Herding Character
Working with the Icelandic Sheepdog
By Ralph Biggs
Introduction
The early settlers of Iceland valued their herding dogs because their lives depended on their working abilities. They were ruthless in maintaining the desirable qualities and would eliminate any dogs that didn’t show these qualities. To survive, the Icelandic Sheepdog, above all, had to have a superior temperament as well as be mentally alert, physically sound, agile, willing and eager to work.
Training
Traditionally, young dogs begin training at approximately one year of age. As is the case with most “active” breeds, it takes time for them to settle down and get to business. When they begin to tire, they will start listening to their handler better. The Icelandic Sheepdog needs a job. They can be excellent herders and are used with cattle, sheep and horses. Some learn to herd at a young age by moving ducks.
Herding Style
In Iceland, Canada and some parts of the United States, the sheep are gathered and brought down from the mountains in the fall. That is when you see the Icelandic Sheepdog in its bliss. They work along with people who are on foot or on horseback and bring the flock home for winter.
Typically, Icelandic Sheepdogs work behind the herd along with the shepherd.
They are upright drivers using their voices instead of eye contact like the Border Collie.
As the shepherd uses a variety of signals like voice, whistling and hand signals, the Icelandic Sheepdog will move animals easily.
Most shepherds allow the dogs to think and work independently. Although clearly subordinate to the shepherd, Icelandic Sheepdogs are expected to work using instinct developed over thousands of years. They are a highly intelligent breed and are capable of problem solving.
Some herders use only one Icelandic Sheepdog, while others use two or more. The challenge is getting out of the driveway with only one or two as they are always ready for a hard day’s work.
They are skillful when herding through pastures, brush and trees. They cross water and other natural barriers with ease as they have been doing since AD 874. They cover ground very quickly and efficiently. They are adept in corrals and close quarters but are more suited to working in open spaces. These loyal dogs are courageous and fearless herding dogs. When accidentally kicked by an animal, they will not give up easily.
During the winter, when livestock is near the house, the Icelandic Sheepdog will chase any animal that gets into the yard back to the pen or pasture.
After a long day of herding the Icelandic Sheepdog will come into the house and quietly lay under the family’s feet. They are a beloved member of the family.