Sigridur Petursdottir honored in Iceland for her work with the Icelandic Sheepdog

She was presented with a medal of honour (fálkaorða) at the President’s home at Bessastödum today. Every year they give this honor to individuals in the community who have made a difference. I think this is so awesome! Congratulations Sigridur, family and the Icelandic Sheepdog community worldwide!

http://www.mbl.is/mm/frettir/innlent/2008/01/01/ellefu_saemdir_heidursmerkjum/

Newsletter coming up- We would love to hear from you

The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club Newsletter Spring issue is getting close, Do you have anything to send in?

1. Any new litter annoucements, Rules are the litter must be CKC registerable to be listed.
2. Any new Import Annoucements? Send in a Brag about your new Puppy!
3. Any new Titles on your dogs- Show, Herding, Agility, Rally-o, CGN - We want to share them with the world! Go Icelandics Go!
4. Any new Health Checks done? We are interested in CERF, OFA or Pennhip information, as well as BAER or Heart Tests done.
5. Any Pet Icelandics finish their training classes, and would like to share with everyone, send in your photos and information
6. Taken a very cute photo, send it on in, Next issue we are looking for Herding photos, so think about getting some new herding photos for the summer issue
7. Do you have a question about the breed? Send it in and we will do our best to answer it in the coming or the next newsletter.
8. Have you lost your beloved Icelandic, please consider writing a in memory of article.
9. Any Heart warming stories to tell folks that are looking and learning about our breed.
10. Have you got any question or concerns with regards to the club, send them in and we will do our best to address them in the newsletter in a postive way.

Don't forget to vote in the coming issue for the new newsletter naming contest!

Send your information to isdpuppies@hotmail.com or to lford@rogers.com and we will be happy to help you.

Have a great day and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Gift Memberships available

Hello Folks,

Looking for a great gift for a Icelandic Sheepdog Lover? How about a years membership to the CISC, our newletter is jammed full of amazing information for all kinds of folks, we try hard to have things of interest for pet folks, as well as for Show and Breeders.

Interested in Showing, then you will want to be a member to compete for Top Icelandic Dog Awards.

Looking for a bit more in the dog Sports end of things, don't worry the club also has awareds for Therapy dogs, and Top Dogs in all events.

Club Breeders, consider giving a years club membership with your new puppies, its a wonderful way to introduce your new owners to the world of Icelandic Sheepdogs in Canada.

The club has created a very cute gift card, and I did it in a program to be sent by email so that the club breeders will be able to print it off and include in the puppy packages, or in a stocking or Birthday card, basket with flowers, you get the idea.

Club memberships run from Jan 1st to the end of Dec per year. Renewal notices are sent in the newsletters and on the yahoo chat group.

Please contact me for futher information if required at isdpuppies@hotmail.com

Is is a Match?

Is It A MATCH?

Icelandic's are so handsome, sweet, smart and devoted. What a great dog! Want one? Can't live without one? Well, if you are considering adding an Icelandic Sheepdog to your family, spend some time being sure that this is the right breed for you.

Here are some common reasons for wanting an Icelandic:

I saw one, or a picture of one, and it was the most beautiful dog that I have ever seen!

While it's true that they are a handsome breed, remember that this breed has a lot of dogs that are of pure blood but do not look alike. There is a wide range of dominant colours to choose from: black, grey, and chocolate brown and various shades of tan, (ranging from cream to reddish brown) with white always accompanying the predominant colour. Then comes the hair; while all are double coated, they WILL shed, and need REGULAR brushings and trimmings. They come in short, medium, and long-haired varieties. Each has a slightly different look, and will allow you to choose which suits you better. The other thing to consider is, did you see a male or female? There is a marked difference in the sexes when it comes to looks. You may want a female but your dream dog could easily have been the male. Check and make sure


I want a dog that's good with children.

While it's true that a well-trained adult Icelandic sheepdog is a fantastic children's companion, that does not mean that you do not have to teach the children how to behave around a dog. Nor does it mean that you will not have to make sure that the dog feels comfortable and safe as a pup around them. It is far too easy to hurt a young dog, and make them hand- or children-shy, if handled improperly. That said, I have not heard of or seen an Icelandic that didn't adore kids!!


I love that mellow easy-going temperament!

Most Icelandic's are naturally easy-going, gentle, calm and quiet in the house. Some are a bit more talkative than others, but consistent, steady training will give you a dog that you can live with for many years. I have heard it said that breeders can tell if the pup is going to be a talker or not, so talk to your breeder, and be honest about what you want. If you are in town, perhaps a naturally quiet female would work better for you than an active, dominant male that you might be looking at. Or, if you are on a farm and want a good watchdog, you can ask for a more talkative pup.


