Eyjahunda Icelandic Sheepdogs

The Eyjahunda Story

Eyjahundur translates to "Island Dog" in the Icelandic language. When I was a child, my family lived in Iceland for five years. We now live on a very different island, in the Pacific Northwest, where we enjoy a peaceful life. Our family includes four dogs, two rescues (Hana and Zoey) and two Icelandic Sheepdogs (Kol and Rassa).

While living in Iceland, our family bred a litter with our first Icelandic Sheepdog, Perla frá Ólafsvöllum, "The Pearl from”, Ólafsvöllum, IS00002/72. Perla was one of the first Iceland Dogs recorded in North America and you can read more about her on the page entitled Perla frá Ólafsvöllum. Her progeny can be found throughout our international community.

Brief History

The breed was on the brink of extinction in the 1960's when Sigríður Pétursdóttir and Sir Mark Watson brought them back to life. Perla was a product of Pétursdóttir's (Ólafsvöllum) kennel and I am grateful to Ms. Pétursdóttir for her lifetime commitment to this amazing breed and, of course, for my first dog, Perla. Sigríður was presented with the Falcon Award by Iceland’s President in 2007 for her contribution to the breed and you can read more about Sigríður and the history of the Iceland Dog on her page.

The cute little guy on the right, Roskur, is now International & National Jungend IABCA Conformation Champion. His brother, "Roki" is a Therapy Dog working with his mom in support of her counseling practice. Both pups have exceptional temperaments. One of Roskur's favorite activities is climbing the apple tree in his backyard so that he can see over the fence. Quite a feat for such a young dog.

The Eyjahunda Pack

In the photograph above, I am pictured with Kol, the direct descendant of Perla. On April 21, 2007, Kol took Reserve Best in Show under Judge Butch Bennett (pictured) at the St. Helens UKC All Breed Show after finishing her championship under Judge Matthew Proctor earlier that morning (below). The ISD is not a table breed, just makes for easier picture taking.

Kol is a very showy girl and comes from a long line of prepotent, spectacular black tricolors. While beauty is important to us, we place a higher value on health, working ability and excellent structure. We breed to the FCI standard and valuue the traditional type of the Icelandic Sheepdog described therin. When evaluating Kol’s structure, Pat Hastings said, “You can do anything you want with this dog.” We have. Kol is my best buddy and goes everywhere I do.

Kol started her career working in a juvenile hall and is now a therapy dog. You can read more about her work with the girls on the Therapy Dog page. She is remarkably intelligent and has succeeded in herding, obedience, and conformation trials. She is wonderful with children as is typical of the breed. We value the “total dog” and believe Kol is an excellent representative of the breed.

In 2007, we visited friends and drove the Ring Road in Iceland. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. We ended what was a perfect trip by bringing home a second Icelandic Sheepdog, Kersins Kolrassa Krokridandi. “Rassa’s” father won Best in Show at Iceland's DIF conformation event in 2006, 2007 & 2008. Orri was the European World Winner for the Icelandic Sheepdog in 2008 in a competition of 100 Iceland Dogs. Like her father, Rassie is a beautiful red sable girl with an amazing, sweet temperament. In February of 2008, Rassa became a UKC Champion. She is a very special part of our family.

Our Standards

We believe the Icelandic Sheepdog should be the versatile, all around farm dog that it was 2000 years ago. Our dogs participate in obedience, conformation shows, therapy dog activities, and pass a herding instinct test. They are evaluated by Pat Hastings to insure that they are structurally sound and meet the FCI Icelandic Sheepdog Standard of Excellence.

We hold the Viking tradition in high regard and conform to the standards and ideals set forth by the country of origin. We value the International community of Icelandic Sheepdog Fanciers and participate in educational programs whenever possible.

Our Commitment to Health

Eyjahunda Icelandics is a proud voluntary participant in the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America's (ISAA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) Program. Our dogs are health tested and meet the breeding requirements as set forth by the ISAA. We do all we can to insure that this amazing breed remains healthy, a viable working animal and loving family member.

Our Committment to the International Community (ISIC)

Eyjahunda Icelandics follows the guidelines recommended by the Icelandic Sheepdog International Cooperation's (ISIC) Breeding Committee. These standards were developed based on research of the ISIC countries in cooperation with the scientific community in support of the continued health of the breed. If you would like to review these standards, please email us and we will send you a copy of the standards.

The Icelandic Sheepdog

Today, Icelandic Sheepdogs can be found all over the world. Icelandic Sheep Dogs are bred in many color variations and two coat lengths, short and long. They are herding dogs, loving companions, highly intelligent, and loyal.

Is this a wonderful breed? Absolutely; it is the most wonderful breed for the right person or family. The Icelandic Sheepdog is an athletic herding dog that uses its voice to drive sheep. Some Icelandic Sheepdogs bark more than others. Visitors will be enthusiastically greeted with a wagging tail, grin (true!) and barking.

Also used to guard the flock from birds of prey, the Icelandic Sheepdog is in her element when she gets sufficient exercise and is treated as an immediate member of your family. This is not a breed that can be left in a crate for more than a few hours at a time. They are extremely loyal and want to be with you and your family at all times.

If you live in a small home, it is vital that you are an active person or can adequately exercise your dog. The Icelandic will be happiest when included in the family’s daily life. We encourage you to research the breed and be sure this is a good match for you. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a healthy breed and will be a beloved member of your family for 10 to 15 years.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like further information about the breed, to request a Judges Education Packet or to find out more about our expected litter. You can use the form on the “contact us” page or give us a call using the number below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Our Commitment to the Breed

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA - The official AKC Parent club for the ISD in the United States)
The American Kennel Club (AKC)
The Icelandic Kennel Club (HRFI)
The Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Club in Iceland (DIF - The official FCI Parent Club for the ISD in Iceland)
Norðvestur Icelandic Sheepdog Chapter (NISC)
The United Kennel Club (UKC)
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
Islandsk Farehund (IF - The official Danish Icelandic Sheepdog FCI parent club)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

August, 2006: Pat Hastings Structure Seminar - Canada
April, 2007: Carmelo Battaglia, Ph.D. "Breeding Better Dogs" Two Day Seminar - Canada
August, 2007 - Icelandic Sheepdog History Presentation by AKC Judge Pat Putman who worked for Sir Mark Watson as a young woman.
August, 2007 - Icelandic Sheepdog History by Sigríður Pétursdóttir in Selfoss Iceland.
October, 2007 - Structure Seminar by AKC judge Pat Putman.
November, 2007 - Institute for Advanced Breed Study. Presented Judges Education Seminar on the Icelandic Sheepdog to 32 AKC Judges at the Judges Association of Washington in Seattle.
April, 2008: Interview with Sigridur Petersdottir in Selfoss, Iceland.
April, 2008: Attended ISIC Meeting, Gulfoss, Iceland.
April, 2008: Visited five ISD kennels in Iceland.
October, 2008: Icelandic Sheepdog International Cooperation (ISIC) Breeding Seminar, Copenhagen, Denmark
October, 2008 Visit five FCI ISD kennels in Denmark.
April, 2009 Attended Pat Hastings' Puppy Evaluation Seminar with ISAA Breeding Review and Compliance Committee members Maggy Pease, Shellie Greyhavens & Terry Warnock. Participated in introduction to temperament/mentality testing for the ISD and introduction to rare lines study in the ISD from Certified DKK evaluator and President of IF Breeding Committee, Else Westermann.