The Icelandic Sheepdog will be recognised by The Kennel Club with effect from 1 April 2025. The breed will be classified in the Pastoral Group on the Imported Breed Register. Until such time as a Kennel Club interim breed standard has been published, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not eligible to compete at Kennel Club licensed breed shows.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is an ancient dog, having been referred to in the Icelandic Sagas more than a thousand years ago. They are described as an attractive Spitz breed; most intelligent and exceptionally friendly. In addition to its main task of a drover dog as well as a general farm guard and alert dog, the Icelandic Sheepdog has also been used for rounding up the Icelandic horse.
From April 2025, The Kennel Club will recognise 224 breeds of pedigree dog. The last breed to be recognised was the Polish Hunting Dog in April 2024.