Icelandic dog

FCI standard number: 289
Country of origin: Iceland Classification FCI Group 5, Section 3, Nordic Watch and Herding 
Height at withers female: ideal size 42 cm
Height at withers male: ideal size 46 cm
Weight female: approx. 9-14 kg
Weight male: approx. 11-16 kg
Fur color: Various colors are permitted, including tan, red, gray, chocolate brown, black and combinations with white; the basic color is always predominant
Fur texture: Dense, weatherproof double coat, in short-haired and long-haired varieties, with soft, dense undercoat and coarser topcoat
Neck circumference: approx. 30-40 cm
Product information "Icelandic dog"

The Icelandic Hound

History of the Icelandic Hound

The Icelandic Hound is the only recognized dog breed in Iceland. Its ancestors probably came to Iceland with the Vikings and were used there for centuries as versatile herding and farm dogs. The harsh climate and work with sheep and on remote farms had a strong influence on the breed. To this day, the Icelandic Hound is regarded as an original, robust Nordic herding spitz.

Appearance

Body shape: The Icelandic Hound is of medium size, rectangular in build and strong without appearing heavy. Typical features are the upright ears, the tail curled over the back and the alert, friendly expression. It appears agile, sure-footed and robust.

Coat: The coat is very dense and weatherproof. There is a short-haired and a long-haired variety, both with a dense undercoat. The coat reliably protects against wetness, wind and cold and is therefore very well suited to the breed's origins.

Nature/character

The Icelandic Hound is considered to be cheerful, attentive, friendly and self-confident. It is very people-oriented, curious and usually open in contact. At the same time, it is alert and often barks, which is typical of a Hütespitz. He is usually affectionate, playful and cooperative with his family.

Grooming

Despite its abundance, the coat is usually quite easy to care for as long as it is brushed regularly. However, a lot of hair accumulates during the shedding period, so daily brushing and combing is advisable. Ears, claws, teeth and paws should also be checked regularly.

Health

The Icelandic Hound is generally considered to be a robust and hardy breed. Nevertheless, as with any breed, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, good weight management and regular veterinary checks. As with other medium-sized dogs, joint or eye problems can play a role in individual lines, even though the breed as a whole is considered to be comparatively pristine and functional.

Training

Training is often easy because the Icelandic Hound is usually cooperative, intelligent and people-oriented. However, it is important to steer their pronounced barking tendencies in a sensible direction right from the start. He needs clear rules, friendly consistency, early socialization and sufficient mental and physical activity. With suitable exercise, it is generally a pleasant and active companion.

What are the special features of this breed?

What is special about this breed is its original character as a Nordic Hütespitz. The Icelandic Hound is the only recognized dog breed in Iceland and is very alert, loves to move and loves to bark. Its friendly openness, robustness and often very good adaptation to active family life are also typical. The combination of spitz type, herding behavior and cheerful temperament makes him special.

Suitable for first-time dog owners?

Yes, the Icelandic Hound is often well suited to committed first-time dog owners. They are usually friendly, eager to learn and cooperative. However, you should not underestimate their barking nature and their need for exercise and activity. If you are prepared to put some effort into training and exercise, this breed can do very well.

Family dog or not?

Yes, the Icelandic Hound is generally a very good family dog. They are usually friendly, playful, affectionate and like to be close to their humans. They are particularly well suited to active families who enjoy exercising together and have a lively, attentive dog. However, because of his barking and temperament, he also needs clear structures in everyday family life.


