The Icelandic Sheepdog
The history of the Icelandic Sheepdog is interwoven with the history of the nation. Ever since the Age of Settlement, this one true Icelandic dog breed has stood watch alongside the people, having been brought to the country by Norse settlers in the 9th century.
The Icelandic sheepdog was not only an indispensable working animal for herding and farming but also a loyal companion who helped people survive in a harsh land. It is because of this deep-rooted connection that the dog rightfully holds the title of Iceland's National Dog - a living cultural heritage that reminds us of our origins and perseverance.
This website is dedicated to that heritage; here, we share information about the breed's history and unique characteristics, and we collect treasured stories about our national dog.
The Icelandic sheepdog was not only an indispensable working animal for herding and farming but also a loyal companion who helped people survive in a harsh land. It is because of this deep-rooted connection that the dog rightfully holds the title of Iceland's National Dog - a living cultural heritage that reminds us of our origins and perseverance.
This website is dedicated to that heritage; here, we share information about the breed's history and unique characteristics, and we collect treasured stories about our national dog.
Blog
Memorial words for Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen
I received permission from Þórhildur Bjartmarz to publish her memorial words for Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen, who has now passed away at the age of 92. Guðrún was one of the most influential protectors of the Icelandic sheepdog. "In a newspaper interview in 1982, the chairman of the Icelandic Kennel Club (hrfí) was interviewed about dog ownership. The journalist asked: Some people let their dogs sleep in bed with them — what do you think about that? The chairwoman replied in a single short sentence: ‘People must, of course, decide that for themselves.’ The interview was conducted while dog bans were still in effect in most urban areas of Iceland. Surveys showed that about 80% of Reykjavik residents were opposed to dog ownership. This short and snappy answer from the chairwoman, Guðrún R. Guðjohnsen, says a lot about her character. No doubt, many at that time would have fallen into the trap of apologizing for such behavior, but Guðrún had no need to excuse anything or give long explanations about whether it was good or bad — as many might have done to avoid offending the more ‘respectable’ citizens, who viewed keeping dogs as unsanitary and barbaric. We members referred to our chairwoman in everyday speech as Guðrún Guð. The shortening of her last name came naturally. Guðrún led the association with great dignity. She was matter‑of‑fact and had a gift for inspiring people to work with her on various issues related to dog ownership. The same applied to her foreign colleagues in the Nordic kennel clubs, NKU, where everyone was willing to give the young Icelandic organization whatever support was requested. During Guðrún’s time as chairwoman, an incredible number of things happened within the Kennel Club. One could say that a kind of war existed between dog lovers and dog opponents in urban areas, which intensified around and after 1980, the years when Guðrún joined the club. She quickly realized that the general public needed education in order for dog ownership in urban areas to gain acceptance. But one of the greatest achievements in the club’s history was when Guðrún R. Guðjohnsen and her colleagues on the board of hrfí undertook a long and difficult battle with the City of Reykjavík — resulting in the repeal of the 60‑year‑long ban on dogs, even though a majority of citizens had voted against dog ownership in a 1988 referendum. Guðrún stated that many people had misunderstood the question that was put to them, so the results were completely misleading. The essence of the issue, she said, was that Reykjavík City had wasted millions on a vote that was not valid. There, Guðrún showed her great cleverness and courage. The organization grew rapidly during that time. Among other projects, the club opened an office and a dog school. Hrfí brought in instructors from the Nordic countries to train dog trainers — both for puppy schools and obedience schools — and also invited foreign experts to hold educational seminars about the upbringing and care of dogs. The Icelandic sheepdog held a special place in Guðrún Guð’s heart. She was a breeder and a judge and served for many years on the board of the Icelandic Sheepdog division. One could say that she was the guardian of the Icelandic sheepdog — not only here in Iceland, but also through the founding of the international organization for the preservation of the Icelandic Sheepdog, ISIC, where her burning passion and deep knowledge of the breed found room to flourish around the world. I know I speak for many when I say heartfelt thanks for all that honorary member of hrfí, Guðrún Guð, accomplished for our organization. Thank you for all the time, energy, honesty, and selflessness that we experienced through Guðrún R. Guðjohnsen’s work. Guðrún was born on January 31, 1934. She passed away on May 13, 2026. I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Guðrún’s work related to the Icelandic sheepdog will be further honored in connection with Icelandic Sheepdog Day, July 18. Garðabær, May 18, 2026 Þórhildur Bjartmarz former chairwoman and honorary member of hrfí Photo: Jón Svavarsson / Motiv
Old Chieftains
Although the population of the Icelandic Sheepdog remains rather small, the breed is generally healthy and remarkably long-lived compared to many other dog breeds. Recently, I heard of a dog that lived to be over twenty years old – the oldest case I’ve ever come across. You can read about him, Askur, in the newest story added to the collection: [Askur–Laxi vom Rensberg.](https://www.fjarhundur.is/en/stories/askur-vom-rensberg) The picture above shows Kría, taken in February 2024 when we were producing material for the Heritage Center. Kría was born on December 19th, 2009, and passed away recently, on April 23rd, sixteen years old. She was a breeding bitch owned by Connie at Breiðanes and had twelve offspring. The youngest in my group of dogs, Breiðanes Fönn, is her granddaughter. Kría was always gentle, calm, and carried that special charm that older dogs so often possess. She is deeply missed, but she lives on in the memories of those who met this canine queen – and in her children and grandchildren. It is a privilege to share life with a dog for so many years. The longevity of the Icelandic Sheepdog reflects the breed’s healthy genetic foundation and the care and dedication that breeders have shown through the years.
Spring is in the air
There’s truly a feeling of spring in the air these days, and the summer opening of the Icelandic Sheepdog Heritage Center is just around the corner. From May 1st through September, we’ll be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A lot has been happening lately. Several groups of visitors have already stopped by, and we recently had the pleasure of welcoming Director General of the Icelandic Tourist Board, Arnar Már Ólafsson, along with other members of the Tourist Board and Halldór Óli Kjartansson, Managing Director of the North Iceland Marketing Office. We also participated in the project _Sundays at the Museum_ here in Northwest Iceland and hosted a well-attended event, _Turf House Walk and the National Dog_, during Skagafjörður's Culture Festival (_Sæluvika_). Another photo session for the project on color variations in the Icelandic Sheepdog also took place, where Carolin Giese [Linaimages](https://linaimages.com/) once again captured wonderful photos of beautiful dogs, this time in front of our own turf house. The name bank keeps growing, and there are now over 800 names recorded. More stories have also been added, and I’ve started exploring which ones would be suitable for recording so that visitors can listen to them peacefully at the Heritage Center. It’s always wonderful when our activities start up again after the winter, but I’m also very grateful for the quiet winter months that allow me to work on all these wonderful projects about the national dog. I’m already thinking ahead to which dog-related projects might make their way into next winter’s program. The photo that accompanies this post is of Breiðanes Fönn, the youngest on the farm and daughter of Sómi, who will always have the honor of being the inspiration behind my national dog project. The photo of beautiful Fönn was taken by Carolin and will be added to the color reference bank. The first day of summer is only a few days away, and I want to wish all readers a happy summer and thank everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past winter.
Contact
Lýtingsstaðir, 561 Varmahlíð.
+354 893 3817
[email protected]
