Shetland Sheepdog Puppies bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie. The Shetland Sheepdog, with a shoulder measurement of 13 to 16 inches, is a small, energetic, and nimble herding dog. The lengthy, harsh, straight coat has white markings and is available in sable, black, and blue merle colors with a rich undercoat. The skin, along with a long, wedge-shaped head small, three-quarter erect ears, and a deep-chested, level-backed torso, give Shelties the look of a rough-coated Collie in miniature. In obedience, agility, and herding trials, Shelties, who are intelligent and enthusiastic, make excellent trainers and are top competitors.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
| Common Name | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Pet Height | 13 to 16 Inches |
| Pet Weight | 15 to 25 Pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 Years |
| Good with | Cats, Children, Dogs, Families, Seniors |
| Temperament | Friendly, Gentle, Playful |
| Intelligence | High |
| Shedding Amount | Frequent |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Vocal Level | Frequent |
| Drool Amount | Low |
| Breed Group | Herding |
| Breed Size | Small (0-25 Lbs.) |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Fawn, Gray, White |
| Patterns | Bicolor, Merle, Sable, Tricolor |
| Other Traits | Apartment-Friendly, Cold Weather Tolerant, Easy to Train, Good Hiking Companion, Requires Lots of Grooming, Strong Loyalty Tendencies |
Shetland Sheepdog Maintenance Cost
Being a dog owner involves responsibilities as well as privileges. Shetland Sheepdog Puppies rely on us for far more than just food and shelter, at the very least. When you decide to adopt a dog, you must be prepared for the commitment that comes with being a dog owner.
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Health
Although Shetland Sheepdogs are generally healthy dogs, conscientious breeders check their dogs for problems like epilepsy, gallbladder mucoceles, von Willebrands disease vWD, and dermatomyositis Shetland Sheepdog Puppies skin syndrome, hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, and eye disorders. Numerous potentially heritable illnesses can be tested for, and the American Shetland Sheepdog Association ASSA, the national parent club of the breed, recommends basic health testing of breeding stock.
Grooming
The Sheltie sheds a lot because of its thick double coat. The undercoat is short, hairy, and extremely dense, whereas the outside coat is made up of long, rough, straight hair. To help remove at least some of the loose hair before it floats all over the house, owners should be ready to brush the coat once a week, and more frequently during the shedding season. Make sure to look for matting in the pants under the tail, behind the ears, and under the elbow on each front leg. It is not advised to shave the dog because its coat guards against both cold and heat burns.
Exercise
Shetland Sheepdog Puppies are athletic and energetic dogs that require a modest amount of exercise, but they also adjust well to the lifestyle of their family. In cities, they thrive as long as their owners give them enough exercise. They take pleasure in mentally and physically stimulating adventures with their loved ones. Shelties are excellent in tracking, agility, obedience, herding, and other dog sports.
Training
Shetland Sheepdog Puppies training lessons and early socialization are advised, just like with all breeds. When taught even basic obedience, the Sheltie, who is highly clever, trainable, and eager to please, will attain his full potential as a companion. They are also exceptional athletes in canine sports like agility. Shetland Sheepdog Puppies can be very talkative dogs that use barking to show their happiness, therefore owners need to be ready to educate their dogs to stop barking when they want them to.
Nutrition
Good dog food is recommended for Shetland Sheepdogs, whether it is homemade with your veterinarian’s guidance or purchased from a store. Any diet ought to be suitable for the age of the dog elderly, adult, or puppy. Watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight as some breeds are predisposed to obesity. While treats can be a useful tool in training, offering them in excess can lead to obesity.
History
Shelties, as Shetland sheepdogs are popularly called, initially resemble small rough collies. Though they may have the same ancestry, the Shetland sheepdog is a different breed that was evolved under special conditions, despite the fact that they are frequently wrongly referred to as little collies. The Shetland Islands in Scotland, home to Shetland ponies and other small animal types, are where Shelties originate. Because of the hard weather and lack of flora in the area, smaller breeds of cattle and smaller dogs were more suitable for herding them. Shelties are most likely the offspring of a hybrid between the larger rough collie of the era and other island dogs, such as spaniels and small herding breeds.