I love their wonderful coats!

This is true - a well-groomed Icelandic is the best cuddle dog that you will ever find - but an ungroomed Icelandic will have mattes and clumps. Keeping an adult Icelandic groomed will take several hours a month. It must be done every month without fail. The good news is that the Icelandic normally does not need many baths to smell clean. They are an arctic breed, which means that they keep themselves clean, and if you are bushing regularly so that the oils are moving though the coat then you will have a lovely looking dog. Do keep in mind that there will be a spring and fall blow-out of coats. Lovely tuffs of soft undercoat will fall like snow, think about it?

They're awfully expensive, but if I save up, I can just afford to buy one…

The purchase price is only the tip of the iceberg. Vaccines, routine veterinary care, food, leashes, brushes, obedience classes, fences, and beds will be several hundreds of dollars in the first year alone. Ensure that you can afford these necessities as well as the initial purchase price, before you make a commitment.


I like that they're so devoted. I have always wanted a dog that loves me the most in the whole world!

Icelandic's are very devoted dogs, and they will love you to bits, but they will also suck up to strangers or go willingly with the kids down the block. They are wonderful family dogs, and although they will always have the special person in their life, they do like to share themselves around. If you want a one-person dog, this is not the right breed for you.


I'm very active. I love to hike, and camp, and I keep in shape by running every day.


Icelandic Sheepdogs are great little work dogs. They are bred to have stamina, but they need to grow up, and stress on the growing bones can be a leading cause of Hip Dysplasia (HD). Remember that they should not have forced walks or runs while their bones are growing, and should not be jumping until they are between one and two years old. If your pup was born to HD-free parents, and you allow them to grow slowly, feed them the correct amount of food, and keep them lean, the odds are good that you will have an active partner for 10 to 15 years. Just let them grow into it!


I hear they are good housedogs. I want my dog in the house with me all the time.


It is true that the Icelandic's are wonderful housedogs, they are smart, clean and, I have found, easy to train with a fair but firm hand. They are shadows that go wherever you are.
However if what you mean is that you want them in the house from 8 till 6 while you work, you are asking for a problem. While it is possible to train some pups from an early age, with someone coming to let them out and play at lunch, most times you will end up with a very unhappy, barking dog. Icelandic's are people dogs; they were bred to go with their owners EVERYWHERE, so although they will do alright if it's for a couple of hours a day, they are NOT a good 9 to 5 work dog.


They are rare, and they cost a lot. I can buy a female, breed her, and make lots of money!


Not so. I know that, mathematically, three to five pups, at a price of hundreds of dollars each, adds up to a large amount. However, after everything is said and done (vet bills, stud charges, etc), you will NOT make your fortune breeding dogs. IF, however, you really love the breed, and would like to have a litter or two, you should discuss this with the breeder, before you buy your pup. Most people think that because it's a rare breed, all pups should be bred; nothing could be further from the truth. As a breeder of Icelandic's, I would be thrilled to see and help someone who has the love of the breed at heart, but you need to pick your breeding stock very carefully

Icelandic Sheepdog Registration Form

Icelandic Sheepdog Registration.

Please complete the following information for each Icelandic Sheepdog you own.

Include all conformation, obedience, agility, or working titles (foreign and domestic).

If you own an Icelandic Sheepdog but do not wish to join the CISC (and to receive a newsletter and vote), please send in the information (with no check) regarding your dogs anyway so we can keep track of them in this country.

Dog's Registered Name:

Titles:

Call Name:

Tattoo #

Sex: Male or Female

Date of Birth:

Unaltered / Neutered / Spayed

Country of Birth:

Breeder:

CERF #

OFA #

DNA #

Registration #

Registration Organisation

If you have more than one dog, include separate information for each dog. Please send a copy of each dog's 3-generation pedigree if available.

What activities do you participate in with your dogs? (Indicate those that apply)

[ ] family pet [ ] herding[ ] assistance/therapy[ ] dog showing[ ] agility[ ] search and rescue[ ] obedience[ ] breeding[ ] other (please list)

How would you like CISC to help you? (Indicate those that apply)[ ] meeting other owners[ ] registration[ ] learning about the breed[ ] finding a puppy/dog litter[ ] promotion[ ] breeding plans[ ] breed promotion [ ] other (please list):Indicate any of the following Committees of the CISC which you would like to join:[ ] Registration & Tracking[ ] Breed Standard[ ] Ethics[ ] Internet Website[ ] Rescue[ ] Showing [ ] Publications[ ] Constitution & Bylaws[ ] Working [ ] Other (please list)

Please return completed Registration (Registration may be sent on-line to isdpuppies@hotmail.com

Mail copy of your dog's three-generation pedigree to:
CISC
Valerie Sharp
RR1 St. Main 2369 Robillard RD
Bourget, Ontario, Canada
KOA 1EO

If anyone is interested in working on the tracking committee, we would be interested in hearing from you.