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The Scottish TerrierHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Scottish Terrier originates from Great Britain and is one of the old terrier breeds of Scotland. The current breed type developed in the 19th century and the Scottish Terrier Club was founded in 1882, shortly after the first standards for the breed were established. Originally, the small, slow-running terrier was bred for construction work.AppearanceBody shape: The Scottish Terrier is sturdy, compact and low-set. Despite its short legs, it appears very agile, alert and surprisingly powerful for its size. Typical features include a long head in proportion to its body size, a solid build and an overall robust appearance. Coat: The coat is dense, wiry and weather-resistant. It protects the dog well and, together with the beard, bushy eyebrows and distinctive silhouette, is one of the breed’s most striking features. The recognised colours are black, brindle and wheaten. Nature/characterThe Scottish Terrier is considered to be loyal, dignified, independent, reserved and at the same time courageous and very intelligent. He is usually loyal and affectionate towards his family, but tends to be reserved towards strangers. His large personality in a small space is typical. The standard describes him as bold, but never aggressive. GroomingGrooming is more time-consuming than you might expect for a small dog. The wiry coat should be brushed regularly and usually also trimmed to maintain the typical coat structure. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. HealthThe Scottish Terrier is generally regarded as a robust breed, but care should be taken to ensure responsible breeding. As with many terrier breeds, certain hereditary diseases can play a role depending on the line. Regular veterinary checks, good weight management and a reputable breeding base are important. EducationTraining should be friendly, clear and consistent. The Scottish Terrier is intelligent, but often independent and not simply eager to please. They therefore need early socialisation, reliable rules and calm leadership. Harsh methods do not suit this self-confident breed with its strong character. What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the mixture of small size and big personality. The Scottish Terrier often appears serious, dignified and independent, but is closely attached to his family. It also has a very typical appearance with a beard, bushy brows and striking silhouette. It is precisely this combination of strength of character and distinctiveness that makes him so special.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditional. A calm, consistent and well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Scottish Terrier. However, the breed is not completely uncomplicated because it can be independent, self-confident and sometimes a little stubborn when it comes to training. Family dog or not?Yes, in principle the Scottish Terrier can be a good family dog. They are particularly well suited to households that respect their independence and give them clear rules. He usually lives closely with his family, but is not an overly affectionate or constantly pleasing dog. In a suitable, calm environment, he is often a loyal and charming companion.
 
Large Münsterländer
The Great Munsterlander History of the Scottish Terrier According to the FCI, the historical development of the Grosser Münsterländer can be traced back to the white-coloured bird and pickling dog of the Middle Ages, via the rummaging and guard dog to the pointing dog of the 19th century. After the German Longhair Club excluded the black colour from breeding in 1909, the targeted pure breeding of the black and white longhair type began in 1919, from which the Grosse Münsterländer emerged. Scheduled breeding began in 1922. Appearance Body shape: The Großer Münsterländer is strong, muscular and yet sleekly built. It appears intelligent and noble, with a clean outline and well-balanced proportions. Body length and height at the withers should be as equal as possible. Coat: The coat is long, dense and close-fitting. It is significantly longer and densely feathered, particularly on the forelegs and hind legs, the tail and the ears. On the head, the hair is short and close-fitting. Nature/character The most important characteristics include docility, docility and reliable hunting ability, especially after the shot. The character is lively, but not nervous. The VDH also describes him as lovable, eager to work and a pleasant family member if sufficiently exercised. Grooming The long coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep it clean. The feathering on the legs, tail and ears in particular should be groomed. As the breed likes to work in fields, woods and water, it is also important to check paws, ears and coat after outings. Overall, the breed is considered easy to care for if the coat is groomed consistently. Health The Grosser Münsterländer is generally regarded as a robust and hardy breed. Nevertheless, breeding organisations pay attention to genetic health, in particular HD and ED. Ears should also be checked regularly, as long-haired dogs with drooping ears are more likely to suffer from inflammation. Education Training should be consistent, fair and meaningful. The Grosser Münsterländer is intelligent, willing to learn and eager to work, but needs tasks that suit his abilities. Because he is a strong hunting dog, pure exercise is usually not enough; he also needs mental exercise and clear leadership. What are the special features of this breed? Its versatility as a hunting dog is special. According to the standard, it should be usable for work in the field, in the forest and in the water before and after the shot. Added to this are his close bond with humans, his great willingness to work and his love of water. He is therefore not a pure companion dog, but a dog with a clear task and working dog disposition. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Rather only to a limited extent. Although he is docile and docile, he is also a real hunting dog with a lot of energy, willingness to work and a need for meaningful exercise. It is more suitable for beginners if they are very active, well prepared and can really keep the dog busy. Family dog or not? Yes, basically yes, but not for every family. With sufficient exercise, he can be a friendly, patient and pleasant family dog. However, without suitable activity, his strong working and hunting instincts can quickly become a problem. He is therefore best suited to active families who do a lot with him and do not underchallenge him.
 

