Thoughts On Icelandic Sheepdogs
Icelandic Sheepdogs are tremendous family pets. They are loyal, fun-loving, adaptable, and excel with children. They are a nice size at 25-40 lbs, with males being the larger. The breed is making its way into multiple competitive sports venues with marked success. They are fun to show in conformation. Our exhibitors in all venues are very friendly and inviting. We work hard on mentoring the next generation and encourage novices to succeed.
As a farm dog, they are hard to beat. I have a flock of chickens and a pack of Icelandics. They clear the forest several times a day, and to date, I have had no aerial predator attacks. They will alert you if a bear or coyote is near. My males are pretty fearless; the exception was the moose in WA. They hid on the deck as a huge bull moose passed through. They typically know when they are outmatched. These dogs are NOT livestock guardians. Their function is to alert you to trouble, threats, or visitors. They will give you advanced notice of UPS, FedEx, and your friends' arrival. They are NOT good guard dogs as they know no strangers. They are a gregarious breed that is always part of the action. Icelandic sheepdogs are a wonderful breed, but they aren't for everyone. They are a smart, active, herding breed that has a few traits that make them unsuitable in some situations.
They are a HERDING BREED with an exceptional shut off switch in the house...where they LIVE. However, the Icelandic is a barking breed. Historically, they used their voice to move (herd) animals. They also bark as an alert to predators in the vicinity. In Iceland, the main threat to lambs is Ravens, Crows, and birds of prey. What that means to you.....is a dog that barks (and can chase) large birds of prey. This is a hard-wired response in many, many of our dogs. I'm on 250 acres, and some of my dogs chase birds over the mountain. Certainly, in a subdivision, this behavior can get old. Similarly, due to their tendency to bark, separation anxiety, and need for exercise, apartment living can prove challenging. It is NOT impossible, however, as I lived with 3 in an apartment for a year. It just takes dedication and someone who is home.
Separation Anxiety:
As a herding breed, they herd. They like and need responsibility. This can be you, your kids, your other pets, or livestock. They are Velcro dogs who want to be in the thick of it. They languish if left alone all day. Many suffer from separation anxiety or FOMO (fear of missing out). This seems to be defined by the degree of the issue. Some will simply bark as you leave. Others bark, scratch crates, vocalize relentlessly, and show a tremendous variation in degree, behaviors, and resolutions. I believe Puppy Culture helps teach pups to self-soothe. But that doesn't mean the behaviors won't materialize. It's also a behavior that is difficult to assess in puppies because much of it is dependent on their home environment. Some simply show no tendency towards this behavior. Remember, they are bred to be a part of your family. It can be difficult to get them through the first two years. It's why they may not be a great first-time dog. ISD may not be the right dog for you if you and your spouse both work full-time. It can be managed, but it is difficult.
Dog Reactive Behaviors:
Puppies in this breed MUST be appropriately socialized AND participate in puppy obedience. Failure to do so can result in dog reactive behaviors of lunging, barking, growling, and a handler's loss of control. The behavior is rarely true aggression, but a bystander can NOT tell that by seeing this response. Proper socialization and exposure throughout puppyhood until 2 years of age is absolutely necessary. A dog that displays this behavior IS NOT having a good time. As owners, it's our responsibility to educate ourselves and our dogs.
Nordic Spitz traits:
I love the spitz traits of pricked ears and a curled tail. But some also have the self-confidence, independence, and willfulness to be a bit of a challenge. They are NOT the willing, compliant dog that a German Shepherd is known to be. Talking an Icelandic into something probably won't happen. They must believe learning is their idea. ISD excels with positive reinforcement, but they also need a clear understanding of expectations. No limits means pure chaos where your dog owns you. Owners who can maintain a degree of discipline, patience, novelty, and originality tend to do better with the breed. When you put the time into the groundwork, the rewards are endless. Puppies are SLOW to develop brains, and the first two years can be rough. But it's worth the time as they often live to 16 and can become so well-rounded by 3 years of age, that owners are thinking about another puppy. This is why we have a diehard group of ISD enthusiasts who want no other breed.
A word on sexes:
I OFTEN get requests for female puppies. The truth is, IN MY LINES, males tend to make better pets. This IS a generalization, but my boys are more sedate, less vocal, and settle quickly. My girls are quite the opposite. They have a sharper wit, entertain themselves, and are more independent. My girls also have a higher prey drive and will actively hunt rodents in the fields. My boys don't like to get dirty, much less hunt critters. Males do seem to be more reactive towards other males by nature. But their willingness to please makes them delightful to train. Still, you must ALWAYS be smarter than the dog, and believe it or not, that can be a challenge. They are all very bright. Regardless, my husband prefers females. But then, he isn't the one who ends up recalling them! Respect matters a great deal with this breed. If they don't respect you, they will torment you....lol. What you teach them in the beginning is what you will live with in the future. DO NOT fall for those cute little faces at the expense of training,
So barking, independence, reactivity, and separation anxiety are the most frequently raised issues. It's easy to understand why many breeders, including myself, have serious reservations about first-time dog owners. In these cases, we (our community) may suggest an older puppy or adult dog. It's very beneficial to learn about dogs from an older dog who already has some foundational training. The vast majority of issues can be addressed through time and training. Make certain you can devote the necessary time to a young pup's life. The groundwork you lay in the first 2 years will last your pups' considerable lifetime.