Buyer Beware-Good tips to know

BUYER BEWARE

The best rule of thumb is: MEET THE BREEDER, SEE THE MOTHER, AND SEE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE PUPPY HAS BEEN RAISED.

Beware of claims that the "hips have been checked", "Icelandic's don't have a problem with hip Dysplasia" or "my lines are clear of hip Dysplasia."

Demand an OFA certification number or copy of the preliminary OFA evaluation (animals under two years) on both sire and dam.

Beware of the seller who is unaware of the need for regular eye examinations of breeding stock and cannot provide current eye registry numbers.

Beware of the term "champion lines". The presence of a few Champions in the pedigree means little; every Icelandic in North America has at least one or two Champions in his family tree.

Beware of claims of "home raised" or "privately bred" pups unless you can see for yourself where the pups were born and raised.

Beware of the seller who claims to be selling a litter for a "friend" or "relative". Commercial breeders frequently send "litter lots" on consignment to middlemen who, in turn, sell the pups from their homes.

Beware of anyone selling Icelandic's who will only identify himself on a first name basis.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling to give the registered names and CKC numbers of the sire and dam of the litter.

Beware of the seller who is unwilling to provide the name and address of the breeder of the puppies or will provide them only when you buy the puppy.

Beware of the seller who does not have a copy of the puppy's pedigree for your inspection prior to buying the puppy.

Beware of claims such as "uncompromisingly clear of inherited diseases" or "proven clear" or "guaranteed clear" of inherited diseases since there is no way to prove these claims.

Beware of "guarantees" - most genetic problems do not appear until a dog is over two years old.

The best guarantee of a healthy dog is a careful, well-planned breeding program.

Help in Finding a Iceland Dog or Puppy

Finding an Iceland Dog Pup or Adult

How do puppy buyers determine if they are getting a quality puppy?

Where does a quality pet come from? An excellent way to evaluate the quality of the puppy is to evaluate the source.

The usual options are:


Pet Shop, Dealer or Commercial Kennel -

These outlets rely heavily on impulse buying, which is a poor way to choose an addition to your family. Pups are bred and raised as a cash crop to become merchandise sold for a high profit. This high profit is possible because little has been put into the care of these pups or their mother. The purpose of a commercial breeder is to breed dogs for profit. Little or no attention is paid to the temperament and appearance of the dogs used as breeding stock, which are frequently highly inbred. Commercial sources rarely accept responsibility for the puppy after it is sold.


Backyard or Casual Breeder -

Usually this is the person who owns an Iceland Dog and thinks it would be "fun" to have puppies or that it would be a great experience for the children or that they are rare, and I need to breed a litter from my pet qaulity dog because the breed told me to. Perhaps it's an effort to recoup the original cost of the dog. Usually these breeders know little of the breed's history or standard and still less about grooming and care. They are not aware of breed concerns. Like commercial breeders, casual backyard breeders make little or no investment in the health of their breeding stock. Breeding stock may not be certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO) nor certified clear of hip Dysplasia (OFA certification). Their goal is to produce pups and, when the "fun" is over, sell them quickly. The backyard breeder's responsibility to the puppy also ends when the puppy is sold. In Icelandics, they tend to own a male and female or two and only breed them over and over again, never using outside studs to improve the chances of creating better puppies. They often are told to breed to the nearest male and or don't understand the history or family index's of the puppies to be.


Quality Hobby Breeder -

The very best choice for a quality pup. Breeding a quality puppy is a serious labor of love, dedication and responsibility. The quality puppy is the result of the breeder's love of dogs a dedication to the breed and a responsibility to the dogs the breeder has produced for as long as they live. The quality puppy comes from a breeder who acknowledges responsibility for every puppy produced. A quality pet starts with a careful breeding program in which the characteristics and temperaments of the puppy's ancestors are known to the breeder. Animals being bred undergo careful evaluation and medical screening. A quality breeder tries to produce a pet who is as close as possible to the breed standard (the blueprint of what an Icelandic Sheepdog should be). Once the puppies are born, the quality pet is the result of careful socialisation and human bonding by the breeder. A well socialised; "people-oriented" pup is the result of positive contact with humans from the first days of its life. Since puppies learn a tremendous amount from their mother, the temperament and socialisation of the dam is of primary importance to the personality of the pup. A quality puppy comes from a quality breeder.

