Introduction
Oh, Iceland, the land that gave us Bjork and lagoon spas. We surprisingly have a lot to thank Iceland for, mainly the ability to still be motivated enough to continue living well even in low, low temperatures. They even have Reykjavik, where you can go shopping, hit a coffee bar on the way home, and enjoy some night life if that's more up your speed. So, no wonder you have an Icelandic Sheepdog! Not only are they gorgeous dogs, they're very loyal, friendly, were brought to Iceland by the Vikings themselves. Now that is history! Check out these 60 names specially selected for Icelandic Sheepdogs, and get to brainstorming!
Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Names in Pop Culture
Champion Eyjahunda Thorarinn, who goes by Thorri, became the first member of the Icelandic Sheepdog breed to win a best-in-show at the American Kennel Club in Portland back in 2011. Up until then, no other sheepdog had won the competition.
In fact, Thorri's win out of 2,500 dogs, many of them star-studded pooches who had already won multiple best-in-show championships, was shocking. He was essentially the underdog, no pun intended.
Thorri is one of four Icelandic Sheepdogs owned by Warnock and McDermott. The other pair rounds out the total of four Icelandic Sheepdogs entered at Westminster. What is even more exciting was that Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen, considered one of the matriarchs of the breed, was present to witness Thorri's victory. She had kind words to say about the dog: "It was thrilling and unexpected. He is a very good representative of his breed with sound type and temperament.”
She went onto add that the Icelandic Sheepdog isn't for everyone. That there is a reason there aren't that many of them to begin with: that it loves to bark when herding or driving livestock in pastures, thrives on finding lost sheep, and absolutely needs an active family to stay happy. And frankly, most families just aren't active enough. Most tend to lounge about the day after work, or go out and leave the dog at home. And this breed would just shrivel up and die of boredom with that kind of life.
Or to put it more simply, as Guðjohnsen did: "It bonds very strongly to its ‘human flock,’ and flourishes when allowed to associate closely with humans. The dogs are true members of the group, participating in everything it does."
That speaks volumes about Thorri and his family then. In order for him to thrive and win such a big achievement, being the first of his breed to win a best-in-show competition, he has to have the family's support. A family who can keep up with him, challenge him to do better, and really incorporate him in their daily lives enough to make him feel loved.
When he won the competition, he was only 14 months old. His family wasn't expecting anything special, they just wanted him to gain some experience in the ring. But the thing is that he really knows how to sell himself to judges, with his charming personality and good looks. And it paid off very nicely, much to everyone's surprise!
So what can we learn from Thorri? That anything is possible with the right support system.
Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Name Considerations
Also, remember a few general things about this breed. Most Icelandic Sheepdogs are alert, inquisitive, active and energetic. They're the perfect active dog to join you on your daily exercise. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and they're known for being rather cheerful. In other words, your dog should be around for a long time, and be very much a part of your active life. Selecting a name that doesn't get tiresome, boring, old, or otherwise annoying is a good idea. You'll be saying it a lot, for about a decade and a half!
Also, since your dog is Icelandic, and has Viking ties, it would be smart to look to that for inspiration. Viking facts and trivia, Icelandic culture and locations. Famous Icelandic artists, or food. It can all be treated as inspiration. At the very least to get into the right mindset. So take a look at these 60 names and let's get to it!
Male Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
0 |
Díli
Patch, spot
|
|
-1 |
Aldavinur
Old friend
|
|
-1 |
Andi
Spirit, soul
|
|
-1 |
Ari
Eagle
|
|
-1 |
Askur
Old wooden Icelandic bowl
|
|
-1 |
Alfur
Elf
|
|
-1 |
Djarfur
Daring, bold and brave
|
|
-1 |
Eldur
Fire
|
|
-2 |
Afi
Grandfather
|
|
-2 |
Agi
Disciple
|
|
-2 |
Agnar
Disciplined worrier
|
|
-2 |
Alspori
Four double dew claws
|
|
-2 |
Alvitur
Very wise
|
|
-2 |
Andri
Man’s name
|
|
-2 |
Auli
Goof
|
|
-2 |
Akafi
Eagerness
|
|
-2 |
Börkur
Indicates a cream color
|
|
-2 |
Eiríkur Rauði
Erik the Red
|
|
-2 |
Faðmur
Widespread arms, hug
|
|
-2 |
Fagur
Beautiful, lovely
|
|
-2 |
Félagi
Buddy, partner
|
|
-2 |
Gaski
Cheerful
|
|
-2 |
Glókollur
Fair-haired, Goldilocks
|
|
-2 |
Gramur
An ancient dog’s name
|
|
-2 |
Greifi
Earl
|
|
-2 |
Hosi
High socks
|
|
-2 |
Hnappur
Button
|
|
-2 |
Hrafnaflóki
One of Iceland’s discoverers
|
|
-2 |
Hrói Höttur
Robin Hood
|
|
-2 |
Hvatur
Quick, lively
|
Female Icelandic Sheepdog Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
1 |
Bella
Short for Isabella
|
|
1 |
Blíða
Tenderness, mildness, gentleness
|
|
1 |
Fína
Fine, respectable
|
|
1 |
Flækja
Tangle
|
|
0 |
Alda
Wave
|
|
0 |
Birta
Brightness, for light colored animal
|
|
0 |
Freyja
Norse goddess name
|
|
0 |
Héla
Frost
|
|
-1 |
Álfadís
Fairy goddess
|
|
-1 |
Álfkona
Fairy godmother
|
|
-1 |
Áma
Giantess
|
|
-1 |
Ára
Aura
|
|
-1 |
Ársól
Morning sun
|
|
-1 |
Askja
Name of a volcano in Iceland
|
|
-1 |
Auðna
Fortune, luck
|
|
-1 |
Ausa
Spoon, scoop, ladle
|
|
-1 |
Bessa
Bear
|
|
-1 |
Bjalla
Bell, buzzer
|
|
-1 |
Björg
Woman's name, rescue, help, aid
|
|
-1 |
Björk
Woman's name, birch tree; reference to the singer
|
|
-1 |
Blúnda
Lace
|
|
-1 |
Efridís
A higher goddess
|
|
-1 |
Egla
Name of a saga
|
|
-1 |
Eik
Oak
|
|
-1 |
Eisa
Glowing ashes
|
|
-1 |
Forsæla
Shade
|
|
-1 |
Gola
Light breeze
|
|
-1 |
Gunnur
Woman warrior
|
|
-1 |
Gæfa
Good luck, fortune
|
|
-1 |
Gæla
To pet or cuddle
|