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Siberian Husky
The Siberian HuskyHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Siberian Husky goes back to the sled dogs of the Chukchi in north-east Asia. The breed was later brought to North America and developed further there, primarily as an endurance sled dog. Today's official origin according to the FCI is the USA, even though the historical roots lie in Siberia. AppearanceBody shape: The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized, fast and light-footed working dog with harmonious proportions. Its body is moderately compact, muscular but not heavy. Typical features include the erect ears, the bushy tail and the alert, Nordic expression. Coat: The coat is double-layered and provides excellent protection against the cold. It is neither excessively long nor shaggy, but functional, dense and weather-resistant. The Husky sheds a great deal of undercoat, particularly during the moulting season.Nature/characterThe Siberian Husky is considered friendly, gentle, attentive and sociable. It is usually not a typical guard dog, often quite open towards people and frequently shows a certain degree of independence. Many huskies are eager to move, intelligent and enjoy working, but also have a strong will of their own. GroomingGrooming is usually straightforward outside of the shedding season. Regular brushing is often enough to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean. During the shedding season, the grooming effort is significantly higher because a lot of undercoat falls out.HealthThe Siberian Husky is generally regarded as a robust and efficient breed. Nevertheless, eye diseases such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy as well as hip problems can occur. Good breeding, health checks and appropriate exercise are therefore important.EducationTraining a Siberian Husky requires patience, consistency and a lot of daily management. It learns well, but is often independent and not designed for blind obedience. Early socialisation, leash training and a confident recall are particularly important, although the latter can remain challenging due to the often strong hunting instinct.What are the special features of this breed?What makes the Siberian Husky special is its enormous stamina, its love of running and its original suitability as a sled dog. It usually needs considerably more exercise and meaningful activity than many other breeds. In addition, he is often very social, but also independent, eager to break out and motivated to hunt. Its dense undercoat and Nordic appearance make it unmistakable.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather limited. A Siberian Husky is usually not an easy breed for beginners because it needs a lot of exercise, clear leadership and an understanding of the breed. Those with little experience can quickly reach their limits with a Husky, especially when it comes to recall, hunting instinct and exercise. However, with very good preparation and the right lifestyle, it can still work.Family dog or not?Yes, the Siberian Husky can basically be a family dog. They are often friendly, social and closely bonded to their humans. At the same time, it only fits well into a family if there is enough time for exercise, training and activity. It is usually less suitable for a rather quiet home without much activity.
 
Small Münsterländer
The Small Münsterländer History of the Scottish Terrier The Kleiner Münsterländer is an old German hunting dog breed from the Münsterland region. Its development began in the 19th century, when long-haired quail dogs were already known in the region. These dogs were considered to be willing to track, willing to point and strong retrievers. In 1912, the Association for Small Münsterland Pointing Dogs was finally founded and the planned breeding of the breed began. Appearance Body shape: The Kleiner Münsterländer is a medium-sized, harmoniously built and athletic dog with a lot of expression and elegance. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers, strong but not heavy. It appears agile, persistent and powerful. Coat: The coat is shiny, dense and not too long. It is usually smooth or slightly wavy on the body. Typical are the well-defined feathering on the front and hind legs and the clearly feathered tail. Nature/character The Kleiner Münsterländer is considered intelligent, attentive, friendly and spirited. He is strongly orientated towards his owner, learns quickly and enjoys working with him. At the same time, it is a passionate hunting dog with lots of energy, prey drive and stamina. In everyday family life, he is often affectionate and even-tempered if he is kept sufficiently occupied. Grooming Grooming is generally easy to manage. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair, dirt and small tangles. After walks in fields, woods and undergrowth, the coat, ears and paws should be checked, as burrs or parasites can easily get stuck there. Claws and teeth also need regular grooming. Health The Kleiner Münsterländer is generally regarded as a robust and capable breed. Nevertheless, as with all medium-sized hunting dogs, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, healthy growth and a suitable body weight. Depending on the line, joint problems or eye issues can play a role. The general robustness is well supported by the many years of hunting use, the possible diseases are a cautious professional categorisation. Education Training should be friendly, clear and consistent. The Kleiner Münsterländer is smart and co-operative, but can also be easily distracted due to its hunting disposition. Early socialisation, reliable recall and a sensible combination of exercise, nose work and mental exercise are particularly important. Harsh methods are unsuitable because they can put a strain on co-operation.  What are the special features of this breed? What is special about this breed is the combination of closeness to the family and a genuine hunting disposition. The Kleiner Münsterländer is not a pure companion dog, but a versatile pointing dog with a great deal of willingness to search, tracking ability and stamina. He is often very sensitive to working with his human and needs tasks that suit his nature. It is precisely this mixture of elegance, willingness to work and strong bond that makes him special. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditional. A committed and well-informed first-time dog owner can do well with a Kleiner Münsterländer if sufficient time, exercise and activity are planned. However, the breed is not easy because it is motivated by hunting and needs consistent training. If you are looking for a calm, undemanding beginner's dog, this breed is usually not the ideal choice. Family dog or not? Yes, the Kleiner Münsterländer can be a good family dog. He is often friendly, affectionate and people orientated. However, it is particularly suitable for active families who enjoy exercise, training and spending time together. Without sufficient exercise, this intelligent hunting dog will quickly become underchallenged in everyday life.