Shetland Sheepdog

                                                     Shetland Sheepdog

AKA:Sheltie
Origin:Shetland Islands
Size:Small/Medium
Ease of training:High
Grooming:Low
Shedding:High
Exercise needed:Daily walks
Energy level:Medium/High
Protection:Makes an effective watchdog
Good with children:Yes, with gentler children
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:20/155

Shetland Sheepdog Temperament

The Shetland Sheepdog is a charming, affectionate, and loyal dog, and makes a fine family pet or companion for both experienced and inexperienced dog owners. These are responsive and intelligent creatures, and are easy to train. He is one of the most trainable of all breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog thrives on the companionship and affection of his owners, and is not the right choice for those with little time for a pet, as he will get destructive if neglected. This is a sweet natured dog with grace, dignity, and a sociable attitude. The Sheltie is always enthusiastic and eager to please his owner, and is a quick learner. They are very in tune with their owners, and extremely responsive. The Shetland Sheepdog is a family dog through and through, and enjoys plenty of interaction and cuddles.

Early socialization and consistent training is recommended to promote a stable, sociable, and well balanced temperament, as some Shetland Sheepdogs can be reserved and shy. They can be startled easily and do not like to be teased. These dogs are best around gentler or older children, and will usually get along fine with other animals. They can be shy and reserved around strangers. The Sheltie needs a stable environment to live in, and does not like loud noises or tense atmospheres. This is a sensitive breed, and needs to be part of a loving, close family. They can bark a fair amount when excited, and due to their herding instincts may try and herd people and other animals into groups through nipping. He needs a fair amount of exercise, and should have a safe, secure area to play and run around when not on a leash.

Shetland Sheepdog Appearance

The Shetland Sheepdog resembles a Rough Collie, but is much smaller in size. These small to medium sized dogs have a sturdy build, a very sweet face, and an intelligent expression. He has a long, straight outer coat that is harsh to the touch, with a softer, close fitting undercoat. The coloring of the Shetland Sheepdog includes sable, blue merle, and black, with white or tan markings, and some may be tri-colored. The height of the Shetland Sheepdog is around 13-16 inches, and these dogs weigh in at around 15-25 pounds.

Shetland Sheepdog Grooming

The Shetland Sheepdog is a relatively low maintenance dog, which is ideal for those with little time to spend on grooming. You can brush his coat around twice a week to keep it in good condition, although you will need to increase this at times when he is shedding more heavily. He is a medium shedder, and sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not the best choice for those suffering from allergies.

Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Shetland Sheepdog is around 12-14 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes epilepsy, vWD, thyroid problems, luxating patella, PRA, HD, eye problems, seizures, and heart problems. The parents of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Shetland Sheepdog History

Bred from larger farm collies, the Shetland Sheepdog originates from the Shetland Islands. They were introduced in mainland England shortly prior to the First World War. They have a history that is thought to go back well over a century, and the breed was registered with the AKC in 1911.