Longevity
Life expectancy
A life expectancy of 11 to 13 years is common. A balanced diet, regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary check-ups promote a long and active life.
Build
A robust breed?
Selected for centuries in a harsh environment, this dog withstands cold and bad weather well. Its overall sturdiness does not exempt one from monitoring its joints, its eyes and its body condition, notably during growth and in middle age.
Watch points
What to watch for
No single pathology defines the breed, but breeding dogs should undergo appropriate screenings and owners should remain attentive to any lameness, visual discomfort or lasting change in behavior.
Hip dysplasia : Poor congruence of the joint can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; radiographic screening of breeding dogs reduces the risk.
Hereditary eye disorders : Cataracts and certain eyelid or eyelash abnormalities warrant regular ophthalmologic examinations in breeding dogs.
Patellar luxation : Intermittent displacement of the kneecap can cause hopping or lameness and requires a veterinary evaluation.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense undercoat gives it very good tolerance to cold. It tolerates high heat less well: in summer, activities must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and without intense effort on burning ground. The coat must not be shaved, because it contributes to insulation.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Icelandic Sheepdog is active and not very prone to being overweight when it gets enough exercise, but its ration must always be adjusted to its age, its activity level and its body condition. The ribs must remain palpable without being protruding and treats must be included in the daily intake.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Schedule a veterinary check-up at least once a year.
- Maintain vaccinations and parasite protection according to lifestyle.
- Regularly check the eyes, ears, teeth and claws.
- Brush weekly and at least three times a week during shedding.
- Limit activity to cooler hours during periods of high heat.
Vaccination
Icelandic Sheepdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Icelandic Sheepdog? Like all cats, the Icelandic Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Icelandic Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Icelandic Sheepdog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Icelandic Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Icelandic Sheepdog
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips, patellas and eyes evaluated by competent veterinarians. For the companion dog, an annual examination, weight monitoring, and checks of the teeth, ears and locomotion make it possible to detect problems early.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
