Icelandic Sheepdog health: what owners should know

Most Icelandics are sturdy, healthy dogs, but the breed is known to be prone to hip dysplasia, retained testicles in males, eyelash problems such as distichiasis, cataracts and slipping kneecaps. Because the population descends from relatively few dogs, breed clubs encourage breeders to watch genetic diversity closely, alongside hip scoring and eye examinations.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight, maintain nail care on those dewclaws, and check the eyes regularly. See a vet if your dog squints, has a watery or red eye, seems stiff after resting, or if a male puppy's testicles have not both descended by the time the vet expects.