Icelandic Sheepdog Grooming Guide: How to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy and Looking Its Best
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized Nordic herding breed with a distinctive long, thick double coat. While beautiful, their dense fur requires regular grooming to keep it clean, free of mats, and manageable. Here is a guide to effectively grooming an Icelandic Sheepdog.
Icelandic Sheepdog Coat Characteristics
The weather-resistant coat of the Icelandic Sheepdog consists of:
- A soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation and waterproofing. This sheds out completely twice a year.
- A medium-length outer coat that is straight or slightly wavy. The fur is longer around the neck, back of thighs and tail.
- Common coat colors include various shades of tan, brown, gray, black, and white. Merle and brindle patterns can occur.
- Unlike harsh-coated herding breeds, the Icelandic Sheepdog's fur has a smooth, silky texture. But the abundant coat still requires diligent grooming routines.
Essential Grooming Tools
Collect the following supplies to keep your Icelandic Sheepdog's coat at its best:
- Slicker brush: For removing loose hair and preventing mats down to the skin. Use a small slicker for the face and ears.
- Metal comb: Gets through denser areas and ensures the undercoat is shed out. Check for any remaining tangles.
- Undercoat rake: Removes dead undercoat when the Icelandic Sheepdog is shedding heavily twice per year.
- Nail clippers and styptic powder: Clip nails as needed, usually every 2-4 weeks. Have powder on hand to stop any bleeding.
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls: Gently wipe out ear canals once a week to prevent infections.
Additional helpful tools include a de-matting comb for serious tangles, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner, a high-velocity dryer after bathing, and dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
Never shave down an Icelandic Sheepdog's coat. Their fur protects them from cold weather and harsh sun.
How Often to Groom an Icelandic Sheepdog
- Daily brushing is ideal during heavy shedding seasons to remove dead coat.
- Otherwise, aim to thoroughly brush the coat 2-3 times per week year round.
- Bath when dirty using a moisturizing dog shampoo. Over-bathing strips oils.
- Check ears and trim nails weekly. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week.
- Professional grooming may be needed a few times a year for de-shedding treatments or if the coat becomes extremely matted.
Step-By-Step Grooming Guide
Follow these steps for proper at-home grooming sessions:
Before Brushing
- Have the dog up on a table or non-slip surface for easy access.
- Give them a chew toy to occupy them during grooming.
- Mist the coat lightly with a conditioning spray to prevent excessive static and help detangle.
Brushing Session
- Use the slicker brush first. Brush sections of coat thoroughly from roots to tips to remove loose hair.
- Lift and brush layers of coat to reach the undercoat near the skin. This prevents mats.
- Take extra time detangling featherings behind ears, legs, belly and tail.
- Use the comb next. Pay attention to any denser areas and ensure the comb glides through from skin to ends of fur.
- If needed monthly, use an undercoat rake during shedding season to pull out excess loose undercoat hair.
- After brushing, run your hand over the coat to check for any remaining small tangles or clumped fur. Target tangles with a de-matting tool if found.
- Rub a dog grooming wipe over the coat when finished to collect lingering hair and refresh fur.
After Grooming
- Use a damp cloth to wipe face, beneath eyes and around mouth to remove eye boogers, tear stains or food debris.
- Check inside ears for debris and redness. Clean gently only as needed with vet-approved solution and cotton balls.
- Trim nails if they clack on the floor when the dog walks. Have styptic powder ready.
- Brush teeth using circular motions with dog toothpaste and a finger brush or soft toothbrush.
Regular brushing and combing keeps the Icelandic Sheepdog coat mat-free and beautiful. Their fur will continually renew itself if well cared for. Don't forget professional grooming twice a year!
Avoiding Mats in an Icelandic Sheepdog's Coat
Mats are painful and detrimental to the health of an Icelandic Sheepdog's fur. Here are tips to prevent them:
- Brush thoroughly to the skin at least every other day and comb weekly without skipping areas.
- Use leave-in conditioner after baths and mist with conditioning spray before brushing. This lubricates the coat strands.
- Schedule professional grooming twice per year to deep clean coat, remove dead undercoat, and address any small mats before they worsen.
- If a mat is found, gently work at its edges with your fingers or a de-matting comb. Never pull or rip matts.
- Keep the dog's skin and coat healthy with high quality dog food and salmon oil supplements to improve fur hydration and strength.
- Avoid clipping the Icelandic Sheepdog coat short, as uneven lengths will only aggravate tangling.
Regular grooming sessions plus professional grooming appointments will keep your Icelandic Sheepdog's coat in great shape. Be vigilant for any felting or matting developing behind ears, armpits or close to the skin and address tangles promptly with the proper tools. A well-maintained coat is part of ensuring a healthy, happy Icelandic Sheepdog!
Signs Your Icelandic Sheepdog Needs a Professional Grooming
Here are some signs it's time to schedule a visit with a professional groomer:
- Matting has become too extensive for you to address on your own with brushes, combs or de-matting tools.
- Shedding is very heavy and the undercoat is severely impacted despite frequent brushing.
- The coat's overall condition is rough, dry or dull.
- Nails have become too overgrown for you to clip safely and comfortably at home.
- Ear hair is overly long, reducing air flow.
Professional groomers have high-powered blow dryers and tools to dig deep into the dense Icelandic Sheepdog undercoat and remove dead hair and debris. Take advantage of their expertise when your own home grooming doesn't seem enough to keep your Icelandic Sheepdog looking their best!
With some dedication to diligent grooming routines, you can keep your Icelandic Sheepdog's lush and abundant coat healthy, mat-free and stunning. Pay close attention to problem areas prone to tangling or matting and make professional grooming appointments as needed to stay on top of their fur's condition. Put in the effort, and your Icelandic Sheepdog will reward you with their beautifully unique and eye catching corded coat.