The Icelandic Sheep Dog
The Icelandic Sheepdog, the national dog of Iceland, has accompanied the Icelandic people since the settlement era and is an inseparable part of the country's history and culture. In 2025, we will open a unique exhibition at Lýtingsstaðir in Skagafjörður, dedicated to this remarkable breed and its story. Come and experience this extraordinary exhibition - history, knowledge, and a truly memorable experience await you!
BLOG
Award
Last week, we received an award from the Municipality of Skagafjörður for “An Exceptional Initiative "– The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center". In the statement it says: "After two and a half years of research and preparation, the family at Lýtingsstaðir opened The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center, in a specially designed building in May of this year. This is a unique exhibition about the history of the Icelandic sheepdog, with the aim of preserving and sharing knowledge about this distinctly Icelandic breed, giving it space, and making it visible and accessible. At the center, visitors can learn about the history of dogs in Iceland, from the settlement period to modern times, about folklore, and also stories of famous dogs. One can also watch a variety of videos and documentaries, view old photographs and engravings, browse through books, read old documents and letters, and discover the softness of yarn spun from dog hair. Three Icelandic sheepdogs on the farm form a cheerful welcoming committee. The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center has attracted great interest from both Icelanders and foreign visitors, in addition to being featured in the media. The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center is a living testament to how passion, respect, and sustainability can come together in an exceptional initiative that preserves cultural heritage for future generations." We are very proud of this recognition and sincerely thankful.
From Vision to Reality: The First Summer at the Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center
The Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center has now been open for just over three months, and it feels like the right time to reflect on how this first summer has gone. In short, the reception has far exceeded expectations. I am deeply touched by how many Icelanders have visited the exhibition, showing great interest in both the national dog and its history. Many beautiful (sheep)dogs accompanied their owners on visits – and of course, they were warmly welcomed too. What stood out with foreign visitors was that very few of them had ever heard of the Icelandic Sheepdog. I can safely say that we succeeded in introducing our national dog to hundreds of international guests who primarily came to experience the Icelandic horse. Many were surprised to learn that such a unique Icelandic breed even existed. At the same time, we also welcomed visitors who knew the breed well, owned Icelandic Sheepdogs themselves, and even bred them in their home countries. This summer has brought many enjoyable and fascinating conversations – and even some goosebump moments. One such moment was the visit of Rafn Jónsson, who in [1984 filed a lawsuit against then Minister of Finance, Albert Guðmundsson](https://www.fjarhundur.is/en/blog/hundabann-i-reykjavik-i-60-ar), for illegal dog ownership after publicly revealing it on television. Rafn was just as surprised to see his name featured in the exhibition as I was to welcome him in person. Another unforgettable visit was that of Patricia Putmans, who came in connection with the Icelandic Sheepdog Day. Patricia, or Pat, once worked with Mark Watson, assisting him in bringing Icelandic Sheepdogs to the United States in 1955 and in gathering material for the book [_The Iceland Dog 874–1956_](https://www.fjarhundur.is/en/blog/bokagjof). Meeting this lively woman, who fulfilled her dream of visiting Iceland and Glaumbær at the age of 84, is something I will never forget. Now the days are growing shorter and summer is coming to an end. Ahead lie autumn tasks and a long winter, which I look forward to using for further research and collecting more stories. The goal for this year was to open the exhibition – and that was a great success. Now the next step is to continue building and expanding the center. The Heritage Center will remain open daily through September, and after that by appointment. Photo: Patricia Putman holding the book _The Iceland Dog_ in front of the information board about Mark Watson on Icelandic Sheepdog Day, July 18, 2025.
Icelandic Sheepdog Day
Happy Icelandic Sheepdog day to all owners and friends of the Icelandic Sheepdog! July 18th is the birthday of Mark Watson, whom we often call the savior of the Icelandic Sheepdog. This year, the day is being celebrated for the tenth time all over the country, as well as abroad. Social media is filled with pictures of beautiful dogs, showing just how diverse the breed is when it comes to color variations and coat types. On the occasion of the day, various events are being held. In addition to the festivities at Árbæjarsafn in Reykjavík, I would especially like to mention the event here in Skagafjörður, called "Mark Watson Day." Watson is not only connected to the rescue of the Icelandic Sheepdog, but also to the restoration of the old farm at Glaumbær, which became Iceland’s first folk museum. We will begin the celebrations here at Lýtingsstaðir, where we expect guests with their dogs after noon. Admission to the Heritage Center will be free today. Afterwards, we will move over to Glaumbær to delight guests there from 4–6 pm. We are also expecting a guest of honor whom I am very excited to meet. Patricia Putman will be present; she has dedicated her life to dog breeding and training, with the Icelandic Sheepdog holding a special place in her heart. Pat is the chair of the judges’ education committee and the AKC representative for the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA). She worked with Mark Watson in the 1950s on his book “The Iceland Dog 874–1956” and played a major role in the selection and import of Icelandic dogs to the United States. Pat will say a few words about Mark Watson and the Icelandic Sheepdog in honor of the day. Her talk will be streamed on the Facebook page of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum. Our dogs will be decorated today with an Icelandic ribbon attached to their collars! I would like to end with a beautiful quote I read on social media yesterday, from _Independent People_ by Halldór Laxness: **“No matter how things turn out, at least people have the memories of their dogs—those can never be taken from us!”** Enjoy the day!
CONTACT
Lýtingsstaðir, 561 Varmahlíð.
561 Varmahlíð
Phone: +354 893 3817
[email protected]
