How often should I groom my Icelandic Sheepdog?

Icelandic Sheepdogs should be groomed every 6-8 weeks. Consistent grooming keeps their thick, medium-length double coat (two varieties) healthy and prevents painful matting.

How difficult is Icelandic Sheepdog grooming?

Icelandic Sheepdog grooming is rated "Medium". Many owners can learn to groom their Icelandic Sheepdog at home with the right tools and practice.

What type of coat does a Icelandic Sheepdog have?

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick, medium-length double coat (two varieties) coat. Brush two to three times per week with a slicker brush and follow with a metal comb — the Icelandic Sheepdog's thick undercoat mats in the armpits, behind the ears, and in the 'pants' area around the rear, and these zones need particular attention.

What are the most popular grooming styles for Icelandic Sheepdogs?

Popular Icelandic Sheepdog grooming styles include: Natural Breed Trim, De-Shedding Treatment, Hygiene / Maintenance Groom. Each style has different maintenance requirements.

All Breeds

Medium

Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog breed — a small-to-medium, hardy Spitz-type bred for centuries to herd the island's distinctive sheep across volcanic terrain in extreme weather conditions. Their double coat comes in two varieties: a shorter-coated version and a longer-coated version, both with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a slightly longer outer coat. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a moderate shedder year-round with heavier seasonal shedding in spring, and despite the Nordic coat, maintenance is manageable with regular brushing.

Coat Type

Thick, Medium-Length Double Coat (two varieties)

Groom Every

Every 6-8 weeks

Styles Available

3 cuts

Cuts & Styles

Grooming Styles

Natural Breed Trim

The coat is maintained at natural length with light scissor tidying around the feet and sanitary area. No clipping of the body coat is done. This is the only appropriate style for this Nordic breed — the double coat should never be shaved or clipped short.

De-Shedding Treatment

A de-shedding bath with specialized shampoo and conditioner, followed by thorough blow-drying and undercoat raking to remove the seasonal undercoat shed. Particularly valuable in spring when the winter undercoat releases in quantity.

Hygiene / Maintenance Groom

A bath, blow-dry, and thorough brush-through with attention to the paws, ears, and sanitary area. The coat is not cut down — only the feet are neatened and any minor mats are worked through. Standard maintenance for a well-kept Icelandic Sheepdog.

Expert Advice

Care Tips

Brush two to three times per week with a slicker brush and follow with a metal comb — the Icelandic Sheepdog's thick undercoat mats in the armpits, behind the ears, and in the 'pants' area around the rear, and these zones need particular attention.
Never shave an Icelandic Sheepdog — the double coat is their natural insulation and sun protection; shaving this Nordic breed destroys their ability to thermoregulate and permanently damages the coat structure.
During the annual spring shed, daily brushing for 3–4 weeks is necessary — the winter undercoat releases in enormous quantities, and without daily removal it quickly forms the dense, felted mats that are the most common grooming problem in this breed.
A high-velocity dryer significantly speeds up the drying process after bathing and ejects shed undercoat during the drying phase — an investment that pays for itself many times over during shedding season.
The paws should be checked and trimmed monthly — the Icelandic Sheepdog has thick fur between the toes that collects ice, mud, and debris; trimming this fur prevents the ice-ball formation that makes winter walks uncomfortable for the dog.

Recommended Tools

What you'll need

Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper

Nail Care

Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.

$10 - $15

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Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Brush

An excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.

$15 - $25

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Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake

Brush

The ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.

$40 - $60

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