Sheltie Dog Breed

Below are the details and specs for the Sheltie dog breed.

The Sheltie is medium sized, appearing proportionately sturdy yet poised. They are generally 13-16 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh around 20 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females and appear even more so due to the abundance of hair around their heads and on their chests (mane and frills).

This breed is both hard worker and loyal companion. They are within the 10 easiest breeds to train and are intuitive with their owner/family. Members of this breed make an playful yet gentle companion for children and even get along well with other pets. They will not hesitate to bark and make capable watch dogs. These guys will be reserved and watchful around strangers but not aggressive.

Overall, Shelties are a moderate maintenance breed. Their abundant double coat requires several times per week brushing and they shed almost constantly. They make up for the high maintenance grooming requirement by being notoriously easy to train. They naturally obedient and intuitive and within the top ten most intelligent and trainable breeds; they will require little repetition to catch on to commands. Exercise needs will be moderate and can be met with a daily long walk, run, outdoor playtime, games and training (obedience, agility, herding, etc.).

Shetland Sheepdogs were and still are working dogs descending from the same ancestor as the standard and Border Collies. Historians believe these Spitz type dogs were brought by Scandinavian settlers and likely bred with Pomeranians and King Charles Spaniels. They were employed to herd and protect livestock as well as guard homes. The Shetland Islands of Scotland produce stock animals, such as sheep and fowl, that are small in size due to sparse population and vegetation; therefore it was not necessary for the breeding of larger sheepdogs in this area. This produced a sturdy, agile, quick and extremely intelligent dog that not only protected and herded but was understood the need to keep the animals from the neighboring crops. Isolation of these islands from the constant ins and outs of tourism left this breed basically unchanged and even unrecognized by canine associations until the early 1900s when British visitors began taking puppies with them via boat.

The AKC recognized this breed's unique charm quite early, 1911, although the English Kennel Club preceded them in recognizing the Sheltie in 1909. It took several years (1914) for them to achieve their own designation apart from the Collie, this breed was previously named the Shetland Collie. The parent club for the breed, the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, appeared in 1929 and continues to hold specialty breed shows. The Shetland Sheepdog appears well within the top 50 dog breeds as ranked by the AKC.

Overall, the Shetland Sheepdog may appear a Collie in miniature form but they have all the gentle, poised and intelligent expression of the standard Collie. They have many working dog traits; sturdy, well-proportioned and attentive. The head is wedge shaped and tapers from the ears to nose. They have triangular ears that slightly bend or tip and typically round, dark eyes. The outer coat is water-repellent, long and coarse and appears even more voluminous due to the short, super dense undercoat. The Shelties hair is even more abundant around the head and chest which causes many to describe they resemble proud lions; this is even more noticeable in males than females. Underneath all this hair they are well muscled from neck to back. The forelegs appear straight and strong while the hind legs are bent and muscular. Feathering of the outer coat is prominent on the limbs. Members of this breed have tails that remain in their natural form, the tail also is covered in an abundance of hair.

Miniature Shelties or Miniature Shetland Sheepdogs are not their own breed, neither are toy or teacup Shelties. A true Sheltie has one size, the standard size, that is 13-16 inches and 15-23 pounds. Breeders claiming to have the extra small Shelties are usually doing one of two things. First, they could be selecting the smallest (runts) that often have increased health issues and breed them together to produce puppies that have an even more likely chance of developing. Second, they could be outcrossing a Sheltie with a similar breed-- which would be mean you certainly aren't getting a purebred Sheltie. If you insist on buying a Mini, Toy or Teacup anything, make sure to ask for health guarantees and proof of parent's certifications.

In regards to the coat length-- although there is not necessarily a short haired Sheltie, the smooth coated type is slightly shorter than the rough haired type.

Bright, playful and energetic are among the Shelties most prized qualities. They love to run and play but also thrive when given tasks (they are still working dogs, after all.) These dogs are not shy and have no reservations with barking and even trying to herd people and other animals. Training may be required so the barking does not become bothersome but these qualities usually make for a very confident watchdog. They are very loyal and protective towards their family.

Training your Shetland Sheepdog should not be difficult considering, according to research, they are within the top 10 brightest dog breeds. In fact, this breed is said to be naturally obedient and requires very little repetition to remember concepts. They are smart, hard-working and intuitive dogs that excel in obedience, agility, tricks, and, of course, herding activities. Training is a great way to bond with your pet and make sure they get enough mental and physical exercise.

His expression portrays his personality well-- intelligent, gentle, intuitive and ever vigilant. Members of this breed love to spend time with their owner or family and will make your business theirs, following you around the house. They do not do well left alone for long periods of time or to live in a yard by themselves. They are an excellent addition to families with children and other pets; although they may have a tendency to try to "herd" them when playing, they are gentle, companionable and playful.

Many Shelties will live a long, healthy life with routine veterinary checkups, however, it is the owner's responsibility to familiarize themselves with possible health concerns. Common to the Shetland Sheepdog are typical disorders such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation as well as eye disease such as Collie Eye Anomaly, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, trichiasis and cataracts. Dermatomyositis is sometimes seen in young Shelties and is an inflammatory disease of the skin, muscles and blood vessels that results in weak muscles and lesions. Occasionally seen are congenital heart defects, bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, haemophilia and Von Willebrand's Disease (blood clotting disorders). MDR1 Gene Mutation which causes sensitivity to many drugs can be tested for, along with many of the aforementioned diseases, with blood tests at a veterinary office. Members of this breed frequently live between 12 and 14 years.