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Origin: Iceland (Skandinavia).
Date of
publication of the original valid standard: 24.06.1987.
Utilization: The dog has pronounced herding
instincts, but is not very keen on hunting. It is thus a particularly good
herding dog and an excellent guard without being fierce. Classification
F.C.I.: Group 5 - Spitz and primitive Types. Section 3 - Nordic Watchdogs
and Herders. Without working trial.
General
Appearance: The Iceland Sheepdog is a typical Nordic Spitz,
having pricked ears and curled tail. Seen from the side while standing the
dog is rectangular, longer than high, the ratio depending on individual
harmony. There are two types of coat, but at all times thick and
efficiently water-repellent. The ears are very mobile. Movement is brisk,
free and easy; the breed has very great endurance. There is a marked
difference in appearance between the sexes.
Important
proportions: The length of the body is slightly greater than the
height at the withers.
Behaviour and Temperament:
The Iceland Sheepdog is lively, friendly, inquisitiveand courageous, the
countenance is contented, frequently smiling.
Head: The bridge of the nose and the skull should
be, seen in profile, as parallel as possible.
Cranial
Region: Skull: Wide between the ears, and somewhat domed skull.
Stop: Clearly defined, but should not be too
pronounced.
Facial Region: Nose: The nostrils are
well developed.
Muzzle: Rather short, tapering
evenly toward the nose both seen from the side and from above.
Lips: Tight; the colour of the lips and muzzle shall
be black, except on chocolate brown and light fawn dogs where brown is
permitted.
Cheeks: Flat.
Bite: Scissor bite.
Eyes: The eyes shall be of medium size and almond
shaped. The colour shall be dark, but may be lighter according to the
colour of the dog. Yellow is not acceptable. The eyelids shall be black
except in the case of chocolate brown and light-coloured dogs when they
may be brown. The expression is lively, intelligent and fearless.
Ears: Firm and erect, triangular, wide at the
base, very mobile, reacting sensitively to sounds.
Neck: Of medium length, stong, arched, dry
(without any loose skin). The head is to be carried high.
Body: Shall be rectangular, strong, not coarse.
Loin: Muscular with a slight tuck-up.
Croup: Short and rounded.
Chest: Deep with well sprung ribs.
Tail: Set high, well curled and thickly furred.
Limbs: Forequarters: The forelegs shall be
straight, muscular and dry. Well angulated to allow a free front movement.
Dewclaws may occur.
Hindquarters: The hindlegs
shall be strong, muscular and well angulated to allow a good free and
driving action. Dewclaws are mandatory, double dewclaws are desirable.
Feet: The feet shall be oval, with toes close
together, and well developed pads.
Gait: When
moving, the dog present a picture of stamina and endurance, agility and
swiftness.
Coat: Hair: There are two variants:
Medium length: Outer coat of medium length with a thick and soft
undercoat, short on ears and front of legs, but longer on neck, withers,
buttocks and tail. Longer-haired: Outer coat of good length, whereas
undrecoat is thick and soft. On head and front of legs the coat is short,
but long behind the ears and on neck, chest buttocks and hinside of
forequarters: the fur on the tail is very bushy. Colour: All colour are
permitted, but predominant single colour is preferred. White blaze and
white markings on chest, tip of tail, legs and toes frequently occur and
must not be penalized.
Size: Dogs: 42-48 cm.
Bitches: 38-44 cm.
Faults: Any departure from the
foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with
which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion toits
degree.
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal
testicles fully descended into the scrotum. |