waiting for the next snowball to catch. The Icelandic Sheepdog is ready for any new challenge you can throw at them.
Viking Lilja,
the brightest bloom in our garden. Lil' with her sweet and gentle nature absolutely charms everyone she meets. We are planning a 2007 litter for Lilja, see our puppy page for more details.
Icelandic Sheepdog History
In about the year 874 a.d. settlers from Viking nations braved the frigid waters of the Atlantic to colonize the Isle of Iceland. These colonists brought with them the essentials for survival in this new land, Nordic Traditions, sturdy horses, multi-purpose sheep and their trusted companions; a lively intelligent Spitz-type herding dog. These faithful herders helped manage their flocks and livestock while the settlers carved out a new life on this island of fire and ice.
As the centuries wore on, the island and it's people developed a breed of dog that seems possessed of the soul of Iceland and the spirit of it's Viking founders. The Icelandic Sheepdog sports a coat that can withstand gale force winds and frigid temperatures, it's build and gate allows it to cover rugged terrain easily and with tireless effort. Their temperament is cheerful, friendly and trustworthy, they are intelligent, highly adaptable and can problem solve any situation as it arises. They are sensitive and gentle creatures that want to be with their people and are especially devoted to children.
Although the breed was almost wiped out by an epidemic, dedicated people have brought the breed back from the threat of extinction and today their numbers are enjoyed the world over. These delightful dogs are not only used as herders but as as Therapy dogs, Tracking and Search and Rescue dogs, Assistance dogs and most importantly Family dogs. Those with Icelandic Sheepdog family members enjoy the ease of training and their athletic abilities, frequently they are seen in obedience, herding, agility and flyball competitions.
Even though this breed has been documented as early as the 1600's, here in the United States we are only just discovering these wonderful dogs. Currently, they are considered a rare breed in the U.S. with just over 300 who are registered residing in the United States, but their numbers continue to grow as they conquer the hearts of the American Citizens.
Thanks to the efforts of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America, the Icelandic Sheepdog has gained partial acceptance by the American Kennel Club and will be allowed to compete in the AKC companion events beginning in July 2006, full acceptance by the AKC is projected for 2008!
Thordunu Leppatuska
Oh My Gosh, look at that Icelandic Sheepdog smile! Leppatuska is certainly enjoying her very first snow here in Maryland. Leppatuska known here as Elska is a delightful little girl who is always ready to play!
photo by Matthew Caraway
Runestone Toblerone Kaffisson
of
Mariah Manor Farm
Toblerone "Tobi" is out of our own Isi Kaffisukkulathi and Aldebaran Gryla of Runstone Icelandics. Shown here at 3 1/2 months. He's co-owned by my father and myself and is living on my parents farm with his new very best friend Luke. He's a lovey little guy who, just like his father Kaffi, is all about playing and a good cuddle. Tobi will be available for stud when he passes all his required health tests at 10 months of age.
Jon and I are privileged to have these wonderful Icelandic Sheepdogs in our household, only after having discovered them completely by accident. Our first two, Viking Hippi and Lilja came from Viking Kennel and Elisabet Stacy-Hurley of Boonsboro Maryland. Elisabet, Vice-President of the ISAA, has been a tremendous source of support and information for me. Her dogs are wonderful ambassadors of the breed, displaying the fabulous Icelandic Sheepdog personality and look that endears us all to them.
Viking Hippi and Lilja are gentle and sensitive just like their mom, Istolt Aska. Hippi has his Grandfather Virkis Tyri's handsome, sturdy build and size while Lilja has his very affectionate nature. They are intelligent and display an enthusiasm that is infectious.
We were so impressed with Hippi and Lilja, how wonderful they were to train and how easy to live with that in February 2006 we decided that we needed another in our home. With the help of Jaime Hansen, Tracking Chairman of the ISAA, Thordunu Leppatuska joined us from Thordunu Kennel and Sigurlaug Hauksdottir of Grisara, Iceland. Like Hippi and Lilja, she has a wonderful bubbly personality and is a dream to work with. We are so grateful to Sigulaug Hauksdottir for sending her to us. We are just beginning to get a glimpse of just what an incredible adult she will be. Here at home we have taken to calling her Elska, which means love in Icelandic! Recently we have had the opportunity to add Isi Kaffisukkulathi to our family, a great little guy who we have high hopes for.
To honor their Icelandic Heritage all Icelandic Sheepdogs here in the U.S.A are given Icelandic names for their registration. Viking Hippi means "long hair" or "Hippie" in Icelandic. Hippi's name couldn't fit his personality any better, he's a real party animal! Viking Lilja means Lily in Icelandic, she truely is the brightest bloom in our garden. Leppatuska translates to rag-a-muffin but is also the name of a daughter of Gryla, a monster from Icelandic folklore.
The Icelandic Sheepdog comes in a variety of colors ranging from Black, Black and white, Gray, Various shades of tan, Cream, Tri-Color, Chocolate and Red. All can include various markings and patterns of spotting making each dog in the breed an individual. They come in a long and a short hair coat and can sport double dew claws. We love all the different flavors they come in.
The Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America and it's Board of Directors are a wonderful resource for the Icelandic Sheepdog owner. As part of the ISAA's guidelines all dogs in a breeding program must first pass a CERF test for their eyes and have their hips checked by either a Penn-hip or OFA test, as well as being free from congenital defects. Males must be at least 10 months of age and females must be at least two years of age before breeding. We hope to add Viking Lilja's and Thordunu Leppatuska's names to the list of those who are eligible to have litters and to continue to raise Icelandic Sheepdogs the way the Icelanders developed them.
Isi Kaffisukkulathi
"Kaffi" came to live with us in October 2006. We are very excited to have him as he is one of two Chocolate Icelandic Sheepdogs here in the United States, the first of their kind to be in this Country. He is a wonderful, cuddly guy who has been enchanting everyone he greets. Kaffi has been awarded Best 12 -18 month old Dog at the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America's 10th Anniversary Gathering and the Atlantshaf Icelandic Sheepdog Chapters Fun Match August 2007.
Fox Meadow Jolasveinn
Is the newest addition to the Fox Meadow pack. out of our own Thordunu Leppatuska and Isi Kaffisukkulathi.
Jolasveinn is the first chocolate tri-color Icelandic Sheepdog to be born in the U.S. and he and his littermates really inherited their mother's intelligence and determination. All these puppies mastered the sit, down, touch and look at me commands by six weeks old using clicker training.
They certainly WOW'd the Veterinarians at their Well-Puppy visits! We hope to offer Jolasveinn up for stud after the required health tests are completed at 10 months.
