Icelandic Sheepdog

I'm the only dog native to Iceland, where I've been herding sheep, cattle, and horses for centuries, watching over farm families and, more recently, appearing on Icelandic postage stamps. Elsewhere I'm still pretty rare, but my 2010 acceptance to the AKC's Herding Group might change all that. Who wouldn't want a compact size (16-18 inches at the shoulder, and 22-33 pound) companion with a choice of two coat lengths (short and long) you can snuffle up to when you brush (regularly, please)?

• Affectionate, loyal family friend
• Agile and active
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie
• Even-tempered, good-natured
• Lives to work
• Loves kids and vice versa

• Herding instinct
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Perfect protector
• Pleased to please
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training should start early
• Steadfast and strong
• Takes to training
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent
• Willing watchdog

I'm not looking for a house to confine me -- rather some work and play to do outdoors where my abundant energy and barking won't bother the neighbors. Please start my training early -- make it firm but gentle, patient, and consistent. Try to get me enrolled in canine sport activities -- herding would be a great one -- and I promise to make you proud.

Possible hip dysplasia, and distichiasis (eyelid disorder).