Faroese Sheepdog

Also called Faroese herding dog

Rare breedShort profile

From Faroe Islands.1

At a glance the quick version

Quiet, careful herder

Can find sheep buried in snow

Watchful guard dog

Coat and looks how to spot one

Looks much like a Border Collie, which played a large part in shaping the type.1

Personality what they are like

A working farm dog valued for calm, controlled handling of sheep and for keeping watch over the homestead.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred for daily work gathering sheep on steep island pasture, so it suits an active, outdoor life with a job to do.1

The story where it all began

The Faroese Sheepdog grew out of Norse dogs brought to the islands, mixed with earlier local dogs that may have arrived with Irish and Scottish monks. In more recent times Border Collies had a strong influence on the type, and it may share roots with the Icelandic Sheepdog.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
These dogs are taught to stay silent while gathering sheep rather than barking at the flock.1
2
Instead of nipping heels, they control sheep by taking hold of a foreleg or shoulder.1
3
They can track down sheep that have been buried by snowdrifts.1

Recognised by the official bits

None: A local working landrace rather than a breed registered with the major kennel clubs.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Faroese Sheepdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

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Border Collie

Icelandic Sheepdog

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Faroese Sheepdog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, working style, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.