SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Bright

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 25 of 197

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Group: Herding Group

ABOUT THE SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

The small, active Shetland Sheepdog (nicknamed the Sheltie) was once a Scottish farmer’s best friend:

Sounding the alarm when anyone approached the property, barking at birds and other animals to shoo them from the garden, and later, with crosses to Scottish herding dogs, keeping the sheep flocks in line.

While at first glance they look like a smaller version of the Rough Collie, the two are distinctly different breeds.

PERSONALITY

The Sheltie is intensely loyal, gentle, and sensitive. There’s a wide range of personalities in the breed, from outgoing and boisterous to calm and sedate to shy or retiring.

It’s normal for Shelties to be reserved with strangers, but steer clear of dogs that seem overly timid or nervous.

Whatever their personality, Shelties prefer to be with their people at all times and will follow them from room to room during the course of the day.

NUTRITION

The Shetland Sheepdog should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.

Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.

HEALTH

The following problems are not common in the breed, but they may occur:

• Hypothyroidism
• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Canine hip dysplasia
• Dermatomyositis

CARE

Shelties are active and athletic, and while they need a moderate amount of exercise they are also very adaptable to their family’s way of life. They do well as city dogs as long as owners provide sufficient exercise.

Shelties enjoy and excel in many canine events, including obedience, agility, herding, and tracking, and they shine as therapy dogs.

GROOMING

The Sheltie has a profuse double coat that sheds considerably. The outer coat consists of long, straight, harsh hair, while the undercoat is short, furry, and very dense. Owners must be prepared to brush the coat weekly to help in removing at least some of the loose hair before it drifts all over the house.

Be sure to check for mats behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the “pants” under the tail. Shaving the dog is not recommended, because the coat protects against sunburn and heat as well as cold.

The nails should be trimmed regularly.

Source: dogtime, akc.