Dog health

Icelandic Sheepdog health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Icelandic Sheepdog, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 18 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 5 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, inherited eye disease and ear infections. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Icelandic Sheepdog

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [8]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [10]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [9]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [11]
Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [12]Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [13]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: They can be prone to a few health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation. An Icelandic's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][10] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Icelandic Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [14]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Icelandic Sheepdog at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–14 years and you get roughly $10,500–$19,000 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [14][15] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [16] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [17] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [18]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Icelandic Sheepdog?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, inherited eye disease and ear infections. That doesn't mean every Icelandic Sheepdog will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Icelandic Sheepdog?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Icelandic Sheepdog?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Icelandic Sheepdog breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Icelandic Sheepdog live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–14 years.

Icelandic Sheepdog breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (18) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Icelandic Sheepdog breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  9. OFA – Eye certification
  10. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VCA – Ear infections in dogs
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  15. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  16. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  17. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  18. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)