Icelandic Sheepdog is classificated by FCI to belong to group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), section 3 (Nordic Watchdogs and Herders). The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only domestic breed of dog and has always been used as farm and shepherd dog. Its a typical spitz with prick ears and curled tail. The appearance can vary widely as they are both longhaired, short haired and in all sorts of color combinations. However, it is desirable that one colour is dominate and its also desirable with double dewclaws. Ideal height for bitches is 42 cm and 46 cm for the dog. The breed is considered to be healthy, but it is recommended to X-ray and check the eyes. Regarding breeding it is important to carefully study pedigrees because its a small breeding base. In Sweden 2008 it was 120 Icelandic Sheepdogs registered in the Swedish Kennel Club unlike German shepherd where it was 2616 dogs.

If you want a farm dog that is sturdy and durable, but not too large then Icelandic Sheepdog is appropriate. The dog likes to be out in the woods and fields, and because it is easily learned the dog is suited excellent for obedience training and its speed comes in very handy if you want to practice agility. Indoor the Icelandic is the world's most cosy companion who likes to relax at their people's feet. However it must be considered that it is a spitz and therefore it has a lot easier to bark than other breeds. You don't neither need to train and compete with the dog because Icelandics are happy just to come to an active home where it can be with their owners and have the opportunity to satisfy their physical and mental activity. There are really no barriers what you can do with a Icelandic Sheepdog, it's just your imagination that sets the limit.

Icelandic Sheepdog, as the name reveals, is originally a farm and shepherd dog. As a farm dog the dog would keep the farm free from trespassing animals and also communicate with their owners when guests were arriving. As a shepherd dog the dog's job was to comply with the farmers in the spring and autumn when the sheep would be sent out respective retrieved from grazing. Farmers red to horse and often it was many dogs that followed. The dogs would search after sheep that maybe hide, then collect them and help to drive the flock forward and often with his barking as a tool. Iceland has only big birds that threaten livestock and therefore you can se also today how an flock of birds trigger an energetically barking from the Icelandic Sheepdog.