From goofy Golden Retrievers to cheeky Chow Chows, there are many dog breeds in the UK.
Now, we’ve got a new version on the pack.
The Kennel Club has officially recognized the Icelandic Sheepdog.
This makes it the 224th pedigree dog breed in the UK.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is believed to have existed for over 1,000 years in the Nordics, having been brought to Iceland by Viking settlers.
Around 20 of these middle class ‘Icelandians’ – who are said to make the best pets – now live in the UK.
“We are delighted to recognize the Icelandic Sheepdog as a recognized breed from April,” said Bill Lambert, spokesman for The Kennel Club.
‘The slow but steady growth in the number of pedigree breeds in this country means that people have a wider choice when trying to find the right dog for them.’
The Kennel Club has officially recognized the Icelandic Sheepdog. This makes it the 224th pedigree dog breed in the UK
The Icelandic Sheepdog is believed to have existed for over 1,000 years in the Nordics, having been brought to Iceland by Viking settlers.
The Icelandic Sheepdog has an ancient origin, and is mentioned in the Sagas, which date back more than 1,000 years.
Thought to be descended from dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings, these dogs have a thick coat, a wolf face, pointed ears, and a curled tail.
It comes in several colors including black and white, red and white, and smoky gray, and is said to make an excellent family dog.
It is the fourth new breed to be recognized in the UK in the last five years.
The Kennel Club added Polish Hunting Dog earlier this yearalong with the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog in 2021, and the Barbet in 2020.
“The process of being recognized as a breed by The Kennel Club takes several generations of dogs,” Lambert said.
‘But when we recognize this breed, it means that we know that it has a reliable line that will give people a dog with certain characteristics in terms of temperament, health, exercise and grooming, which helps dogs find homes and suitable owners. ‘
The first three Icelandic dogs were imported to the UK from Iceland and Germany back in 2017.
It comes in several colors including black and white, red and white, and smoky gray, and is said to make an excellent family dog.
And since then, the brand has been developed here by a small group of enthusiasts, who have also started their own club.
Wendy Laker belongs to this group, and is the one who submitted the breed to the Kennel Club for recognition.
‘It takes time to develop a brand properly and to get it recognized in the UK, but we have worked hard to bring in lines from different countries and build relationships with interested breeders, who will ensure the right people breed, buy. and love these wonderful dogs,’ she said.
‘And in the future, it means the breed will be able to compete for the prestigious title of Best in Show at Crufts, much to the delight of all those who love these beautiful dogs.’
As for the dogs’ temperament, Ms Laker describes the breed as ‘friendly, active and intelligent’.
‘They can be vocal and bark to alert, this is because they were originally bred as herding dogs that bark to guard livestock, communicate with their owners and protect their livestock’s children,’ he added.
‘They’re middle-aged and love being part of the family, joining in on everything that’s going on, but they also enjoy having some time off!
‘Like the Spitz breed, they need regular grooming and owners who are committed to this, as well as keeping their minds and bodies active.’
Following its new designation as a parent breed in Britain, the Icelandic Sheepdog will be on the Kennel Club’s Imported Breed Register from 1 April 2025.
When the cattle standard is made and approved, it will go to the main register of the breed.
