Shetland Sheepdog
AKA: Sheltie
Description: The Shetland Sheepdog is a beautiful breed that resembles a Rough Collie, but is much smaller in size. They have a long wedge-shaped head and masses of mane-like hair. The coat is long and rough, with a soft, wooly undercoat for protection. Their color can be sable, blue merle, black and white or black and tan. The top plane of the muzzle should be parallel to that of the skull. Their eyes are almond-shaped and are generally dark except in blue merle dogs where they may be blue or merle color and teeth should met in scissors bite. Its hair is particularly heavy around the neck, giving the dog the appearance of wearing a ruffle. The Shetland Sheepdog has a luxurious long, feathered tail and flexible, soft ears. This breed has a very intelligent and inquisitive expression, added to by the dark, slightly slanted eyes. Strong, swift and nimble, these dogs are energetic and have lots of character.
Temperament: This breed is an excellent companion dog. Because they are gentle,sensitive and loyal. Moreover, they a very lively trainable and intelligent. Very willing to please and obey. They always long for affection and companionship. Thus, owners should spare time for them because they will get destructive if neglected. The Sheltie is a family dog through and through, and enjoys plenty of interaction and cuddles. And to promote a strong and well balanced temperament, they should be trained for early socialization since some of them can be shy and reserved. But, they are also known as not to be touched by strangers. They could raise an alarm by barking since they can be suspicious to strangers as well. This breed is a good guard and watchdog. These dogs are best around gentler or older children, and will usually get along fine with other animals. It needs a stable environment to live in, and does not like loud noises or tense atmospheres. Sheltie is has a very strong herding instinct and they love to chase things so they should not be allowed to run free near the road they might chase cars or something else. It would be dangerous for them.
Activity: They could live in an apartment life. They active indoors and will be okey for them even without a yard. They also require sufficient exercise and a daily walk or jog would be best for them as well. And they love to run freely provided, they should be in a safe area.
Grooming: Their coat is easy to care. They can be brushed regularly to tease out the mats before it gets bad. They shed heavily on seasonal basis only in spring and fall. Bathe and dry shampoo them only when necessary.
Health Problems: Their life span is around 12-14 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed: epilepsy, vWD, thyroid problems, luxating patella, PRA, HD, eye problems, seizures, and heart problems.
Breed Group: Herding, AKC Herding
Color: Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 20 lbs
Country Of Origin: Shetland Islands
Dynamics: Affectionate, intelligent, quick learner, loyal, active, reserved with strangers but never aggressive.