The Icelandic Sheepdog, originating from Iceland, has its roots in the 17th century. Due to a widespread disease, the Icelandic dog was on the brink of extinction. It was only through the combined efforts of breeders and enthusiasts in both Iceland and the UK that the breed was able to survive. In recent decades, the population of Icelandic dogs has increased, and although they are still not numerous, they are no longer at risk of extinction.

　The Icelandic Sheepdog is the only native breed of Iceland. It was brought to Iceland by Scandinavian colonizers around 874 to 930 AD, and this dog is highly adapted to the local terrain and pastoral lifestyle. For centuries, Icelanders fighting for survival have come to regard it as an essential herding dog.

　Some say that the Icelandic dog was introduced by Norwegians, who referred to it as the Freya dog. The ancestors of the Icelandic dog are likely Norwegian Sheepdogs; like them, Icelandic dogs look quite similar to other types of fox dogs, and they primarily serve as herding dogs rather than hunting dog