Bark to The Basics
Previously published in the AKC Gazette Breed Columns, September edition. Used with Permission
As more Icelandic Sheepdogs (ISD) enter the conformation rings, judges are recognizing a need to
concentrate on type. Judges ask what to do when there is not an ISD in the ring that looks like the breed
standard. Our response is: help us set correct ISD type in the USA by focusing on type and general
impression as described in the standard.
Therefore, ISDs who remind one of another breed; be it Buhund (square, oval eyes, one or two colors,
very tight tail), Lundehund (small breed, yellow to yellow brown eyes and thin boned), or Lapphund
(larger size breed, ears can be tipped), Border Collie (larger breed, ears set well apart, oval blue eye or
lighter brown eye okay, can be black and white, etc.) should not be rewarded in the conformation ring.
If the outline of the ISD is not correct, if the dog is not rectangular, if you cannot see the dog surviving in
the harsh clime of Iceland during the winter, moving gracefully over lava fields, independently bringing
in sheep during a blizzard, climbing steep, rocky mountains with ease, and is not athletic, fit and muscled
while demonstrating a happy, lively and confident expression, it is not a good example of the breed.
Certainly any dog demonstrating aggression in the ring or biting a handler should be removed from the
ring. That said, the ISD is a barking breed and can use voice when in the ring.
When asked what specific traits cause judges concern, they report severe cow hocking, pig or double
curled tails, dogs lacking a thick, double coat, "Collie" heads, dogs with round and sometimes bulging
eyes, dogs that lack pigment on the nose and around the eyes, dogs with tails that do not touch the back
when moving and dogs with fine bones and/or lacking muscle. Incorrect heads is a serious issue. While
the ISD is not a head breed, having a typical ISD expression is paramount.
There is a reason for the standard's call for specific attributes. For example, yellow/yellowish eyes
completely change the expression of the ISD. Dogs with tails that are so tightly wound that they cannot
come loose are unable to cover their noses in a winter storm. Conversely, tails that don't touch the back
when moving paint a picture other than Spitz. When resting, the tail can come down. "If black is the
predominant color, the color is described as tricolored. ... [The] standard defines black dogs as tricolored
with traditional white markings and tan markings." [Breed Expert and FCI Judge Hans-Ake Sperne] "All
white, merle, roan, ticking, blue or brindle colors are not acceptable ... . " [Breed Expert and FCI Judge
Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen]
A return to the most basic ideas rather than a focus on breed details will be a great help. Sperne notes:
"Type and general impression as described in the breed standard, always comes first and thereafter,
details." The standard says, "The Icelandic Sheepdog is a Nordic herding Spitz, slightly under medium
sized with prick ears and a curled tail. Seen from the side the dog is rectangular. The expression is
gentle, intelligent and happy. ..." Please help us in this regard.
Judges education disks are available from isaabod@gmail.com.
Donna R. McDermott, MPPA