Lukehaven Connecticut Icelandic Sheepdogs

Paula S.

Breeder of Icelandic Sheepdogs

Meet the breeder

I'm Paula S., the breeder behind Lukehaven Connecticut Icelandic Sheepdogs located in New Hartford, CT. All information about our program and our dogs can be found here: Lukehaven-Icelandic-Sheepdogs. At Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs we breed for four pillars: health, sound structure, stable temperament, and genetic diversity. Yet our responsibility does not end with DNA and vet checks. We view every placement as the start of a lifelong partnership—one grounded in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and evidence-based care. Breeding exceptional puppies means more than producing beautiful dogs; it means building a community that honors the rare, heritage status of the Icelandic Sheepdog. We promise to remain a mentor and resource to each owner for the dog’s entire life, celebrating triumphs and providing support whenever challenges arise. Because that ongoing relationship is so important, we place puppies only with homes whose core values complement our own: Respect & Inclusivity – treating every person and animal with dignity. Environmental Stewardship – making choices that preserve the planet our herding breed depends on. Evidence-Based Responsibility – trusting science, veterinary best practice, breeder expertise and ethical training methods. Social Responsibility – contributing positively to local and global communities. We recognize that loving dog owners come from many walks of life, but homes advocating policies or behaviors that undermine compassion, justice, or environmental care fall outside our placement criteria. This standard is value-based rather than partisan: applicants of any political persuasion are welcome so long as their actions and attitudes reflect empathy, unity, diversity, inclusion and respect for the only planet we have to inhabit. Because we stay involved as mentors, resources, and—even years later—part of our puppy owners’ extended family, misaligned core values can compromise both the human–animal bond and the ongoing support we provide. For this reason, placing a puppy in a home whose guardians do not align with our core values is simply not an option for us. By centering kindness, inclusivity, and responsible citizenship in every decision we make, Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs ensures that each puppy enters not just a house, but a home where both dog and family thrive together—bound by shared respect for one another, for our communities, and for the environment. If these principles and values resonate with you, we invite you to complete the Gooddog screening puppy application. If they do not, we appreciate your interest in Icelandic Sheepdogs and encourage you to explore other responsible breeders better aligned with your goals.

Q. & A. with Paula

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My passion for the Icelandic Sheepdog began on my first visit to Iceland in 2017. Captivated by their joyful spirit and herding instincts, I vowed that my next dog would be an “Icie.” In December 2019, I brought home Raina, followed a year later by Freyja—both from renowned breeder Loren. Today, my household includes three Icelandic Sheepdogs, a Shih Tzu, and three rescue horses on our small farm. I’m a proud steward of Lukehaven Icelandic Sheepdogs and honored to carry forward Loren’s legacy in Connecticut—she remains actively involved in every aspect of our program.

  • What makes your program special?

    Beyond the joy they bring, I view my role as a breeder and steward of this rare Nordic breed as a sacred responsibility. As an Approved Good Dog breeder, I health-test my dams, prioritize genetic diversity, and champion best practices in breeding for temperament and structure. Through Lukehaven, I aim to preserve the breed’s unique heritage and ensure that each puppy placed in a forever home thrives both physically and emotionally.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Paula

Paula has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.

Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $2,000 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Pre-paid Dog Registration Pre-paid AKC Reunite Lifetime Enrollment Health Documentation Provided Crate Trained Started Puppy Socialization Started Dewormed Vaccinated Puppy Starter Kit Veterinary Checkup Performed Sales Contract House Training Started Microchipped. Non-Refundable Deposit: Buyer acknowledges that the Deposit is non-refundable in most circumstances, including but not limited to if Buyer decides s/he does not want or is no longer able to take the puppy. If we decide the fit is not right or we don't have a puppy, we will refund the deposit. Upon receipt of the Deposit, Breeder agrees to hold the puppy for Buyer until it has been weaned and is ready for pick up. The Deposit shall be made in US Dollars and paid to Breeder.”

Contract & health guarantee

Paula may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Paula offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Paula directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Initial potty training
      • AKC registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Paula.

Breeder’s location

Meet in New Hartford, CT

More about Paula

  • Club memberships

    Paula is a member of Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America and ISAA.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Co-President National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance.

  • Paula has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years

    Paula was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Paula’s links

Paula is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Lukehaven Connecticut Icelandic Sheepdogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Lukehaven Connecticut Icelandic Sheepdogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Icelandic Sheepdogs.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

Photos

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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