Shetland Sheepdog
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General Description
(Sheltie) The Shetland Sheepdog looks like a miniature Collie. Their head is extremely small and round with a long, narrow muzzle. Their large, round eyes are usually dark brown color, and their mouths close into a scissor bite. Above their friendly faces, the dog’s small ears stick up but the tips fold over. Their neck and chest are slightly broad while their legs are short and skinny ending in small hare-like feet. The breed’s furry tail is long. These dogs have an abundance of hair covering their entire body, including a soft mane around their neck and head. Their hair feathers out on their legs and tail. Shetland Sheepdogs have a double layered coat available in a variety of colors, including black, sable, or blue merle with different amounts of white and tan.Although they look somewhat like a Miniature Collie--the Sheltie has a broader forehead, and a shorter muzzle than a standard Collie, and a shorter wedge to the head. They have a distinct "forehead" stop in their face. The double coat means that the "fuzzy" undercoat will shed out (especially in intact females) twice a year in handfulls. Males retain both the inner and out coats better. COMBING with a wide tooth comb will retain the layers of coat, not strip out the "lift" caused by the undercoat, and keep them from getting mats. The shedding only lasts a week or so twice a year if combed every day.
Character
The Shetland Sheepdog loves pleasing its family. Obeying and making their owners happy is their top priority. Children love playing with them, and they enjoy the children in their family. However, strangers rarely get a loving reaction and are normally disregarded. Training is important and makes them happy because they enjoy learning. Intelligence is their main asset seeing, as they are one of the smartest dog breeds. They can learn and pick up on things quickly and easily. Chasing cars or animals and barking frequently are their main problems.Some training is required, but they are generally very good around other people and pets.
Size
13-16 inches13-16 inches is the AKC breed standard. They do come smaller and larger, however, would be disqualified by AKC and UKC
Weight
14-27 pounds
General Health
Shetland Sheepdogs have an inclination towards some genetic problems, such as CHD (canine hip dysplasia), epilepsy, hyperthyroidism, SES (sheltie eye syndrome), SSS (sheltie skin syndrome), and von Willebrand’s disease. Although this list seems long, the Sheltie is a relatively hardy breed. As long as you find a reputable breeder, most of these concerns can be avoided. The Sheltie has an average life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.
History
The Shetland Sheepdog originated on the island of Shetland off the coast of Scotland. The island was already populated by Scottish Rough Collies, but these were bred with a dog called the Yakkin which arrived on the island with Icelandic fishermen. By the 18th century, the Shetland Sheepdog as we know it today was busy guarding sheep. Shelties first became known in other parts of the world during the 1900’s as the amazing herders started being exported outside of Scotland. They have been a recognized breed in the United Kingdom and in the United States for almost a century.
Maintenance
Grooming is fairly simple for the thick coated Shetland Sheepdog. Brush them often but if their hair is matted just spray the coat with water before brushing. Bathing is not often necessary for them and takes a lot of time when it is done so only bathe them when absolutely necessary. Walking is a good exercise for Shetland Sheepdogs, but they prefer running off leash. Exercise should be given to them often so they do not become bored. They can be entered in activities, such as agility competitions where they are likely to do very well and to have a good time.
Ideal Environment
Shetland Sheepdogs are active and fun dogs to have in many families’ lives. Their mission in life is to make their owners happy and to obey them. Children in the family can get away with doing almost anything to the dog without concern, but Shelties do not always like strange children. Most strangers, however, will just be ignored by Shelties. Training is extremely important so they can become obedient and happy. Their owners should play games with them and let them run frequently to release energy. Shetland Sheepdogs can live in an apartment or a country house, but they are not good for owners who cannot control their frequent barking.They really enjoy farms and other big property that are fenced in so they can be outside all day and get plenty of exercise.
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Review
These are great dogs, they're super cute, and very affectionate. They will go to the end of the earth to please you, and are great house pets. Very good with children. They can sometimes be a little hard to control, but are usally easy to train. :o)
Pros: Really beautiful, smart, and friendly.
Cons: Energetic, some times they're shy, and oftenn over-excited
Still own three females
iI had my first one for 14 years died of natural causes. He never had any health problems. My dog use to heard my son, when he was a baby, to stay in the yard. He would lightly snag him by the seat of his pants and pull him back. He also used to play with a beach ball (like air bud) and hit it with his nose for you to catch it. Toby,my sheltie will be always greatly missed.
Pros: beautiful, loves children, very obedient
Cons: none
Shetland Sheepdogs
Mine is great. He is bigger then normal ones, but I love him so much! I think that a family with kids should think about these!
Pros: Loving, caring, gentle.
Cons: Barks a lot, chases cars.
Shetland Sheepdog Review
My first dog was a Shetland Sheepdog. His name was Cocoa and lived 16.7 years. He was always gentle and kind towards others. Never once did he ite anyone! He will be greatly missed. I think that everyone should experience the joy of young Shelties. Some cons are natural, of course. But there are too many pros to count!
Pros: Gentle with kids, caring, loving, extremely beautiful, smart.
Cons: Tends to bark often, can be over energetic sometimes.
so nice and cute
the shetland sheepdog is the cutest and friendliest dog i know of. it is my favorite kind of dog. i really don't like how much hair it sheds, but it acutally saved him in a acciendent. i was riding home on my bike and he was chasing me, and he got hit by a car going about 35 miles per hour and the hair made him bounce off the bumper, and the only injuries he had were minor. he had hurt leg and chest but that was it. nice dog
Pros: so cute, nice, very friendly,good with children ,good watch dog, intelligent and smart
Cons: hair sheds alot