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Appearance Shelties are strong, beautiful dogs. They are very similar to the Collie, but Collies are much larger. Most shelties are about fifteen inches high. They have a rough outercoat and a soft undercoat. Over time, shelties develop a frilly mane around the neck area. Their color can be sable, blue merle, or black with tan and white spots. They have a black nose, small ears with dropping tips, and dark oval eyes.
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Origin The Shetland Sheepdog breed was fully developed by 1700. Shelties are from a small Scottish island called Shetland. While there, they herded and guarded flocks of sheep. During the 20th century, Shelties arrived in Scotland along with other countries. They were first recognized in 1909 in England and first registered in the U.S. in 1911. Since then, the Shetland Sheepdog has become one of the most beloved dogs in the country.
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Grooming You may think that grooming a sheltie requires a lot of time and effort, however it’s really quite simple. Shelties shed their coat in the spring and the fall. During that time, weekly brushing should be done. Before brushing, lightly mist the coat with water to make it easier. You should only bathe them when absolutely needed. |
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Training Training your Shetland Sheepdog should begin as soon as possible. The training sessions should be no longer than fifteen minutes because they are more effective than long, boring periods. When you give your dog commands, make sure they are short and simple. Try saying “come” when it is mealtime for your puppy. “Sit” is another popular command. Say “sit” loudly while putting your dog in sitting position. Afterwards, praise and reward your puppy. There are many other commands to teach your puppy. Training takes time, but through repetition, it will soon be accomplished.
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Temperament Shetland Sheepdogs are ideal for families with children. They are eager to please and very alert. Shelties are gentle but very noisy. They are not aggressive, but sometimes they are shy. These dogs are not very social around strangers. Shelties are very active and like to be kept busy. They are excellent watchdogs and perfect companions.
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Potential Health Problems Similar to the Rough Collie, Shelties can develop a disease of the eyes over time. They can also inherit displacement of the patella, which is the kneecap. Be very careful not to overfeed Shetland Sheepdogs. They can also develop epilepsy, heart problems, or bleeding disorders. Make sure you buy a Sheltie from a dependable breeder.
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