Origin: Iceland (Skandinavia).
Date of publication of the original valid standard: 24.06.1987.
Utilization: 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. Classification F.C.I.: Group 5 – Spitz and primitive Types. Section 3 – Nordic Watchdogs and Herders. Without working trial.
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 ears are very mobile. Movement is brisk, free and easy; the breed has very great endurance. There is a marked difference in appearance between the sexes.
Important proportions: The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers.
Behaviour and Temperament: The Iceland Sheepdog is lively, friendly, inquisitiveand courageous, the countenance is contented, frequently smiling.
Head: The bridge of the nose and the skull should be, seen in profile, as parallel as possible.
Cranial Region: Skull: Wide between the ears, and somewhat domed skull.
Stop: Clearly defined, but should not be too pronounced.
Facial Region: Nose: The nostrils are well developed.
Muzzle: Rather short, tapering evenly toward the nose both seen from the side and from above.
Lips: Tight; the colour of the lips and muzzle shall be black, except on chocolate brown and light fawn dogs where brown is permitted.
Cheeks: Flat.
Bite: Scissor bite.
Eyes: The eyes shall be of medium size and almond shaped. The colour shall be dark, but may be lighter according to the colour of the dog. Yellow is not acceptable. The eyelids shall be black except in the case of chocolate brown and light-coloured 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.
Neck: Of medium length, stong, arched, dry (without any loose skin). The head is to be carried high.
Body: Shall be rectangular, strong, not coarse.
Loin: Muscular with a slight tuck-up.
Croup: Short and rounded.
Chest: Deep with well sprung ribs.
Tail: Set high, well curled and thickly furred.
Limbs: Forequarters: The forelegs shall be straight, muscular and dry. Well angulated to allow a free front movement. Dewclaws may occur.
Hindquarters: 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.
Gait: When moving, the dog present a picture of stamina and endurance, agility and swiftness.
Coat: Hair: There are two variants: Medium length: Outer coat of medium length with a thick and soft undercoat, short on ears and front of legs, but longer on neck, withers, buttocks and tail. Longer-haired: Outer coat of good length, whereas undrecoat is thick and soft. On head and front of legs the coat is short, but long behind the ears and on neck, chest buttocks and hinside of forequarters: the fur on the tail is very bushy. Colour: All colour are permitted, but predominant single colour is preferred. White blaze and white markings on chest, tip of tail, legs and toes frequently occur and must not be penalized.
Size: Dogs: 42-48 cm. Bitches: 38-44 cm.
Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion toits degree.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.