Temperament and care ratings
The American Kennel Club rates every breed from 1 to 5 on the traits below. They describe how the breed tends to be, not a promise about one dog.
Coat: Double coat, medium.
A Icelandic Sheepdog suits
- A family with young children (rated 5 of 5 with kids)
- A home that changes often, or apartment life (adaptability 4 of 5)
- A first-time owner who wants an eager learner (trainability 5 of 5)
- Runners, hikers and active households (energy 4 of 5)
- Anyone who wants a natural watchdog (protective nature 4 of 5)
Think twice if
- You can't offer daily training or puzzle games (mental stimulation needs 5 of 5)
- You share walls with neighbors: barking is 4 of 5
What the ratings mean day to day
An energy score of 4 and mental stimulation needs of 5 mean plenty of daily exercise plus training games or puzzle feeders. With barking at 4 of 5 and a watchdog score of 4, expect a vocal dog that announces visitors. Grooming at 2 of 5 means an occasional brush.
Popularity
In 2020 it ranked 154.
Breeds with a similar profile
Closest matches across all 14 trait ratings:
Miniature American ShepherdKidsEnergyShedding
Compare: Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer · Icelandic Sheepdog vs Miniature American Shepherd · Icelandic Sheepdog vs Treeing Walker Coonhound
Frequently asked questions
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good with kids?
The AKC rates the Icelandic Sheepdog 5 out of 5 for being good with young children. That is the top score.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate), and coat grooming 2 out of 5.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs easy to train?
Trainability is rated 5 out of 5 and mental stimulation needs 5 out of 5.
How much energy does a Icelandic Sheepdog have?
Energy is rated 4 out of 5 and playfulness 3 out of 5.
Ratings: American Kennel Club breed pages, compiled February 2022 (AKC Icelandic Sheepdog page). 2025 ranking: AKC, published August 2026. How we check.