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