Shetland Sheepdog
Description
The Shetland Sheepdog bears resemblance to the Rough Collie. Strong, nimble and lightly built the Shetland Sheepdog is a fast runner and can jump well. Shetland Sheepdog puppies are beguiling and exhibit a desire to please from a very young age. Intuitive and responsive to his owner’s wishes, they make a charming family pet. Take care that they are not startled teased, or left alone as they can be barky when excited or lonely.
Size of Male: Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 20-24 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 20-22 pounds
Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog with a delightful temperament. Shetland Sheepdog is gentle, sensitive, loyal, dainty, lively, intelligent and trainable. The Shetland Sheepdog is one to the smartest breeds, very willing to please and obey. These dogs are so smart that many fanciers consider them to have almost human intelligence. Loving, loyal and affectionate with its family, but suspicious with strangers, especially with children, but they will put up with a lot from children in the family. The Shetland Sheepdog is known to not allow themselves to be touched by strangers and will display noisy persistent barking. It is a good guard and watchdog. Socialize extensively as a puppy. This breed needs people and must be raised in a home where they can have a lot of companionship. They like to be kept busy. The Shetland sheepdog is above all an intelligent herder, capable both of commanding large cattle and holding small sheep in check. The herding instinct is still very strong in many of them. They love to chase things. Unfortunately, and often disastrously they love to chase cars. A Shetland sheepdog should not be allowed to run free near a road as it may decide to chase a car or something else it sees across the road, running a high risk of getting hit by a car. Because of its beauty and kindness, the Shetland sheepdog has become a popular companion dog. This breed may bark a lot. Some say males make better and more affectionate pets.
Living Conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Shetland Sheepdogs are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Upkeep
The Shetland Sheepdog is energetic, but its exercise needs can be met with a good walk, short jog or active game and training session. Shetland Sheepdog can live outdoors in a temperate climate, but it is strongly advised that the Sheltie be a house dog. Shetland Sheepdog is too attached to its family to do well separated from them. Its thick coat needs brushing or combing every other day.
Health
Major concerns: dermatomyositis
Minor concerns: collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, trichiasis, cataract, hip dysplasia, hemophilia, Legg – Perthes disease, patellar luxation
Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years