Icelandic dog: description and content

The phrase "a dog is man's best friend" has already become an aphorism. And for good reason. This expression emphasizes the loyal and loyal character of the four-legged pet. Today in the world there is a huge number of different breeds of dogs, in addition, breeders continue to breed more and more new subspecies.

Particularly noteworthy is the breed of dog known as the Icelandic Shepherd Dog. In today's article, we will consider all the features and characteristics of this breed, study the history of origin, and also get acquainted with the rules of maintenance and principles of caring for individual individuals.

The history of the Icelandic dog is quite interesting for its unusual details. Initially, the shepherd of this breed appeared in Iceland (hence the name of the breed). Historians date this event in different ways, one thing is obvious - it happened in the 1st century AD between 874 and 930. At that time, this type of dog was the most widespread and popular.

The ancient people used dogs as guards and protectors (even though the shepherd dogs were small). The latter, in turn, justified the hopes of their owners, served them faithfully. In this regard, shepherds and farmers were imbued with real love for Icelandic dogs, many perceived four-legged animals not only as helpers and friends, but also as full-fledged family members.

History knows the period of the spread of the plague virus throughout the world. The Icelandic Shepherd Dogs were also exposed to this disease, the population of which has significantly decreased in the indicated years. However, every cloud has a silver lining.

The widespread spread of the disease led to the fact that individual individuals were taken out of Iceland, and in this way the breed spread throughout the globe. Several years later, active work began on the selection and breeding of dogs of this breed, and in 1969 Icelandic Shepherds were recognized as part of the cultural heritage of Iceland. A little later, the breed was recognized internationally and classified as a northern guardian and herding animal.

With regard to the Icelandic Shepherd Dog, as well as in relation to the vast majority of other officially recognized dog breeds, international standards have been adopted, which must be met by both newborn puppies and adults.

So, first of all, it is important to note that Icelandic Shepherd Dogs have a rather powerful and strong body. The chest is broad and the back is firmly built. The tail does not have outstanding performance, it is usually medium in length. The limbs of the dog are especially powerful. They are quite straight in structure, but at the same time they are well developed. The whole body of a four-legged pet is proportional. The head is no exception, which is quite wide in its anatomical structure.

Of particular interest in terms of appearance is the coat of the Icelandic Shepherd Dog. Generally speaking, the animal can be either short-haired or long-haired. One way or another, the hairline has a fairly high density and is resistant to water and moisture. Regardless of whether a single individual is long-haired or short-haired, the hair on the paws, ears, skull and muzzle will be much shorter in comparison with the length of the hair on the rest of the body. On the other side, the dog's tail is distinguished by increased fluffiness.

As for the coat color, it can be very diverse. So, the acceptable colors, according to international standards for the Icelandic Shepherd Dog, include shades of white and beige, golden, brown, gray and black.

If you decide to have a purebred Icelandic dog, contact the kennel. Since the breed is small in number, there are not so many representatives on the territory of Russia. Most often, puppies are brought from Sweden and Denmark.

When choosing a baby, first of all, pay attention to how he reacted to your appearance. A healthy Icelander puppy is curious, outgoing and non-aggressive... Its tail should be raised above its back, like a flag. In addition, do not forget that a conscientious breeder will never sell a puppy without vaccinations and a veterinary passport. The baby must be at least 2 months old.

If you try to describe the Icelandic Shepherd Dog with just a few words, then first of all it is worth mentioning such traits as cheerfulness and peacefulness. Animals show friendliness towards others (both humans and other animals). They make good contact even with small children.

Icelandic Shepherd Dogs cannot stand prolonged loneliness, as they like to be constantly in the company of their owner.

To begin with, it should be noted that scientists, veterinarians, as well as experienced breeders do not recommend keeping an individual belonging to this breed in an apartment. This environment is uncomfortable for the animal and can be stressful. The Icelandic Shepherd Dogs are not at all adapted to the urban environment.

It is in connection with such characteristics of the animal it is recommended to keep it only in a private house with its own land or adjacent territory. The dog needs to have enough space to run and release its energy. The minimum allowable time that your four-legged pet should spend on the street is 2 hours a day.

The Icelandic Shepherd has pronounced adaptive characteristics and can withstand almost any weather conditions. So, as for the northern regions, which are characterized by frosts, the animal is saved from low temperatures thanks to its thick wool, which helps to keep warm. In dry and hot climates, the dog's coat protects the animal from direct sunlight and prevents overheating. In addition, as mentioned above, the hairline of the Icelandic Shepherd is capable of repelling moisture, so the dog is not afraid of precipitation.

However, animal hair has more than just positive properties. It should also take into account the fact that the dog is prone to shedding, so it needs to be brushed regularly... The molting process takes place especially intensively in the spring and autumn, therefore, during these periods, your pet needs increased attention in terms of care. Also, bathing can be attributed to care activities. However, this procedure should not be overused - wash the animal only as it gets dirty and if necessary... Separately, veterinarians also note the need for regular nail trimming.

In general, it is noted that animals belonging to the Icelandic breed are not demanding in relation to the diet. However, even despite this, you cannot neglect the planning of meals for your four-legged friend and feed him scraps from the master's table. It should be remembered that one way or another, but the food of the animal must be healthy and balanced. Try to saturate it with the maximum possible amount of useful components that will ensure the active growth and development of the animal.

As a basis for your pet's nutrition, you can choose ready-made powders and feeds that are sold in pet stores and in zoological markets. This option may seem more convenient and comfortable for those who do not like to cook and want to make it as easy as possible for themselves to provide food for their pet.

However, if you have chosen this option, then before buying this or that feed, you should consult with a specialist in advance and clarify whether it is suitable specifically for your pet... In addition, in this case, you will need to purchase various nutritional supplements and vitamins necessary for the animal's body.

The second option is considered more budgetary, but it is time consuming. So, you can feed your Icelandic Shepherd with natural foods that you eat yourself. The dog's diet should consist of cereals, vegetables, fruits, fermented milk products, as well as lean meat and fish. Remember that when choosing natural food, you must prepare food for your dog separately. They must be fresh and of good quality. In no case should your pet be given expired, spoiled or stale food. Also, do not feed him leftovers from your table.

From time to time, to please your four-legged friend, you can purchase special treats for your dog, which are sold in zoological stores. Remember to stay hydrated as well. Besides, It is important to systematically wash and clean bowls of water and animal food, as there is a risk of contaminating them with harmful organisms or developing infections.

It has been scientifically proven, and also noted in practice, that the Icelandic Shepherd Dog is excellent for training and training. In addition, these processes are a kind of game for animals, therefore they are very willing to obey the owner, fulfilling and remembering all his commands and requirements.

Of course, learning should start from the very beginning, with the most basic commands... However, it is worth remembering that, having rather high mental abilities the dog is able to learn more complex tricks, which, as usual, are not included in the generally recognized program... In this sense, the anatomical structure of the dog plays a positive role, which allows it to easily overcome obstacles or demonstrate dexterity and grace.

Thus, we were able to make sure that the Icelandic Shepherd Dog by its nature is a rather non-trivial animal that has a number of original features and characteristics. If you adhere to all the necessary care recommendations and strictly follow the instructions of the specialists, then you can ensure a long and happy life for your pet. The average life span of Icelandic Shepherd Dogs is 15 years.

In the next video, you will find more information about the Icelandic dog.