Icelandic Shepherd Dog, Price, Breed, Description, Personality, Common Diseases and care.

 

Icelandic Shepherd Dog

History 

In the ancient graves of Sweden and Denmark, in addition to human remains, the remains of dogs were also found. The Icelandic Shepherd Dog is very similar in body structure, size, and other features to the dogs whose remains we have just mentioned. Everything would be fine, but these remains are at least 8,000 years old.

Consequently, people in ancient times knew the ancestors of modern Icelandic shepherds - these animals have a very ancient and rich history. However, quite fair questions arise – if the ancestors of these dogs lived in Sweden and Denmark, then, firstly, how did they appear in Iceland, and secondly, why are they called Icelandic Shepherds?

When the Vikings discovered Iceland in the ninth century, they brought their dogs with them. Over time, the population of dogs on the island became quite large, while on the territory of their historical homeland they became smaller. Including, and the appearance of many other breeds, which was especially manifested in the Middle Ages. But Iceland, on the contrary, for a long time was much more isolated, in contrast to European countries, due to which the breed could be preserved as well as possible.

Even now, it is believed that the Icelandic Shepherd Dog is very similar to its ancestors who came to the island in the 9th century. Dog distemper at the end of the 19th century reduced the number of the breed by three quarters, putting it on the verge of extinction, which is why the Icelandic authorities in 1901 imposed a ban on the import of dogs to prevent possible external sources of infection. The Association of Icelandic Dog Breeders was established in 1969.

Characteristics of the breed

popularity                                                           01/10

training                                                                10/10

size                                                                        05/10

mind                                                                     10/10

protection                                                          10/10

Relationships with children                         08/10

Dexterity                                                             07/10

Molting                                                                08/10

Breed Information

Country	Iceland
Lifetime	14-15 years
Height	Males: 31-46 cm Females: 31-46 cm
Weight	Males: 10-16 kg Females: 10-16 kg
Length of coat	average
Color	black-white, cream-white, gray-white, reddish-white
Price	300 - 600 $

Description

These are medium-sized dogs, with a strong, muscular physique. The limbs are slightly shorter than average, the muzzle is slightly elongated, the ears are erect. The tail is twisted into a ring and lies on its back. The coat is long, the color is mainly red, but it can be black and white, creamy white, gray-white, reddish-white.

Personality / Temperament

The Icelandic Shepherd Dog is a very friendly and open breed. These dogs love contact with humans, and generally love people as such. They have the concept of territorial ownership, their territorial instincts will motivate the dog to defend his plot if it is a private house with a fenced territory or an apartment, but innate friendliness will not allow the Icelandic Shepherd dog to become a real ruthless watchman.

The breed has a high level of energy, which is understandable, given the genetics and past of these dogs, and therefore needs long walks and physical exertion. This will help to avoid destructive behavior at home or depressive states, however, the dog will also need games and activities at home. Spending an hour a day outside is not enough.

The Icelandic Shepherd Dog gets along well with other pets, only if they are not rodents. Problems are likely to arise here since first of all, such small animals as a dog are prey. You can make friends with cats, but it is better to do it at an early age. The Icelandic Shepherd Dog treats children well, spends time with them with joy, plays, and sometimes feels like a nanny.

However, keep in mind that the dog has its limit of patience, in addition, it is a fairly large dog - you should not leave him alone with children under five years old. This breed perceives strangers without aggression, often even friendly, although when the dog is in his territory and realizes this, he may have protective instincts. Accordingly, the dog barks, and barks a lot, this is an innate quality, but you can train the pet to shut up on command. The Icelandic Shepherd dog loves his family indefinitely, there are usually no problems in training.

Common diseases

The Icelandic Shepherd Dog is a very healthy and strong breed that rarely gets sick.