Icelandic Sheepdog
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Icelandic Sheepdog. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Present at moderate rates; request OFA scores. |
| Distichiasis (extra eyelashes) | moderate | Misdirected lashes irritate the cornea; severe cases need treatment. |
| Elbow dysplasia | low | Occasionally seen; screened in responsible breeding programs. |
| Patellar luxation | low | Reported at low rates; keep the dog lean. |
| Eye disease (cataracts) | low | Hereditary lens opacity is uncommon; annual eye exams recommended. |
Pet insurance for a Icelandic Sheepdog
Insurers price a Icelandic Sheepdog from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Icelandic Sheepdog is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 20–30 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Icelandic Sheepdog sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog arrived with Viking settlers over a thousand years ago and remains Iceland's only native breed, used to herd sheep and search for lost stock in snow. It is an unusually friendly spitz — cheerful, unafraid, and fond of everyone, including strangers and other animals — with a working dog's energy and a herder's tendency to bark announcements. The thick double coat sheds heavily in season and needs weekly brushing. Suits active families wanting a hardy, social, medium-size northern dog.
Origin: Iceland
Temperament
Related reading for Icelandic Sheepdog owners
Icelandic Sheepdog FAQ
How long do Icelandic Sheepdogs live?
The typical Icelandic Sheepdog lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Icelandic Sheepdog?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Icelandic Sheepdog carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Icelandic Sheepdog can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Icelandic Sheepdogs prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Distichiasis (extra eyelashes). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.