Shetland shepherd dog | Facts & Information

Other names: Shetland Shepherd, Sheltie, Shetland Collie, Dwarf Scotch Shepherd, toonie dog, Sheltie dog, Scottish Shepherd Dog, The Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Shepherd Dog is named after the island of Shetland in Scotland. Originally the breed was born from the pairing of Border Collies and dogs from Greenland brought by whalers, seafarers, traders and shipowners. From the 18th century Shetland specimens were brought to England where breeders began a process of breeding the breed.

Later, after a series of controlled mating with Spitz-type dogs, today's breed resulted. It was originally called the Shetland Collie, but because of confusion with the other collie breed the name was changed to Shetland Sheepdog.

The selection process lasted until the 19th century. In the 20th century the breed was officially recognized. The first recorded Sheltie was a female named "Badenock Rose"

In the island where the breed had its origins, it gradually disappeared, the dog being replaced by the older" brother " Border collie.

Feeding the Shetland Shepherd

The number of meals is 2, although 3 would be ideal. The amount of food depends on the dog's size, age, metabolism and activity level. Every dog is unique, just like people.

It is said that the health of a dog is seen in the level of activity and in the coat. The Shetland Shepherd can be seen very well because it is an energetic dog and has a long coat.

If you feed your dog with store-bought food, whether it's dry or wet, make sure it's quality. If you opt for home-cooked food take care of protein, vitamin or fat proportions. Keep in mind that the Shetland Shepherd is prone to obesity.

The dog should always have a bowl of water to drink when thirsty. Remember that sweets are not good for pets. If you want to make her a joy go to a pet store and buy rewards. Chocolate is toxic to dogs.

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Appearance Shetland Shepherd

The Shetland Shepherd Dog is 33-41 cm tall and weighs 9-11 kg. It is a small to medium sized dog. The eyes are dark or blue in color. The ears are small, short with the tips bent forward. The nose is black. The long tail covered with long hair is worn drooping.

The double and long coat provides the dog with thermal and weather protection. It moults almost all year round.

The standard colours of the Shetland Shepherd are brown, white and black. Most specimens have fur in three colors: white, black and brown. There are also specimens where brown color predominates or is missing almost entirely.

Dogs that have white color more than 50% of the body surface are submitted in competitions. There are also dogs whose genes have been altered and can have white and black and blue fur or brown with white and blue in different proportions.

Shetland Shepherd behaviour

The Shetland Shepherd Dog is intelligent, active and hardworking. He has a calm personality and if he doesn't have tasks to do he would play all day with his owners or other animals around the House.

He barks a lot because he demands attention, he looks for playmates. Many specimens are very active, show fantastic energy and are difficult to master until they consume it.

He loves children, gets along well with the little ones and can be a pleasant companion. It is recommended for those who have time to provide him with an almost daily brushing. They do not have aggressive tendencies, are not irascible and do not attack unprovoked. They are generally shy and restrained.

Although he is not a big dog he does not trust strangers, caution is one of his qualities. It is used to guard the house, manage herds of sheep and as a pet.

He is a very good climber and jumper, he is fast, accurate and disciplined. He'd be hopping all day.

Shetland Shepherd Dog Training

Training is the way of communication between dog and man. It's like a school where they learn how to behave in society. The Shetland Shepherd, like any dog, needs training.

Its advantage is that it catches much faster than other dogs. He has intelligence, the desire to learn and to crowd his master.

It needs socialization, movement and training. They need to know at least the basic commands (sit, sit, lie down, etc.) to be able to communicate more easily. She loves training to have many challenges. He has strong herd dog instincts.

They are very good guard dogs. They are considered some of the smartest dogs in the world.

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Features Shetland Shepherd

The Shetland Shepherd is not a difficult dog to care for, but requires a little patience. The long, double coat needs regular brushing because its hair falls out almost all year round.

Pay attention to the hair lumps, thistles that can take them from outside. Besides the fur do not forget to check the ears and claws periodically(especially those who breed this breed on the block).

He loves outdoor exercise because he is an active dog. He gladly performs all the tasks given to him in order to please his master. Don't skimp on praise for it.

They are preferred as pets for their affection, attachment and gentleness.

Shetland Shepherd's disease

The Shetland Shepherd dog may be prone to small dog syndrome. The disease refers to some behavioral problems of some dog breeds.

With proper training and a normal activity beneficial to the animal are very low chances that the disease will manifest itself. For those who stay at the block daily walks, which must necessarily be at least two, morning and evening, are mandatory.

Predisposition to obesity. Your dog can easily gain weight if he doesn't exercise. It can be eliminated if the companion does his daily routine of exercise and walks.

A low-risk genetic disease is an abnormality that is more present in the Border collie breed, but it seems to also occur in Shetland.

Other diseases that have been encountered in Shetland are: epilepsy, hip dysplasia, cutaneous syndrome or von Willebrand disease. These diseases will not necessarily occur in every specimen.