Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog: BREED BOX Country: Great Britain Size: 14-16lb(6-7kg), 13-16in(33-40cm) Temperament: Intelligent, loyal Grooming: Regular Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC

The beautiful little Sheltie is usually considered one of the most intelligent of dog breeds. Shetland Sheepdogs resemble a Collie in miniature. They are rough-coated and longhaired but they are a devoted working dog, originating as a herding dog. Shelties are alert, extremely loyal and highly trainable. They are known to excel in many activities such as obedience work, rally, agility and others. They make excellent family dogs and they are usually very good with kids.

Breed History

It’s probable that the Shetland Sheepdog shares the same origins with the larger Collie. Both dogs hale from Scotland and share ancestors with the Border Collie. While the Collie developed into a larger dog, the Shetland Sheepdog from the impoverished Shetland Islands, became a small working and herding dog. There were crosses with the native longhaired dogs on the islands. The Shetland Islands were also known for producing diminutive animals, such as the Shetland pony, so it’s not surprising that the Shetland Sheepdog remained small. Later there were crosses with Collies.

The dogs remained something of a secret for a long time due to the isolation of the islands. It was 1909 before the Sheltie was recognized by the Kennel Club in Britain. They were not known as Shetland Sheepdogs (instead of Shetland “Collies”) until 1914.

The Shetland Sheepdog was first registered by the AKC in 1911.

Throughout their history the Shetland Sheepdog has been a diligent and intelligent working companion. They naturally obey and are very willing. They are excellent herders as well as good guard dogs and watch dogs.

Appearance

There is an obvious resemblance between the Sheltie and the Rough Collie. The dogs share similar origins and there have been crosses between the two breeds from time to time. The Sheltie is a rough-coated, longhaired working dog. They are sound, agile and sturdy little dogs.

Shelties stand between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They usually weigh around 11-30 pounds.

The Sheltie’s head is shaped like a long, blunt wedge that tapers slightly from ears to nose. They have an alert, gentle, intelligent expression. They often look like they have a questioning look.

Shetland Sheepdogs have a double coat. The outer coat is long and straight with harsh hair. The undercoat is short, furry and so dense that it makes the whole coat stand off away from the body somewhat. The dogs have a “mane” of hair on their necks.

Dogs may be black, blue, merle and sable with different amounts of white and/or tan.

In The Home

In the home the Shetland Sheepdog is docile and loving. They are very intelligent dogs and have an almost human understanding. They are intensely loyal and affectionate and very responsive to their owners. Shelties can be wary and reserved toward stranger but they are not fearful or cringing and they are not aggressive.

Shelties usually do best if they live on a farm or in a country setting. They can do well in the suburbs or anywhere they have some room to run. They are very energetic little dogs and need plenty of exercise. However, they can adapt to other living situations if you are prepared to really work with them.

Shelties are known as one of the worst dogs in terms of barking. They are not just nuisance barkers. They bark because it’s their nature to bark, coming down to them from their heritage as herders and working dogs, and as dogs which watched and guarded family farms. They will bark at anything. They bark when they get excited. This is another reason why Shelties usually do better in the country, where there are fewer neighbors to hear them. Shelties are very trainable so you may be able to teach your Sheltie to lessen the barking, but many people have tried and failed.

Shelties are wonderful companion dogs. They are lively, smart, trainable and very willing to please their owners and happy to obey. They are very loving and loyal and like to show affection. They are very good with children.

The Shetland Sheepdog is very playful and very active. They need plenty of exercise. If they don’t get enough exercise or if you don’t provide enough mental stimulation for these smart dogs, they can become destructive, just like Border Collies.

Shelties need to be well socialized from the time they are puppies. Take your Sheltie puppy with you to see new places and meet new people and dogs. Keep him on a leash and encourage people to pet him and give him treats. Encourage him to meet other friendly dogs who are leashed. Let him see new things and learn that there is nothing to be afraid of. The more you socialize your Sheltie as a puppy, the more confident and well-adjusted he will be as an adult dog. This will reduce potential behavior problems such as separation anxiety, nuisance barking, destructive chewing and other issues.

Care

Shetland Sheepdogs do have a beautiful long coat but it probably requires less grooming that you may think. The rough outer coat generally protects the dog from the elements and from getting too dirty. You will need to brush a Sheltie about twice a week to keep him looking nice. Make sure you look for any mats and remove them. You will also need to clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent ear infections and trim his nails regularly.

Like other dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to some potential health problems. If you are interested in getting a Sheltie you should talk to a breeder about possible health problems in the breed. Ask about health testing and see if the breeder has health tested their dogs. Health testing can often help avoid future health problems in a dog’s offspring.

Health issues that can occur in the Shetland Sheepdog include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), or cancer of the bladder, is also a problem in the breed. Dermatomyositis can occur, as can Von Willebrand’s disease. Shelties are susceptible to two kinds of eye disease: Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Puppies should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist at a young age to detect CEA.

Where to Find a Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are quite popular and it’s usually not too hard to find a breeder. However, it’s always a good idea to look for a good breeder. The AKC parent breed club for the breed in the United States is the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. They can direct you to Sheltie breeders. They also have rescue groups all over the United States.

You can also check with your local animal shelter to see if they have any Shelties available. Rescue groups try to remove Shelties as quickly as possible from shelters to keep them from being put to sleep but it’s always possible that you could find a Sheltie there.

• Ideal Owners: The Shetland Sheepdog is suited to all people of all ages. Regular grooming required.
• Coat Color: Sable, Blue-Merle, Tricolor, Black/White, Black/Tan
• Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
• Other Names: Sheltie

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