Icelandic Sheepdog characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog right for you?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Icelandic Sheepdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Icelandic Sheepdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Icelandic Sheepdog to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Icelandic Sheepdog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Icelandic Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Icelandic Sheepdog
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Icelandic Sheepdog genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: Very high — the Icelandic Sheepdog sheds more heavily than nearly every other breed we score. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Icelandic Sheepdog is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: High — the Icelandic Sheepdog needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Icelandic Sheepdog actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Icelandic Sheepdog fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Cold climates
- Nordic breed enthusiasts
- Active families
- Rare breed lovers
Things to consider
- Rare breed
- High exercise needs
- Heavy shedding
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog good with children?
- Yes — the Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog shed a lot?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Icelandic Sheepdog need?
- With high energy, the Icelandic Sheepdog needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Icelandic Sheepdog live?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Icelandic Sheepdog live in an apartment?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog easy to train?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Icelandic Sheepdog be left alone during the day?
- The Icelandic Sheepdog handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.