The Icelandic Sheepdog is on its way to becoming the newest recognised pedigree breed in the UK, with only 20 of these rare dogs currently residing in Britain. The Kennel Club has announced that this ancient Viking dog will be welcomed as the 224th pedigree in the UK come April. Believed to have been in the Nordics for over a millennium, the Icelandic Sheepdog is said to be a descendant of dogs brought to Iceland by Viking settlers to assist in herding livestock.
Described as a “hardy and agile herding spitz”, these exclusive canines possess a distinctive look with a fox-like face and a dense coat that can be black and white, red and white, or smoky grey. The breed made its way to the UK in 2017 when three Icelandic Sheepdogs were imported from Iceland and Germany by breeders. Since then, enthusiasts have been working to increase the numbers of these unique dogs in Britain, aiming to showcase them at events like Crufts.
Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club, expressed delight in recognising the Icelandic Sheepdog as an official pedigree breed, stating that the growing number of pedigree breeds in the country provides a wider variety for individuals looking for the perfect canine companion. Despite its recent recognition in official British records, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not new to the scene, as it is mentioned in ancient Icelandic Sagas and even in works by Shakespeare.
Wendy Laker, a proud owner of an Icelandic Sheepdog and part of the group that advocated for official recognition of the breed, highlighted the friendly, active, and intelligent nature of these dogs. She emphasised that the breed makes excellent family pets due to their sociable demeanour, medium size, intelligence, and ease of training. However, Wendy cautioned that potential owners should be prepared for the high-maintenance requirements of regular grooming and the need to keep these energetic dogs both mentally and physically engaged.
The Icelandic Sheepdog will be the fourth new breed to be acknowledged in the UK in the last five years, following the Polish Hunting Dog, the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, and the Barbet. Its official recognition in The Kennel Club’s Imported Breed Register will take place on April 1, 2025, to allow the creation and approval of a breed standard. This process ensures that pedigree dogs have a traceable ancestry over generations, leading to predictable characteristics in terms of temperament and care needs.
In conclusion, the journey of the Icelandic Sheepdog to becoming a recognised pedigree breed in the UK highlights the dedication of breed enthusiasts and the importance of preserving and celebrating unique canine heritage. The careful selection and breeding of pedigree dogs not only honour their historical significance but also ensure that they find loving homes with owners who appreciate their special qualities and are committed to meeting their specific care requirements.