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(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.
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Although they look somewhat like a Miniature Collie, the Sheltie has a broader forehead, shorter muzzle and a shorter wedge to the head than a standard Collie. They have a distinct forehead stop in their face. The double coat means that a fuzzy undercoat will shed out (especially in un-spayed females) twice a year. The under-coat will come out in handfuls. Males retain both the inner and out coats longer. Combing with a wide tooth comb will retain the layers of coat and not strip out the lift caused by the undercoat. Brushing will also prevent mats. Intense shedding only lasts about a week and happens twice a yea
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This breed enjoys large yards and plenty of daily exercise. Several daily leash walks will be required to keep this breed properly exercised.
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Our 9 year old Sheltie just died and he was vomitting too, then died in a day. He seemed fine before this. The vet found his liver was enlarged. If we think back he was showing signs for awhile that something was wrong, refusing to eat sometimes, vomitting occasionally, and less active. This the first dog we have ever had so had no idea that he might be showing signs that he was seriously ill. We have 2 other Shelties, so will be sure to look for these signs. I hope you find out what is wrong with your dog. I hope this helps you.
This happened to our Sheltie a few years back, the bile was because he had eaten some carpet fibers and his intestines were blocked. Our Sheltie is still with us but is was frightening week, trying to get these fibers to pass.
Most prefer females as they tend to be easier to train and more obedient. All Shelties are extremely active, but females tend to be easier and not as hyper so to speek. Males are on the hyper side of active and if they aren't stimulated, you will know it. This tends to be true for all dogs, so I believe it depends on the individual dog and owner. I have a lot of experience with Shelties, owning both male and female for over 16 years. Also males for the most point tend to have fuller coats.
I have 4 Shelties and they love going in the van; whether it just to the store, park or a 3 hour drive to the cottage. We take our dogs everywhere and they sleep in the van most of the time while we are travelling.
Snickers is actually a mix from a Sheltie and a King Cavalier Spaniel. She loves people but isn't too fond of other dogs in her space. She is also good with children but has a problem of "bathing" anyone she meets (she licks a lot). She is highly tolerable and isn't aggressive whatsoever. She loves walks and going outside, but in the house she is lazy and rotates where she naps. Snickers is also a good hunting dog, she likes hunting squirrels, rabbits, birds, and moles. She has particularly been useful in getting rid of the moles. She was/is easily trainable and can even identify certain words spoken to her (other than the "sit", "go", and "lay-down" commands). When she was younger she had issues with getting into the trash and articles of clothing but as she has aged she no longer does these things. Snickers is a hyper dog when in playing mode but easily calms down and tires out quicker than some dogs (probably because of age). Her coat is thick and can grow long. She also needs frequent grooming and care. Her health problems (currently) are arthritis and joint pain. Snickers is roughly around 30 pounds and is a medium sized dog.
Age :
12 years
Name:
Chelsey
Color:
Tri-Color
Description:
Chelsey is our beautiful tri-color girl. She was our first sheltie and she got us hooked on the breed. Very sweet attentive girl.
Age :
3 years
Name:
Jake
Color:
Sable
Description:
Jake is 3 years old and is such a sweet and lovable boy. He is a clown and loves to run and play.
Age :
4 years
Name:
Ziva
Color:
Sable/Mahogany
Description:
Ziva is a Mahogany Sable and is just beautiful and smart.
Age :
4 years
Name:
Ziva
Color:
sable
Description:
Ziva was adopted by us in December 2012 and is wondeful.
Age :
3yrs and 4yrs
Name:
Jake and Ziva
Color:
sable
Description:
Jake and Ziva running and playing
Age :
3yrs and 4yrs
Name:
Jake and Ziva
Color:
sable
Description:
Ziva likes to run and chase our other sheltie Jake
Age :
Ziva 4yrs. Jake 3yrs.
Name:
Ziva and Jake
Color:
Sable
Description:
Ziva who we adopted on 12-8-12 on left and Jake is our sable boy who will be 3yrs. on 2-4-13. They love to run and play together.
Age :
4 years
Name:
Ziva Robillard
Color:
Sable/mahogany
Description:
This is our beautiful girl we adopted in December 2012 she is such a wonderful addition to our family. She has a brother Jake who is 3yrs.and sister Chelsey who is 12yrs. We live in Baton Rouge, LA
Age :
11
Name:
Chelsey
Color:
Tri
Description:
Chelsey is our 11 year old Sheltie and is a beautiful and smart girl.
She is the best companion and enjoys her home with her brother Jake who will be two in February.
