency toward vocal communication, early training should include appropriate barking management and impulse control.
The breed often excels in canine sports and activities including agility, obedience, rally, herding, scent work, and therapy work.
Icelandic Sheepdogs generally adapt well to many living situations provided exercise, companionship, and mental engagement needs are consistently met.
Although energetic outdoors, many individuals settle calmly indoors once physical and emotional needs have been properly satisfied.
For owners seeking an affectionate, trainable Nordic breed with moderate activity needs and strong social temperament, the Icelandic Sheepdog can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.
Learn more on our Dog Training Page.
Grooming & Coat Care
The Icelandic Sheepdog has moderate-to-high grooming requirements due to its dense weather-resistant double coat and seasonal shedding cycles.
The thick double coat should be brushed several times per week using slicker brushes, pin brushes, and undercoat tools to remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin and coat condition.
During seasonal shedding periods, especially in spring and fall, the breed may shed heavily and require more frequent brushing to manage undercoat release effectively.
Bathing is generally needed only periodically because the coat naturally resists dirt and moisture relatively well. Overbathing should be avoided because it may strip beneficial oils and reduce coat quality.
Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for irritation, parasites, or debris after outdoor activity.
The thick double coat provides excellent insulation during cold weather and outdoor exposure, although owners should still monitor comfort during extreme heat.
Owners should avoid shaving the coat unless medically necessary because the double coat helps regulate body temperature and protect the skin from environmental exposure.
The heavily feathered tail, neck ruff, and leg furnishings require careful brushing to prevent tangles and maintain healthy coat appearance.
Regular grooming sessions also provide valuable opportunities to monitor overall body condition, skin health, and coat quality throughout life.
With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the Icelandic Sheepdog maintains its healthy coat, athletic condition, and lively Nordic-dog vitality throughout its life.
Health Overview
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an intelligent, energetic, and highly social herding breed known for its fox-like appearance, cheerful personality, and strong connection with people. Originally developed in Iceland for herding sheep and working on rugged farms, the Icelandic Sheepdog is generally considered a hardy and adaptable breed, but like many active herding dogs, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Icelandic Sheepdog health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines agility, endurance, thick weather-resistant coat, and constant activity, maintaining healthy joints, eye health, mobility, cardiac wellness, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.
Health issues sometimes seen in Icelandic Sheepdogs may include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, allergies, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop obesity-related orthopedic stress, dental disease, hereditary eye concerns, or cruciate ligament injuries later in life. Because this breed is naturally active and agile, maintaining proper conditioning and healthy body weight is especially important for supporting long-term orthopedic wellness. While not every Icelandic Sheepdog will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, nutrition, grooming, and preventive veterinary care.
Health Testing & Responsible Breeding
Responsible Icelandic Sheepdog breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Icelandic Sheepdog, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, and overall structural health is especially valuable.
Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA hip evaluations, patella evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, and cardiac testing when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, mobility, temperament stability, working soundness, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for epilepsy or hereditary neurological concerns depending on pedigree history.
Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible Icelandic Sheepdog breeding programs often place strong emphasis on athletic soundness, stable temperament, and long-term wellness because the breed was developed for physically demanding herding and farm work in harsh northern climates. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Icelandic Sheepdog involves much more than maintaining coat beauty or appearance — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, sensory wellness, and long-term vitality.
Before Icelandic Sheepdog puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active herding breeds place substantial stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, training, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.
A responsible Icelandic Sheepdog breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.
Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Icelandic Sheepdog because this breed is naturally energetic, athletic, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become vocal, anxious, hyperactive, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is also an extremely intelligent and people-oriented breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Obedience work, agility, scent games, puzzle toys, herding activities, hiking, and interactive play all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.
The breed’s thick double coat requires regular brushing and grooming maintenance to help manage shedding and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, lumps, skin irritation, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.
Because smaller and medium-sized active breeds may also be prone to dental disease over time, regular tooth brushing and routine veterinary dental care are beneficial throughout life.
Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic wellness, eye condition, hearing, cardiac health, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.
Lifespan & Senior Icelandic Sheepdog Care
The Icelandic Sheepdog often lives approximately 12 to 15 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Icelandic Sheepdogs may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to orthopedic stiffness or sensory decline during the senior years.
As Icelandic Sheepdogs enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, dental care, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and playful throughout life, continued companionship and interaction remain especially important even during old age.
With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Icelandic Sheepdogs continue to thrive as cheerful, affectionate, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Right for You?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an intelligent, energetic, and highly social herding breed known for its cheerful personality, adaptability, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for herding and farm work, the Icelandic Sheepdog thrives when given companionship, exercise, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.
