Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly, high-energy herding spitzes that commonly use their voice; in a clinic they may alert-bark at doors, foot traffic, sudden noises, or fast movement (children, carts, small pets) and can fixate on things overhead (e.g., birds outside windows), sometimes trying to "herd" by circling or nudging. Many are uncomfortable when separated from their person, so kennel waiting can quickly escalate to pacing, whining, or persistent barking. When possible, seat with the owner in a quieter, low-traffic area and limit sightlines to entryways/windows. Watch for stress stacking—panting, drooling, trembling, inability to settle, or escape attempts—and if barking becomes uninterruptible or the dog is frantically trying to flee or overheating, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Just a heads-up: Icelandic Sheepdogs can be very alert and vocal here. Does [Name] do better staying with you and away from doors or windows? We’ll place you in a quieter spot and minimize fast movement nearby. If [Name] can’t settle or shows heavy panting/drooling or escape attempts, we’ll bring you straight to the care team.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally hardy but have known breed risks for orthopedic issues (hip dysplasia; occasional elbow dysplasia; luxating patellas) and hereditary eye disease (cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and distichiasis/abnormal eyelashes). Front-desk watchouts to note for the medical team include persistent or recurrent limping, skipping or “bunny‑hopping,” stiffness after rest, or reluctance to jump; and for eyes, new redness, squinting, discharge, a cloudy/white lens, or sudden bumping into objects. If any eye signs appear suddenly or the dog will not bear weight on a limb, advise a same‑day veterinary assessment. Breed organizations emphasize hip and ophthalmic screening in this breed, so flag these systems in the chart for routine checks.
Front desk script: This breed can be prone to joint issues (hips/elbows/kneecaps) and certain hereditary eye problems. If you notice sudden eye redness, squinting, a cloudy eye, or bumping into things—or if your dog won’t put weight on a leg—please tell us right away; this should be seen today. Ongoing limping or stiffness can be noted so the doctor can evaluate at the next visit. I’ll mark the breed in your chart so our team keeps a close eye on hips and eyes.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are small-to-medium Nordic herding spitz (about 16.5–18 in, 25–30 lb) that are friendly, energetic, and vocal; they thrive with daily exercise, training, and time with their people. Expect heavy year-round shedding from a thick double coat with seasonal “blow” periods. Generally healthy with a 12–14 year lifespan, but owners should ask about wellness screening for hips/elbows, kneecaps, and eyes (e.g., cataracts/retinal changes). Cold-tolerant yet heat-sensitive—if you see collapse, extreme or unrelenting panting, or trouble breathing in warm weather, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: They’re an active, people-oriented herding breed that tends to bark and needs daily exercise. Heavy shedders—expect regular brushing and lint rollers. The doctor may recommend screening hips/elbows, knees, and eyes; please mention any limping, hopping gait, or eye squinting you notice. If your dog collapses, struggles to breathe, or pants excessively in heat, go to the nearest ER vet now and call us on the way.
Front desks most often hear from Icelandic Sheepdog owners about heavy seasonal shedding/coat “blow,” grooming/matting questions, and fast‑growing dewclaw nails (rear double dewclaws are common), prompting nail‑trim bookings. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icelandic-sheepdog)) They also frequently call for itchy skin/ear irritation, vomiting/diarrhea, and minor injuries—patterns that rank among the top reasons dogs visit veterinarians nationwide. ([news.nationwide.com](https://news.nationwide.com/what-is-most-likely-to-send-your-pet-to-the-veterinarian/)) Owners may ask to book same‑day checks for intermittent limping or screening of known breed issues (hip/elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation) and for eye irritation given breed‑reported cataracts/distichiasis. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icelandic-sheepdog)) If the caller reports trouble breathing, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, inability to urinate, collapse, or seizures, instruct them to seek emergency care immediately. ([aaha.org](https://www.aaha.org/resources/help-is-this-a-pet-emergency/))
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—those are common questions we get for Icelandic Sheepdogs. I can reserve a same‑day appointment for concerns like coat blow/grooming needs, itchy skin or ears, tummy upset, limping, eye irritation, or dewclaw/nail issues. If you’re seeing trouble breathing, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, not passing urine, collapse, or seizures, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and we can notify them you’re on the way.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick, weatherproof double coat (short- or long-haired) and shed year-round, with heavy seasonal “blow” periods in spring and fall; expect significantly more hair during those weeks. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icelandic-sheepdog)) Routine care typically includes weekly brushing, increased to daily during blowouts; plan longer de-shedding appointments in those seasons and confirm the owner’s home brushing routine. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icelandic-sheepdog)) Nail care should include dewclaws, which can overgrow if not trimmed. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icelandic-sheepdog)) Front-desk triage: if an owner reports sudden intense itching, red/oozing skin, foul odor, or rapid coat loss, book a same-day medical exam rather than a grooming slot.
