Country of Origin: Iceland.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Iceland Sheepdog is a typical Nordic Spitz, having pricked ears and curled tail. Seen from the side while standing the dog is rectangular, longer than high, the ratio depending on individual harmony. There are two types of coat, but at all times thick and efficiently water-repellent. The Iceland Sheepdog is lively, friendly, inquisitive and courageous. The countenance is contented, frequently smiling, and the ears very mobile. Movement is brisk, free and easy, and the breed has very great endurance. The dog has pronounced herding instincts, but is not very keen on hunting. It is thus a particularly good herding dog, and an excellent guard without being fierce. There is a marked difference in appearance between the sexes.
HEAD
Wide between the ears, and a somewhat domed skull. The stop is clearly defined, but should not be too pronounced. Cheeks are flat. The bridge of the nose and the skull should be, seen in profile, as parallel! as possible. Muzzle is rather short, tapering evenly toward the nose seen both from the side and front above. The nostrils are well developed. Tight lips. The colder of the lips and muzzle shall be black except on chocolate brown and light fawn dogs where brown is permitted.
EYES
The eyes shall be of medium size and almond shaped. The color shall be dark, but may be lighter according to the color of the dog. Yellow is not acceptable. The eyelids shall be black except in the case of chocolate brown and light-colored dogs when they may be brown. The expression is lively, intelligent and fearless.
EARS
Firm and erect, triangular, wide at the base, very mobile, reacting sensitively to sounds.
BITE
Scissors-bite.
NECK
Medium length, strong, arched, dry (without any loose skin). The head is to be carried high.
BODY
The body shall be rectangular, strong but not coarse. The chest shall be deep with well sprung ribs. The croup is short and rounded, the loin muscular with a slight tuck-up.
EXTREMITIES
The forelegs shall be straight, muscular and dry. well angulated to allow a free front movement. Dewclaws may occur. The hindlegs shall be strong, muscular and well angulated to allow a good free and driving action. Dewclaws are mandatory, double dewclaws are desirable.
FEET
The feet shall be oval, with toes close together, and well developed pads.
TAIL
Set high, well curled and thickly furred.
GAIT
When moving, the dog presents a picture of stamina and endurance, agility and swiftness.
COAT
There are two variants : (a) Medium length, Outer coat of medium length with a thick and soft undercoat, short on ears and front of legs, but longer on neck, chest, withers, buttocks and tail.
(b): Longer Haired: Outer coat of good length, whereas undercoat is thick and soft. On head and front of legs the coat is short, but long behind the ears and on the neck, chest, buttocks and hindside of forequarters. The fur on the tail is very bushy.
COLOR
All colors are permitted, but predominant single color is preferred. white blaze and white markings on chest, tip Or tail, legs sod toes frequently occur, and must not be penalized.
HEIGHT
Dogs : 42-48 cm. Bitches 38-44 cm. The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the Withers.
FAULTS
Any deviation from this standard is a fault, and shell be Judged in relation to the overall impression. Deviations untypical of the breed, and abnormalities are disqualifying.
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.