Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs
Our Commitment
At Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs we breed for four pillars: health, sound structure, stable temperament, and genetic diversity. Yet our responsibility does not end with DNA and vet checks. We view every placement as the start of a lifelong partnership—one grounded in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and evidence-based care.
Breeding exceptional puppies means more than producing beautiful dogs; it means building a community that honors the rare, heritage status of the Icelandic Sheepdog. We promise to remain a mentor and resource to each owner for the dog’s entire life, celebrating triumphs and providing support whenever challenges arise.
Because that ongoing relationship is so important, we place puppies only with homes whose core values complement our own:
- Respect & Inclusivity – treating every person and animal with dignity.
- Environmental Stewardship – making choices that preserve the planet our herding breed depends on.
- Evidence-Based Responsibility – trusting science, veterinary best practice, breeder expertise and ethical training methods.
- Social Responsibility – contributing positively to local and global communities.
Values-Alignment Policy
We recognize that loving dog owners come from many walks of life, but homes advocating policies or behaviors that undermine compassion, justice, or environmental care fall outside our placement criteria. This standard is value-based rather than partisan: applicants of any political persuasion are welcome so long as their actions and attitudes reflect empathy, unity, diversity, inclusion and respect for the only planet we have to inhabit.
Because we stay involved as mentors, resources, and—even years later—part of our puppy owners’ extended family, misaligned core values can compromise both the human–animal bond and the ongoing support we provide. For this reason, placing a puppy in a home whose guardians do not align with our core values is simply not an option for us.
By centering kindness, inclusivity, and responsible citizenship in every decision we make, Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs ensures that each puppy enters not just a house, but a home where both dog and family thrive together—bound by shared respect for one another, for our communities, and for the environment.
If these principles and values resonate with you, we invite you to complete the puppy application below or let us know your interest in this next litter and begin a conversation. If they do not, we appreciate your interest in Icelandic Sheepdogs and encourage you to explore other responsible breeders better aligned with your goals.
Loren
It was serendipity that I discovered Icelandic sheepdogs in 2007, and that year we added Betsy, who was 1 year old at that time, to our household. She became the arbiter of all things dog in the household. I still feel her presence even after her death at age 18 in February 2025.
In 2008, we imported Bjarkarkots Hroi Hottur from Iceland and he turned out to be a beautiful boy, who was very biddable and produced puppies beloved by their families. Tragically, he died at age 7 because of a brain tumor, but he was my heart dog and is in my thoughts on a daily basis, so I named my breeding program after him – Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs.
In 2009 I founded the rescue organization for the breed, National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA) , and remain on the Board of Directors as a consultant. Icelandic Sheepdogs became my passion, and introduced me to people in Canada, Iceland, and Europe. These connections have enriched my life immensely.
I currently share my home with 4 adult Icelandic sheepdogs, ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old. When I walk my dogs in Lexington, there isn’t a day that people don’t stop to tell me how beautiful and friendly my dogs are. I was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America for several years.
I did have a professional life as a practicing Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Chief of the Section of Child Psychiatry at Lahey Clinic, President of the New England Council of Child Psychiatry, Acting Chairman of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Lahey that was equally rewarding, but now in retirement, I am comforted by the Icelandic Sheepdogs who keep me company, and gaze straight into my eyes with such love.
Paula
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall’s lifelong devotion to wildlife conservation and her deep appreciation for the bonds that unite all living things have profoundly shaped my own philosophy. Her words remind me each morning that every choice we make—whether in business, in our communities, or in our homes—ripples outward. It’s this conviction that fuels my commitment to sustainability, ethical stewardship, and, most recently, to preserving the Icelandic Sheepdog breed for generations to come.
My professional background spans over thirty years, from leadership roles at global healthcare companies to owner and president of a digital marketing agency in Connecticut specializing in SEO, website development, conversion optimization, and AI-driven marketing. I hold an MBA, an MS, and an EdS in Computers and Education. Guiding organizations through digital transformation has honed my strategic mindset and reinforced my belief that purpose-driven leadership delivers the most enduring results.
My passion for the Icelandic Sheepdog began on my first visit to Iceland in 2017. Captivated by their joyful spirit and herding instincts, I vowed that my next dog would be an “Icie.” In December 2019, I brought home Raina, followed a year later by Freyja—both from renowned breeder Loren. Today, my household includes three Icelandic Sheepdogs, a Shih Tzu, and three rescue horses on our small farm. I’m a proud steward of Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs and honored to carry forward Loren’s legacy in Connecticut—she remains actively involved in every aspect of our program.
Beyond the joy they bring, I view my role as a breeder and steward of this rare Nordic breed as a sacred responsibility. As an Approved Good Dog breeder, I health-test my dams, prioritize genetic diversity, and champion best practices in breeding for temperament and structure. Through Lukehaven, I aim to preserve the breed’s unique heritage and ensure that each puppy placed in a forever home thrives both physically and emotionally.
I’m also co-president of the National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA), a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 dedicated to preserving and protecting the legacy of this ancient and rare breed nationalicelandicsheepdogrescuealliance.org. Alongside a board comprised entirely of experienced Icelandic Sheepdog breeders, we oversee intake assessments, foster placements, and transport logistics; we vet and match adopters, coordinate sponsorships, and provide post-placement support to ensure lifelong welfare. Our rescue calendar and volunteer network enable us to respond swiftly when an Icie is in need—whether through rehoming a returned dog, providing temporary foster care, or offering guidance to owners facing difficult decisions.
When I’m not guiding businesses through digital transformation or supporting rescue operations, you’ll find me on my farm caring for three rescue horses or training my Icelandic Sheepdogs for agility trials. There’s something deeply rewarding about preparing my dogs (and myself!) to navigate challenging obstacle courses—each tunnel, weave pole, and teeter board showcases their intelligence, athleticism, and eagerness to please. These moments reinforce my belief that dedicated training and a strong human–canine bond are vital to the well-being of this spirited breed.
Whether crafting a new marketing campaign, collaborating with fellow breeders to rescue an Icie in need, or navigating my “Icies” through a complicated agility course, I strive every day to honor Jane Goodall’s legacy by making a positive, lasting impact—on my clients, on my community, and on the precious breed I am fortunate to help preserve.
Cari
Horses and dogs have consistently woven through the fabric of my life and professional career. As the owner, producer, and horse trainer for Swanson Productions LLC, and the founder of Red Horse Rescue, I have spent decades training horses in diverse disciplines such as dressage, eventing, jumping, and liberty, always prioritizing intuition and kindness. My expertise has provided horses and dogs for high-profile film, television, music videos, and print campaigns for clients including HBO, Apple TV, Paramount, Warner Bros., Ralph Lauren, Beyoncé, and Bad Bunny.
My introduction to Icelandic Sheepdogs began in 1996 with Dash, from a litter of imported dogs owned by a close friend. Dash’s character, athletic prowess, and charisma quickly captivated me, soon welcoming Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid to my farm family. I have since successfully bred multiple litters and maintain lifelong connections with their adopted families.
Today, I am honored to collaborate with Loren Dribinsky and Paula Sanderson as we preserve the Icelandic Sheepdog breed through a thoughtful and responsible breeding program. My role as a board member of the National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance (NISRA) reinforces my deep commitment to the breed’s future.
I firmly believe that nature possesses immense healing potential, enhancing lives through the unique bond humans share with animals. It is my passion to educate others about these profound therapeutic benefits, drawing upon the invaluable lessons animals continually offer in patience, presence, and adaptability. Each animal in my care is a source of joy, inspiration, and illumination, enriching not only my life but the lives of everyone they meet.