The American Kennel Club’s official breed standard defines the ideal Icelandic Sheepdog in terms of structure, movement, coat, and temperament. Conformation judges use the AKC Standard to evaluate dogs in the show ring, but for the puppy buyer and breed enthusiast, it also provides a clear picture of the physical and behavioral traits you can expect in a well-bred Icie. Below is a detailed breakdown of each element of the AKC standard—now enhanced with insights on how the standard has evolved from the original Iceland dog type, drawn from Iceland’s new Sheepdog Heritage Center.
1. AKC Standard: General Appearance
- Type: A true Nordic herding spitz—moderately small, rectangular in outline (body length slightly exceeds height), and well-balanced.
- Expression: “Gentle, intelligent, and happy.” The overall look should convey friendliness, confidence, and alertness without any hint of shyness or aggression.
- Sex Differences: Males appear more robust and masculine; females more refined and feminine, but both retain breed character.
What to Watch For: A puppy or dog that appears either too cobby (square) or too rangy (leggy) deviates from the ideal balance of agility and stamina.
2. AKC Standard: Head & Skull
- Shape: Distinctly triangular when viewed from above or in profile. The skull and muzzle form parallel lines that taper evenly toward a slight but definite stop.
- Length: Muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, yet strong and well-furnished.
- Stop: Moderate—visible but not abrupt.
Breeder/Buyer Tip: An Icie’s head should look refined, never coarse. A weak muzzle or overly domed skull are faults that can affect bite and expression.
3. AKC Standard: Eyes & Ears
- Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely. Preferred color is dark brown, though lighter hues may appear in dilute coats. The gaze should be bright, alert, and soft.
- Ears: Erect, medium in size, triangular with slightly rounded tips. Set about one ear-length apart, moving responsively to sound or emotion.
Why It Matters: Properly shaped eyes and ears not only define the characteristic “spitz” look but also support healthy function—good airflow over the eyes and unobstructed hearing.
4. AKC Standard: Neck, Topline & Body
- Neck: Moderately long, well-muscled, flowing into shoulders without throatiness. Conveys elegance and strength.
- Topline: Level and firm from withers to croup, neither roached nor sloping.
- Chest: Long, adequately spring-ribbed, with depth reaching to the elbow.
- Underline & Belly: Slight tuck-up, reflecting athleticism and readiness for action.
Selection Insight: A strong topline and balanced body proportions indicate sound structure for endurance and efficient movement in both work and daily life.
5. AKC Standard: Tail & Coat
- Tail: High-set, profusely plumed, carried tightly curled over the back in a full ring at rest and loosely when walking or working.
- Coat: Dense double coat with two varieties:
- Short-haired: Outer coat of medium length, lying close; thick undercoat.
- Long-haired: Longer outer coat forming a slight mane and feathering on legs; equally dense undercoat.
Grooming Note: The breed standard discourages trimming—natural presentation of the coat is preferred.
6. AKC Standard: Color & Markings
- Primary Colors: Cream to reddish-brown tan, chocolate brown, gray, or black.
- White Markings: Mandatory—commonly blaze, collar or chest patch, socks, and tail tip.
- Dew Claws: The AKC standard specifies at least single dewclaws on all four feet, with double dewclaws on the rear feet being desirable. Double dewclaws may also occur on the front feet.
- Patterns:
- Solid with white accents (predominant single color).
- Pied (white ground with colored patches).
- Tricolor (black base with tan points and white markings).
- Disqualifying Faults: Predominantly white coats; saddle-type black on tan; any color or marking outside the standard.
Buyer’s Reminder: While coat color doesn’t affect temperament or health, puppies that closely match the standard will fare better in the show ring and exemplify traditional breed aesthetics.
7. AKC Standard: Gait & Movement
- Action: A ground-covering trot that exhibits reach in front and drive behind, moving with agility, endurance, and effortless efficiency.
- Characteristics: Feet point straight ahead; legs move in parallel planes; topline remains firm and level under motion.
Practical Implication: Correct movement mirrors the Icie’s herding heritage—necessary for maneuvering across uneven terrain and maintaining control of livestock.
8. AKC Standard: Temperament
- “Cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid.”
- “Alert and vocal when working.”
- Key Point: Visitors should receive an enthusiastic welcome, but aggression or undue shyness is a fault.
Real-World Tip: Observe a puppy’s reaction to new stimuli—confident curiosity is desirable; fear or aggression warrants further evaluation.
9. AKC Standard: Faults & Disqualifications
- Serious Faults: Overshot or undershot bite; faulty coat texture; weak topline; incorrect tail carriage.
- Disqualifications: Viciousness, overt shyness; colors or markings outside the standard; taillessness (except natural bobtail, which is rare and must conform to proportion).
10. Evolution of the Breed Standard
Over centuries, the Icelandic Sheepdog’s working type has shaped formal standards. Early descriptions from 19th-century Iceland emphasize a short-coated, rugged farm dog with pronounced erect ears and tight curl tail—features selected purely for utility. As the breed entered European show rings in the mid-20th century, emphasis shifted toward balanced proportions and coat presentation, culminating in the modern AKC standard adopted in 2010.
The Sheepdog Heritage Center displays an original late-1800s breeding “ledger” describing dogs as “small of frame, golden in color, with keen eyes and bark to match the howling wind”—showing that while coat length and grooming have been refined, the core traits of intelligence, cheerfulness, and spitz structure have remained unchanged.
What’s New & Noteworthy
- Original Iceland Dog: Early farm records describe dogs as “short-coated, rugged, with keen eyes and keen bark”—traits selected purely for working utility.
- Mid-20th Century Shift: As the breed entered European and North American show rings (via Watson’s exported dogs and early breed clubs), emphasis broadened to include coat variety and balanced proportions without sacrificing working ability.
- Modern AKC Adoption (2010): The current AKC standard codifies both coat varieties and the desirable dewclaw traits, reflecting a blend of historical function and contemporary presentation.
- Heritage Center Insight: A late-1800s breeding ledger on display notes “at least single dewclaws all ’round,” confirming that dewclaw presence has long been recognized as integral to the Icelandic Sheepdog’s traditional structure.
Final Thought: By understanding how the formal standard honors both the practical heritage and the show-ring refinement of the Icelandic Sheepdog—including accurate dewclaw requirements—you can better appreciate and select dogs that embody the breed’s authentic character and capability.