Front desk script: “This breed has a double coat and sheds year-round, with heavy ‘blow’ periods in spring and fall. We can schedule a brush-out/de-shed today and add extra time during those heavy-shed weeks. We’ll make sure nail trims include the dewclaws. If you’re seeing intense itching, red or oozing skin, or sudden bald spots, we should book a same-day medical visit instead of grooming.”
Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy but have breed-documented risks for orthopedic issues (hip/elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation) and ocular conditions (cataracts, retinal dysplasia; some lines report distichiasis). During intake, ask specifically about new eye redness, squinting, discharge/cloudiness, or vision changes; gait changes or limb use (weight-bearing, onset, trauma); and note that many have double rear dewclaws (confirm for nail-trim scheduling and flag torn/broken dewclaws). Route painful/red or suddenly cloudy/squinting eyes to a same‑day/urgent slot, and non‑weight‑bearing or acutely painful lameness to same‑day; otherwise, book the next available lameness exam and note imaging availability. Capture any breeder screening results (hips/patellas/eyes) for the medical record and anticipate periodic ortho/eye follow‑ups.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Icelandic Sheepdog—I'll ask briefly about their eyes and gait. If you see a red or squinting eye, thick discharge, cloudiness, or sudden vision change, this can threaten vision: we recommend a same‑day visit; if we’re closed, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. If your dog won’t put weight on a leg or cries when moving, we’ll book you today; milder, intermittent limping can go in the next available lameness slot. For nail trims, does your dog have double rear dewclaws? We’ll note them so we allocate enough time.
Icelandic Sheepdogs generally live 12–14 years, so plan care by life stage: Puppies (to ~1 year) need frequent wellness visits and core vaccine series every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks, plus guidance on socialization, house-training, and spay/neuter timing; Adults (~1–7 years) benefit from annual wellness with vaccines based on lifestyle, dental scheduling, weight/exercise check-ins, and planning around seasonal coat “blow” and boarding; From mature/senior (~7+ years), shift to twice‑yearly exams with screening labs as recommended, and ask about mobility, vision changes, cognition, and new lumps. Across ages, owners may ask about breed‑tendencies (hips/patella, eyes); flag persistent or non‑weight‑bearing lameness or ongoing squinting/red eyes for doctor review. Escalate immediately for trouble breathing, collapse, heat stress, inability to urinate/defecate, or acute eye injury.
Front desk script: For Icelandic Sheepdogs, puppies are seen every 3–4 weeks until 16–18 weeks for vaccines and growth checks—would you like me to map those dates now? As an adult, we schedule yearly wellness visits and vaccines based on lifestyle; from about age 7, we move to twice‑yearly checkups with recommended screening labs. If you notice sudden breathing trouble, collapse, severe eye issues, or your dog can’t urinate/defecate, please tell me now—this may be an emergency and we’ll triage immediately.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly, energetic, and often vocal; set expectations that some barking is normal and we’ll minimize stress with quick rooming or quieter seating when available. Ask owners to bring high‑value treats or a favorite toy and, if relevant, a short video of any behavior/concern. Confirm handling preferences (many settle best with their person present) and ask about mobility or eye sensitivities before moving rooms, as the breed can have orthopedic and ocular issues. If the dog has labored or shallow breathing, repeated seizures, is straining and not passing urine, or is profoundly lethargic, instruct the owner to proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Front desk script: “Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to be friendly but ‘chatty.’ If we hear some barking, that’s normal—we’ll seat you in a lower‑stimulation area or room you quickly when possible.” “Please let me know if your dog settles better with you nearby and if there are any mobility or eye sensitivities before we move to an exam room.” “If you ever notice trouble breathing, repeated seizures, or straining without urinating, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest 24/7 ER now and call us from the car.”
