The Icelandic Sheepdog is the one and only dog breed native to Iceland. This ancient dog is believed to have originated from the dogs that were brought by Vikings with them and hence it is called as Vikings dog. Other names for this breed are Iceland Spitz, Iceland Dog, Friaar Dog and Islenski Fharhundurinn. It is a Spitz type that is mainly used as sheep herding dog.
This slightly under medium size dog stands between 16.5 to 18.5 inches and weighs between 20-35 lb and is classified in two varieties based on coat type. One type of Icelandic Sheepdog has longer coat and the other type has a shorter coat. It. The dog has strongly built head with tight skin and slightly doomed and longer than muzzle skull. Well developed muzzle has a straight nose bridge and tapers to large black nose that can also be brown in chocolate brown or cream colour dogs. Dark brown medium size eyes are almond shaped. Erect, triangular and very mobile ears are of moderate size with slightly rounded tips. Slightly arched and moderately long neck is muscular and blends smoothly into the rectangular body. Back is level, broad and muscular and chest is deep, long and well sprung. Belly is slightly tucked up and high set tail curls over, touching the back. It comes in either a long coat or short coat coloured in tan, reddish-brown, chocolate, grey, black, with white as a required prominent color.
The dog appears gentle, intelligent and happy with a confident and lively bearing that is typical of this breed. This dog is recognized by all major kennel clubs including AKC, FCI, UKC, CKC and others.