A quality breeder will only sell puppies under a contract limiting their use for breeding by means of CKC Limited Registration, co-ownership contracts and/or spay/neuter agreements.

A quality breeder will require, as a condition of sale, that all animals that are not part of a responsible breeding program be spayed or neutered.

A quality breeder will not try and convince you to breed just one litter from your puppy if it is pet quality.

A quality breeder knows that if you are lucky, you will get one or two show/breeder puppies out of a carefully breed litter, beware the breed who has a whole litter that can be show/breeders.

Finding A good Breeder

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Your first consideration in buying a purebred dog should be the knowledge that for the next ten to 15 years that dog will be a part of your household. Unlike your automobile, he will not be traded in for a newer model. As a companion to your whole family, he will reflect the love and affection you show him. He will represent an emotional investment as much as a financial investment. Therefore, choose him carefully. Know as much as possible about his breed and his breeder before you buy, and deal only with a reputable breeder!

Reputable Breeders are those who:

study genetics, nutrition, structure and movement because they are primarily concerned with producing dogs which measure up against the breed's standard of perfection.


see that all their animals receive the proper inoculations at the appointed intervals in consultation with their veterinarian.


give evidence of their concern with the humane treatment of dogs by shipping only to individual parties, by shipping puppies in safe, comfortable enclosures with adequate ventilation, and by never shipping puppies under eight weeks of age.


Give individual attention in raising and socialising each puppy in clean and healthy surroundings where it can learn to live happily with people and with other dogs.


Are happy to assist you with directions for the feeding, training, and grooming of your puppy.


Sometimes have young adults as well as puppies available, and will help you select a quality animal at a price comparable with, and ultimately better, than that offered by a commercial pet store.


Will openly discuss pricing and any financial arrangements with you and will provide appropriate papers on a timely basis.


NEVER mass-produce puppies to be sold as a commodity.


NEVER deal in gimmicks or unreasonable guarantees.


NEVER use high-pressure sales practices to sell you on a breed or a particular puppy. Rather, they will encourage you to study, visit other breeders, and attend an all-breed dog show before you decide.


Visiting the Kennel when you visit a kennel there are certain things you have a right to know about the breeder. You may want to ask some of these questions:

1. Why did you breed this litter?

2. How many litters do you breed a year?

3. Do you show your own puppies and dogs and with what success?

4. Do you belong to a local or national breed club?

5. Has your veterinarian checked these puppies?

6. If a hereditary defect appears in the puppy, will there be a refund or a replacement?


Decide BEFORE you buy whether you want a pet quality puppy or a show potential puppy.

A PET QUALITY puppy is a healthy example of the breed which falls just a little short of the standard of perfection in some way.

A SHOW POTENTIAL puppy is one which measures up strongly against the standard and has no disqualifying faults.

Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club- Code of Ethics

The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog


Code of Ethics

We should breed the best Icelandic Sheepdogs that we can.

This means:

(1) Type, function and temperament characteristics as established by the International Breed Standards.

(2) Breeding stock should have:(a)certified clear radiographs by a certified radiologist (e.g. OFA, OVC) for hip Dysplasia

(b)annual certified clearances of any eye disease by a Board Certified Veterinary Opthamologist

All CISC club members will provide their dogs with appropriate facilities - housing, food and health care (mental and physical).

Breeders are encouraged to be available to their buyers for the life of the dog for reasonable aid and knowledgeable direction in the welfare of the animal.

Members should sell puppies on CKC or personal non-breeding contracts and encourage the spaying or neutering of pet quality puppies and adults.

The club does not encourage owner to spay or neuter breeding quality pets, until they have had or breed a litter or two.

Breeders should consider the market and breed only if one is available to place the pups in appropriate homes or accept responsibility for the care of any unsold dogs.

Members should warranty their puppies for the hereditary or genetic defects.

Breeders are encouraged to provide written guidelines outlining the responsibilities of both the breeder and the purchaser.

Breeders are obligated to provide written instructions regarding the care of the dog, health needs, dates and types of immunisations administered as well as the status of the worming program.Purchasers will be instructed to immediately place the dog under the care of a veterinarian on a life long basis.

Dogs are not to be placed with a dealer or broker or pet shop or to be given as prizes in contests, lotteries, auctions, or to be sold for animal research.

