A family farm in Landeyjar, Iceland, has become the center of excitement after a female Icelandic sheepdog, Þekla, recently gave birth to eleven puppies, which includes seven females and four males. This remarkable event marks a world record for the breed, as the owner, Guðný Halla, expressed that she had never heard of an Icelandic sheepdog having so many live puppies in a single litter. The farm, known as Gerpla, aims to promote the breeding of Icelandic sheepdogs and has been a hub for interested breeders and enthusiasts.

The puppies, approaching eight weeks old, are described as lively and playful, enjoying outdoor playtime with their parents and grandmother. The Icelandic sheepdog is known to be one of the oldest and purest dog breeds in the Nordic countries, being the only indigenous dog breed from Iceland. Guðný Halla has stated that part of their breeding mission is to incorporate working traits into the breed, maintaining the dogs' traditional roles in herding and farm work while also ensuring they are well-socialized and full of vigor.

This milestone in the breeding of Icelandic sheepdogs is indicative of a growing interest in preserving traditional breeds, which may contribute to the future sustainability of these breeds while enriching the community's bond with their heritage. The excitement surrounding Þekla's litter is likely to inspire more individuals to get involved in the breeding and training of Icelandic sheepdogs, fostering a deeper appreciation for this unique and cherished breed in Icelandic culture.