While affectionate and highly adaptable, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
✔ Ideal for:
- Active families seeking a social and interactive companion
- Owners able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
- People interested in agility, obedience, or canine sports
- Homes willing to provide companionship and engagement
- Owners comfortable with grooming and seasonal shedding
❌ Not Ideal for:
- People unable to provide regular exercise and interaction
- Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
- Owners seeking a quiet or low-energy companion
- People unprepared for barking or herding tendencies
- Homes unwilling to manage grooming maintenance
Where to Find an Icelandic Sheepdog
If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.
Find a Reliable Rescue:
Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.
Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.
Find a Responsible Breeder:
Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.
Puppy Considerations
Icelandic Sheepdog puppies are playful, curious, and highly people-oriented from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.
Because these puppies mature into active and highly intelligent herding dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their curiosity, vocal tendencies, and desire to stay involved with family activities often become obvious very early in development.
Puppies benefit from:
- Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
- Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
- Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
- Confidence-building exercises and interactive games
- Regular grooming handling and coat-care routines
Because Icelandic Sheepdog puppies are emotionally sensitive and highly social, calm leadership and consistent interaction are especially important during development.
Living With an Icelandic Sheepdog
Living with an Icelandic Sheepdog is often rewarding for owners who appreciate affectionate, energetic, and highly interactive companion dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in outdoor activities and everyday routines.
The Icelandic Sheepdog requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, agility, obedience work, puzzle toys, herding activities, and interactive play with their families.
This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to excessive barking, anxiety, hyperactivity, or emotional frustration.
Although affectionate and social with family members, Icelandic Sheepdogs may naturally be somewhat alert and vocal around unfamiliar sights or sounds. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and stable adult.
Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, dental health, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.
Final Thoughts…
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal herding breed that thrives with owners who appreciate lively companionship and close emotional connection. Their cheerful personality, adaptability, and devotion make them wonderful companions in the right homes.
With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the Icelandic Sheepdog can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.
Are you considering adding an Icelandic Sheepdog to your family?
🐶 Icelandic Sheepdogs FAQs
How long do Icelandic Sheepdogs live?
Icelandic Sheepdogs typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, routine veterinary care, and regular exercise, many remain healthy well into their senior years.
This breed is generally hardy but may be prone to certain inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Responsible breeding and routine health screenings help support long-term wellbeing.
What is the Icelandic Sheepdog temperament like?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for being friendly, alert, and cheerful. They are people-oriented dogs that enjoy close interaction with their families.
They tend to be enthusiastic and vocal, often using their voice to communicate. Early socialization helps ensure balanced behavior and good manners.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs?
Yes, Icelandic Sheepdogs are often excellent family dogs. They are typically gentle and affectionate with children and enjoy being involved in family activities.
They do best in homes that provide companionship and daily activity. Consistent routines and positive engagement help them thrive in family environments.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are moderate to heavy shedders due to their thick double coat. Shedding occurs year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Regular brushing several times per week helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy. More frequent grooming may be needed during heavy shedding periods.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs easy to train?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent and generally eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent guidance.
Early training and socialization help develop good manners and confidence. Short, engaging training sessions work best to maintain focus.
🐕 Related Breeds You Might Like
If you’re interested in the Icelandic Sheepdog, you may also enjoy learning about these similar northern and herding breeds:
- Finnish Lapphund – A friendly northern breed known for intelligence, adaptability, and a people-oriented temperament.
- Norwegian Buhund – An energetic spitz-type herding dog valued for alertness and versatility.
- Shetland Sheepdog – A smaller herding breed known for intelligence, responsiveness, and strong family bonds.
🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Icelandic Sheepdogs
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.
If you have an Icelandic Sheepdog or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.
🛏️ 1. Dog Beds
👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)
One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.
For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.
I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.
* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.
* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.
* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.
✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Icelandic Sheepdog Coat
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick, weather-resistant double coat with a dense undercoat and a medium-length outer coat, so using the right grooming tools makes a big difference.
A pin brush works well for regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat free of tangles, while an undercoat rake helps remove loose undercoat—especially during seasonal shedding. A metal comb is useful for detail work around the ears, tail, legs, and feathered areas where mats can develop.
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed heavily during seasonal coat changes (“blowing coat”), and more frequent brushing during these times helps reduce loose hair and keep the coat healthy and manageable.
Regular brushing:
- Helps prevent mats
- Reduces shedding
- Keeps the coat healthy
🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)
- Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
- Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.
- Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.
👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels
I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.
It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.
🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation
Icelandic Sheepdogs are active, so giving them something to do is important.
An enrichment toy can help:
- Prevent boredom
- Reduce unwanted behaviors
- Keep their mind engaged
When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.
🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash
From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.
Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.
Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.
Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.
👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes
I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.
💡 Lisa’s Tip:
You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.
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