Ideal height for bitches 42cm/16.5in
& dogs 46cm/18in
Weight range roughly small bitch
20 lb to large dog 40 lb (usually 25-35)
Ima & Pila are both 26 pounds
but Ima is taller, 16&1/4in to Pila's 16
Spitz type - rectangular when viewed from the side with prick ears & curled tail and depth of chest equal to length of foreleg. Muzzle slightly shorter than skull. A marked difference between the sexes
Gait displays agility & endurance - it is a hardy herding dog which barks to perform it's function of finding & moving Icelandic sheep out of the mountains each fall or to alert the family to visitors who they greet enthusiastically. Canine visitors might be less welcome
Icelandics are friendly, inquisitive, lively, playful, & unafraid (easily find trouble!!)
Expression gentle, intelligent, & happy. Ears are very mobile reflecting mood & alertness
Coat may be long or short but is an extremely dense & weatherproof doublecoat - shed profusely twice a year
Nose, lips, & eye rims must be pigmented black in all coat colours except Dark brown pigment acceptable in chocolate & some born-cream dogs
Oval feet. Must have dewclaws on all legs; double dewclaws preferred on hindlegs & may occur on forelegs. The stronger and more functional dewclaws are the better
Predominant colour always accompanied by some white up to pied. Predominant colour may be various shades of tan from cream to red; chocolate brown; grey; or black. Black must be tricolour with any of the shades of tan on cheeks, over eyes, & on legs. Tan or grey dogs may have black mask and/or sabling of coat with black tips to hair or black hairs. Black mantle or saddle is a fault
New information - (subject to change as more available) looking at standard puppy temperament tests, most Icelandics appear to be 3's for social attraction, following and the dominance exercises (they may even be no struggle in restraint); but likely won't retrieve!! Independence mixed with sociability. Prey drive is variable. As with every breed there are individual differences