Icelandic Sheepdog Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native breed, a hardy spitz-type herder brought by Viking settlers and used for over a thousand years to drive and gather sheep and horses across rough, open country. Cheerful, friendly, and expressive, it is famous for its warm, people-loving nature and its habit of barking to keep flocks and family accounted for. It has a thick double coat in several colors and often distinctive dewclaws. Energetic and quick to learn, it makes an affectionate, adaptable family companion that thrives on activity and inclusion. Its herding heritage brings a strong voice and a love of movement that owners should channel positively.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
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Browse all puppiesWhere this breed shines
- Exceptionally friendly and affectionate with people and children
- Intelligent and trainable, good at dog sports and herding
- Adaptable and generally sociable with other dogs
Things to consider
- Barks frequently, a herding trait that needs management
- Thick double coat sheds heavily, especially seasonally
- High activity needs; boredom leads to noise and mischief
History
The Icelandic Sheepdog descends from spitz dogs brought by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago and adapted to Iceland's demanding farming life. The population nearly collapsed in the late 19th and 20th centuries due to disease and cross-breeding, prompting international recovery efforts. It was recognized by the AKC in 2010 and remains uncommon but treasured.
Temperament
Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly, cheerful, and affectionate, thriving on human companionship and rarely showing shyness or aggression. They are alert, playful herders that bark readily to signal activity. Intelligent and eager to please, they train well but need mental and physical stimulation.
Questions to ask a Icelandic Sheepdog breeder
- Have the parents been screened for hip dysplasia and eye conditions?
- How is the litter socialized, and how vocal are the parents?
- What is being done to maintain genetic diversity in this rare breed?
Health considerations to discuss
Hip dysplasia. Ask for hip evaluation results on the parents.
Patellar luxation. Common in smaller breeds; request knee checks.
Cataracts and eye conditions. Ask about eye screening in the line.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: American Kennel Club · The Kennel Club (UK) — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Icelandic Sheepdog litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Icelandic Sheepdog puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Icelandic Sheepdog listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How can I tell if a Icelandic Sheepdog breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.