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, 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. 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.