Age :
10 1/2 yrs. and 20 months
Name:
Chesley and Jake
Color:
Tri-color and Sable
Description:
This is our Tri-color Chelsey who is 10 1/2 yrs. and Jake is our Sable who is 20 months.
Age :
3 years
Name:
GOLD HEATHBELL BELIEVE IN A MIRACLE,Ch.RUSSIA,Ch.RKF
Color:
sable&white
Description:
Mickey is charming and gorgeous as his pictures portrays.He is undoubtedly a real English gentleman.He is beautiful built,has the reight size,great coat,a fantastic character and suher,strong movement.
Age :
1 year
Name:
Jake
Color:
sable
Description:
Jake is a sable and white shetland sheepdog. He lives in Baton Rouge,LA
Age :
10 years
Name:
Chelsey
Color:
Tri-Color
Description:
Chelsey is our precious girl who we have owned since she was eight weeks old. She is very loyal and is such a good nurse when we are sick, she will not leave our side. She has a new brother who is one year old, Jake who is a sable pretty boy. He came into our home when he was six months old.
Age :
1 year
Name:
Jake
Color:
sable
Description:
Jake is a sweet sable boy who came into our life after we lost our blue merle boy. He also has a companion who is nine years old, her name is Chelsey she is a tri-color who we love dearly.
Age :
10 yrs and 10 months
Name:
Chelsey and Jake
Color:
tri-color and a sable bi-black
Description:
Chelsey is our 10 year old Tri female and Jake is our sable bi-black male
Age :
7 months
Name:
Lizneb Two Bi Blu
Color:
Bi Blue
Description:
Storm is our bi blue boy that is showing great promise in the ring. He was just awarded Ist in Minor dog class and best dog under 18 months in breed at Brisbane Royal 2010.
Age :
4 moths old
Name:
ginga
Color:
black and white
Description:
sheltie
Age :
9 and 4
Name:
Cody
Color:
Sable
Description:
my best pose
Age :
6 weeks
Name:
Krystalyn's Morning Mist "Libby"
Color:
sable & white
Description:
These 2 beautiful puppies were sired by Topshelf Rydin On the Bandwagon "Murphy" & Krystalyns Morning Mist "Libby".
Age :
3
Name:
Topshelf Rydin on the Bandwagon "Murphy"
Color:
Sable & White
Description:
Murphy is a 3 year old sable & white male proven stud, who has produced several litters of great quality!
Age :
2
Name:
Shadow
Color:
White, tan and brown
Description:
well behaved beautiful dog! will do anything for attention!
Age :
2 years
Name:
Jazz
Color:
Tri
Description:
Beautiful Tri color female owned by heartprint pomeranians and shelties
Age :
16 month
Name:
Rascal
Color:
Blue Merle and Tan
Description:
He is owned by heartprint pomeranians and shelties, he is a shoe dog and loves people and other dogs.
Age :
1 1/2 years old
Name:
DJ
Color:
Sable
Description:
Dj is often confused for Lassie's pup!
Age :
3 yrs old
Name:
max and mitzy schwander
Color:
sable
Description:
this is Max and Mitzy Schwander. They are brother and sister and are three years old. They are very loving, very adaptable and super smart. We love them very much - they are children to us. Taken on our boat, on the torch lake sandbar, Antrim County Michigan about 20 miles north of Traverse City
Age :
7 weeks
Name:
sasssie lady
Color:
sable-white
Description:
Age :
9 months
Name:
sooner
Color:
sable
Description:
loves a active day of fun and play and a true Florida dog, loves the water.
Age :
3 year
Name:
Lassie
Color:
sable
Description:
my talanted star posing for a picture
Age :
8 weeks
Name:
Abner
Color:
Sable
Description:
Riley looking innocent... but far from it.
Age :
1.5 years
Name:
Beauty
Color:
tri-colored
Description:
She action-packed!
Age :
1 year
Name:
sunshine
Color:
sable
Description:
beautiful, well groomed girl
Age :
12
Name:
Cinnamon
Color:
brown,white,black
Description:
Very loving, caring. Very sweet dog. She loves the attention and has always been givin it. Loves everyone, she gets along with strangers, children and adults....she is the best dog in the world!!!!
Age :
12
Name:
Murphy
Color:
sable
Description:
The best dog in the world! Incredibly well behaved and eager to please.
Age :
3
Name:
L-N-D's Dreams in the mMst
Color:
Bi-Blue
Description:
Turtle as we call him is my soul dog. always at my side I'd be lost without him. you can not find a better breed of dog for training or to be a loyal companion