Denmark 2008
ISIC Responsible

ISIC/C, Iceland                 Guðrún R. Guðjohnsen        
ISIC/C, Sweden                Hans-Åke Sperne                
ISIC/C, Denmark              Wilfred Olsen                       

Club representative:

DÍF, Iceland                      Þorsteinn Thorsteinson       

IF-DK, Denmark               Svend Brandt Jensen          
IF-DK, Denmark               Else Westermann                

SIFK, Sweden                   Ami Rooth                            
SIFK, Sweden                   May Britt Sannerholt            
SIFK, Sweden                   Jan Erikson                       

As you may have read on our ISAA website news page, we became full participants in the
Icelandic Sheepdog International Cooperation (ISIC) in October during the annual Breeding
Seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark. We were admitted by vote of the FCI ISD clubs. This was a
happy day and our journey to this point has been a long one. We are grateful to those who paved
the way.
The ISAA has been an associate member of ISIC since 2001. Our active participation began in
April, 2008 when we attended the ISIC Chairman meeting in Iceland. You can read an account of
that trip on the ISAA website in the ISIC section.
Since that time, we have strengthened our ties with ISIC cooperation countries; reaping many
benefits from the relationships. One of the key benefits has been our relationship with Dr. Per-Erik
Sundgren. We have succeeded in translating three of his articles, two which provide data specific to
the Icelandic Sheepdog. The articles are posted in the ISIC section of the website and we
encourage you to explore this interesting and relevant educational material.
The articles are key to fully understanding discussions regarding breeding and the preservation of
the breed that will be forthcoming. We hope you will participate in these discussions and we also
invite dialogue on the articles in the member and breeder chat rooms. We will be making some very
important decisions regarding breeding practices as they relate to the ISD in the U.S. and what role
we will play in the international community.
One of the major benefits of ISIC membership is access to the ISIC breeding committee members.
Made up of breeding committee members from ten participating countries; practices are analyzed,
evaluated and recommendations come from that body. You can find the ISIC breeding
recommendations on the ISIC page.
I have found that ISIC participation opens doors to relationships with people who have been
breeding the ISD for lifetimes.
Looking around the room at the Copenhagen ISIC Breeding Seminar, one could clearly see the
thoughtful and careful approach taken by these people whose years of experience have taught them
much. They never tire of answering questions and share information freely. Their love, passion and
commitment to the breed are palpable.
Prior to the Copenhagen seminar, the BOD voted to hire Dr. Sundgren to analyze breeding data
specific to the U.S. We received that information and are using it to gain a better understanding of
how to preserve the ISD through healthy, scientifically based breeding practices. Our initial
information shows that we need to continue to import ISDs to expand our genetic variety
and that we already have matador studs in the U.S. All the information points to the fact that we
need to form a common vision for breeding and preservation of the ISD. Our participation in the
ISIC is one our best tools to use in this endeavor.
For example, we have been introduced to mentality testing specifically designed for the ISD. We
also now have the “wish list” or list of ideal mentality for the ISD thanks to one of the seminar
participants and mentality tester for the Danish Icelandic Kennel Club, the IF. Else Westermann is a
tremendous resource for the club as we consider developing or adopting goals related to correct
ISD temperament in the U.S. and we are grateful for her willingness to share her knowledge and
her wonderful bed and breakfast.
We spent four days with Else driving the beautiful country of Denmark collecting DNA swabs for
our cataract study.
The generosity and openness of the Danish people was something that we will never forget and for
which we are grateful. We visited many homes, collecting DNA from 27 dogs and having the
opportunity to see many more beautiful ISDs; working, playing and just hanging around being the
happy little souls that they are.
One can see that the opportunities to access information and find cooperation within the ISIC
community are limitless.
My hope is to have a special bulletin containing more information available to you very soon.
The people in ISIC are so committed and ready to share that “my desk overfloweth” with
information. This is a good thing, as is having individuals like Gudrun and Hans-Ake as well as
some of the first and most experienced international breeders available to assist us with our next
steps as we move toward full AKC recognition, trying always to keep in mind what is best for the
breed.
So, keep your eyes on the website news page so you can stay informed regarding our progress.
There are many exciting developments on the horizon. Peace and blessings to you and your curly
tailed family during this holiday season.

Warm regards, Donna
Club representative:

NIHK, Norway                  Liv Sydhagen                       
NIHK, Norway                  Lill-Hege Nygaard                

VdIL, Netherlands             Árni Þór Eymundsson     
VdIL, Netherlands             Wilma Roem                        

ISAA, US                          Donna McDermott                        
ISAA, US                          Terry Warnock                     

Islanninkoirat, Finland       Alina Niskanen

Switzerland                       Claudia Jaussi Inäbnit          
Switzerland                       Pia Stämpfli