Prior to accepting any bitch for stud service,it is the obligation of the stud dog owner to meet the standards outlined in Section 1 and to advise novice breeders of the responsibilities, problems, obligations and expenses involved in breeding a litter.

Current documentation regarding certification of health clearances should be made available to and by both parties.

Members should support and represent the Club's purposes in all canine activities, observe a high standard of sportsmanship, goodwill and friendship at shows, trials and meetings and treat their dogs with respect that is their due.

Members shall be aware at all times that the Club has a major interest in protecting the breed.


This should be kept in the minds of the club members in all of their activities.Members should strive to keep abreast of current issues relating to the breed.

Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club- Breeder Guidelines

Breeders Guidelines

We recommend that you do not breed you dog/bitch until after the age of 18 months.

We recommend that you get a HP check done, and that you only breed within the Fair to Excellent range, If you must breed with a Borderline or Mild, please do so with a Excellent only!

We recommend that you get your dogs eyes CERFed before breeding a litter, this will allow "the club" to keep track of the eye health of the breed in Canada, and will allow you the knowledge that you are breeding with sound stock.

We recommend that your female does not have more then one litter a year.


We STRONGLY recommend that you try and use two to three different males over the breeding life span of your female.


We recommend no more then Five litters per female or Five Litters per male, If there is a really nice male, who has three or more litters on the ground, please consider using a brother/ or half son, if you want to use that line.


We recommend that you cull (and spay or neuter) from your breeding program any dogs that produce poor temperament such as shyness, aggression, excessive barking or nervousness in their puppies. Please also consider not breeding stock that exhibits bad behavioural traits that puppies may learn from association.

We recommend that you cull (and spay or neuter) from your breeding program any dogs that have drop ears (after the age of one), a none curling tail, and no dewclaws!

CISC-Bylaws

The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club
Bylaws

Regarding Dogs/Puppies
No puppy will be sold before 8 weeks of age

All records of copulation and births will be kept in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Canadian Kennel Club

No puppy or older dog will be sold to pet stores, known commercial puppy brokers or sold to laboratories for research, nor given as prizes in such things as raffles.

All puppies and dogs sold will have proper vaccinations and proof of such sent with the animal at the time of sale.

All puppies or older dogs sold as "PET" will be sold with "non breeding agreements"




Regarding Membership

No member of The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club will have a record of conviction of Cruelty to Animals.

No member of a "Family Membership" to the CISC can have a conviction of Cruelty to Animals.

All members of The Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club will be subject to the BY-LAWS and The CODE OF ETHICS of the club as well as those of the Canadian Kennel Club, wither the member is a member of the Canadian Kennel Club or not.


Any member of the CISC can vote provided the member has a paid voting membership, at the time of an election. Late payments will negate the member's vote.

Violations of the Code of Ethics or the By-laws of the Icelandic Sheepdog Club of Canada will merit the Cancellation of membership in the Club!!!

Regarding Officers

All Officers of the ISCC will be members in good standing with the Canadian Kennel Club, and have current members with this organisation during the time they are in Office.

All Officers will be elected from the PAID Membership.

Anyone running of Office must make his or her intent known in writing E.I. Regular Post or Email

Offices of the Icelandic Sheepdog Club include" President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer


Only PAID members will have the right to vote.


The Office of President and Vice President will hold terms of two (2) years.


The Offices of Secretary and Treasurer will hold terms of one (2) year.


All Election results will be posted on the Website by the Webmaster, or send via regular post to all members once results are known.


Regarding Voting


Changes in the Code of Ethic and/or the By Laws of the Icelandic Sheepdog Club of Canada must be approved by the CISC Board and then voted on by the paid voting membership, 20% of the members need to vote in order for the changes to occur


No Bylaw or clause of the Code of Ethics that is stipulated from the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) can be appealed for any reason.


Only members of the Icelandic Sheepdog Club of Canada who have current paid voting memberships are eligible for voting privileges.


Only members of the Icelandic Sheepdog Club of Canada who are 18 years and older can vote.

Please note that the CISC bylaws are under review and that the board will be updating them in the very near future.

Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club-Mission

Canadian Icelandic Sheepdog Club

Our mission:

To promote the Icelandic Sheepdog as a capable working dog and loving companion for Canadians.

To aid prospective buyers in finding a breeder and a puppy that is right for them.


To provide a forum where Canadian breeders and enthusiasts can distribute an discuss information about the breed.


To exchange information with clubs and enthusiasts world-wide in order to promote the overall well-being of the breed.