Icelandic Sheepdogs should be proactively flagged for orthopedic and eye screening: AKC/parent‑club recommendations include hip evaluation and ophthalmologist (CAER) eye exams, and the breed club lists issues seen in the breed such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, patellar luxation, and distichiasis; PetMD also notes ocular and orthopedic predispositions. At check‑in, ask whether prior OFA/PennHIP hip results and CAER eye results exist; if none, offer to add a baseline hip/patella assessment at the next wellness visit and schedule the annual eye exam. Escalate same day if owners report new squinting/redness, cloudy eye, or non‑weight‑bearing/acute lameness; direct immediately to an emergency hospital if an eye is protruding/out or there is severe ocular trauma or collapse. ([akc.org](https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/herding-group-health-testing-requirements/))
Front desk script: Because Icelandic Sheepdogs can be prone to hip and eye problems, our doctor keeps them on a proactive screening schedule. Has [PetName] ever had OFA/PennHIP hip X‑rays or a CAER eye exam? If not, I can add a baseline hip/patella check to your next wellness visit and book the yearly eye exam today. If you ever see squinting/redness or [PetName] won’t put weight on a leg, please call us right away; if an eye is bulging/out or [PetName] collapses, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Cheerful, people‑oriented Nordic herder; usually friendly and eager but often very vocal on arrival. Medium size and agile—secure leash and gates, expect alert barking and quick movements. Handle with upbeat, low‑stress techniques: let them greet/sniff, use high‑value treats, brief breaks, and calm voices; avoid heavy restraint, which can ramp up arousal. Front‑desk priorities: quick rooming to reduce barking/arousal, offer a quieter space if the lobby is busy, confirm preferred rewards/handling cues, and note any history of orthopedic (hips/knees) or eye screening per breed recommendations.
Front desk script: Icelandic Sheepdogs are usually friendly but can be talkative and excited—let’s get you roomed quickly. Please keep a snug leash; do treats or a toy help during exams? Let us know any handling preferences that have worked well. Have they had any hip/knee or eye screening, or past issues we should note for the doctor?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly, vocal Nordic herders; in shelter/adoption settings expect alert barking and occasional herding/chasing behavior—use secure leashes/fencing and plan daily exercise and enrichment. Note double hind dewclaws as normal, and during intake watch for eye squinting/redness or lens cloudiness (breed clubs and veterinary sources report hereditary eye issues) and for hind‑limb stiffness/lameness suggestive of hip/patella problems; record cryptorchid status in males. Advise adopters to establish veterinary care promptly and to discuss breed‑appropriate screening (hips via OFA/PennHIP; ACVO/OFA CAER eye exam) and positive‑reinforcement training for barking. Heat caution: thick double coats mean potential overheating—if collapse, seizures, bloody diarrhea/vomit, or extreme panting with body temperature over 104°F occur, seek emergency care immediately; eye pain or sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness warrants same‑day veterinary attention.
Front desk script: This breed is a cheerful, vocal herder—barking and attempts to ‘herd’ people or pets are common at first, so we recommend a secure leash/fence and daily exercise. Please watch for eye squinting/discharge or sudden limping and call us the same day; if you ever see collapse or severe overheating signs, go to emergency care now. At your first vet visit, ask about hip and eye screening and training tips to manage barking.
Cheerful, people‑oriented herding dogs; typically friendly with strangers and children but arrive with high energy, frequent alert‑barking, and a tendency to herd or chase fast movement. For check‑in, greet calmly, clip a secure leash/harness, and seat in a low‑traffic area away from doors/windows and fast‑moving triggers; offer high‑value treats and allow brief sniffing to settle. For waiting‑room flow, consider car‑to‑lobby or direct‑to‑room if vocalization escalates; avoid tight passes with reactive dogs. For handoff, use a calm, reward‑based approach, note known triggers/treat preferences, and use two‑leash control if needed. Escalate immediately if you observe severe distress (inability to settle with frantic barking, open‑mouth panting, excessive drooling, retching without vomit, sudden collapse, or escalating aggression).
Front desk script: “Icelandic Sheepdogs are friendly but can be excitable and vocal here, so we’ll seat you in a quieter spot or check you in from the car if you prefer. Are there any triggers we should avoid and what treats work best for [Pet Name]? When our tech arrives, we’ll do a calm, treat‑based handoff—please keep [Pet Name] on a secure leash. If [Pet Name] seems panicked or can’t settle, we’ll bring the medical team right away.”
For Icelandic Sheepdogs, immediately escalate to SAME-DAY/ER if any of the following are reported: labored/noisy breathing, blue or white gums, collapse, or severe weakness; a distended abdomen with unproductive retching (possible bloat/GDV); seizure activity lasting >5 minutes, multiple seizures in 24 hours, or failure to return to normal; straining to urinate or no urine produced (especially males); suspected toxin exposure or major trauma; persistent vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy; pregnant dam with strong contractions >20–30 minutes without a puppy, green/black discharge without a puppy, or >2 hours between pups; and in warm/humid weather, heavy/excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, or collapse—double‑coated breeds can overheat quickly. Use clear language: “This may be an emergency—your dog should be seen immediately.”
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this may be an emergency and your dog should be seen immediately. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now—I can call ahead to alert the team. If transport is unsafe or you need the closest ER location, stay on the line and we’ll assist you.