Dog Breeds - Shetland Sheepdog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of friendliness a particular breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary significantly. Certain breeds may seem distant and reserved towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as their closest pal.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its general family-friendly nature is important to consider. It is vital to supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs should be considered. It is important to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs. However, certain breeds naturally have a higher tendency to get along well with other dogs both within the household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed encompass various aspects such as bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. When evaluating the grooming effort required, it is crucial to consider factors like available time, patience and budget. It is also important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is worth considering. For individuals who prefer cleanliness, breeds that can leave trails of slobber on your arm or create significant wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around all unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will happily greet and engage with new people whenever they come across them.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically possesses for play, even beyond their puppyhood stage is worth considering. Some breeds will maintain their interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is a notable characteristic. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds tend to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This encompasses the breed's ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other changes that may occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog breed to learn new things are crucial aspects to consider. While some breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and demonstrate a strong desire to learn, others may display a more independent nature and prioritize doing what they want, when they want and wherever they want.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is an important consideration. High energy breeds typically have a strong desire for physical activity and mental engagement. They are ready to go and eager for various adventures, spending their time running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are more inclined to be calm and relaxed, often content with simply lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization is an important factor to consider when choosing a breed. Some breeds tend to bark or howl frequently reacting to every passer-by or even birds in the window. Others only bark in specific situations. It's also worth noting that certain barkless breeds may still find alternative ways to express themselves and communicate through various sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have specific jobs often require mental exercises involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may become restless and create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate mental exercises is crucial to keeping such breeds mentally satisfied and preventing undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of friendliness a particular breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary significantly. Certain breeds may seem distant and reserved towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as their closest pal.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its general family-friendly nature is important to consider. It is vital to supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs should be considered. It is important to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs. However, certain breeds naturally have a higher tendency to get along well with other dogs both within the household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed encompass various aspects such as bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. When evaluating the grooming effort required, it is crucial to consider factors like available time, patience and budget. It is also important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is worth considering. For individuals who prefer cleanliness, breeds that can leave trails of slobber on your arm or create significant wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around all unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will happily greet and engage with new people whenever they come across them.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed typically possesses for play, even beyond their puppyhood stage is worth considering. Some breeds will maintain their interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is a notable characteristic. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds tend to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This encompasses the breed's ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other changes that may occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog breed to learn new things are crucial aspects to consider. While some breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and demonstrate a strong desire to learn, others may display a more independent nature and prioritize doing what they want, when they want and wherever they want.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is an important consideration. High energy breeds typically have a strong desire for physical activity and mental engagement. They are ready to go and eager for various adventures, spending their time running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low energy breeds are more inclined to be calm and relaxed, often content with simply lounging around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have specific jobs often require mental exercises involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities. Without adequate mental stimulation, these dogs may become restless and create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with the owner's preferences. Providing appropriate mental exercises is crucial to keeping such breeds mentally satisfied and preventing undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Sable & White	165
Black White & Tan	034
Blue Merle White & Tan	052
Blue Merle & White	051
Black & White	019
Sable Merle & White	277
White Black & Tan	219
White & Black	202
White & Sable	215
White	199
White Blue Merle & Tan	265
White Blue Merle	266
White & Sable Merle	296
Black & Tan	018

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The description provided highlights the key characteristics of the Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie). It is indeed an intelligent and obedient herding breed originating from the Shetland Islands. Shelties resemble the Collie but in a smaller size standing between 13 and 16 inches tall. They have a long, harsh and straight coat with a dense undercoat, which comes in various colors. With their distinctive head shape, small ears and sturdy body, they resemble a miniature rough-coated Collie.

Shelties are known for their brightness, eagerness to please and trainability. They excel in various competitions such as obedience, agility and herding trials. Being highly attuned to their family's mood, they are sensitive and affectionate companion dogs. They have a tendency to bark and may exhibit reservation towards strangers making them excellent watchdogs.

Overall, Shelties possess a unique blend of intelligence, agility, loyalty and watchfulness, making them a well-rounded breed.

What to Expect When Caring for A SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Shetland Sheepdog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Shetland Sheepdogs are generally in good health and responsible breeders diligently assess their dogs for health conditions like hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye disorders, dermatomyositis (also known as Sheltie skin syndrome), von Willebrand's disease (vWD), gallbladder mucoceles and epilepsy. Various tests exist for potential hereditary disorders and it is recommended that breeders perform minimum health testing on their breeding stock, as advised by the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA), the national parent club for the breed. Shetland Sheepdogs are generally in good health and responsible breeders diligently assess their dogs for health conditions like hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye disorders, dermatomyositis (also known as Sheltie skin syndrome), von Willebrand's disease (vWD), gallbladder mucoceles and epilepsy. Various tests exist for potential hereditary disorders and it is recommended that breeders perform minimum health testing on their breeding stock, as advised by the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA), the national parent club for the breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Sheltie possesses a lavish double coat that tends to shed quite a bit. Its external layer comprises of long, straight, rough hair, whereas the undercoat is short, soft and incredibly dense. Owners must be well-prepared to groom the coat on a weekly basis and more frequently during shedding periods, to effectively remove at least a portion of the loose hair before it scatters throughout the entire house. It is important to carefully inspect for tangles or mats behind the ears, under each front leg's elbow and in the "pants" area beneath the tail. It is not advisable to shave the dog since the coat acts as protection against sunburn, heat and cold. The Sheltie only requires occasional bathing and it is recommended to regularly trim its nails.

Exercise

	Shelties are lively and sporty companions requiring a moderate amount of exercise while also being highly adaptable to their family's lifestyle. They thrive even in urban environments as long as owners ensure they receive ample exercise. These delightful dogs relish outings with their loved ones, engaging in activities that stimulate both their physical and mental faculties. Shelties exhibit great enthusiasm and proficiency in various canine events, such as obedience, agility, herding and tracking, and they particularly excel as therapy dogs.

Training

	Like any other breed, it is highly recommended to provide early socialization and enroll Sheltie puppies in training classes. These intelligent, trainable and eager-to-please dogs truly thrive as companions when they receive at least basic obedience training and they truly shine in canine sports such as agility. Shelties can be quite vocal and express their joy through barking, so owners need to be prepared to teach them appropriate barking behavior. As is typical of herding breeds, Shelties have a strong inclination to chase moving objects, including cars, thus it is paramount to have a securely fenced yard and to walk them on a leash.

Nutrition

	To ensure optimal nutrition, the Shetland Sheepdog should be fed a high-quality dog food, be it commercially manufactured or homemade under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is crucial to select a diet that is appropriate for the dog's specific life stage, whether it's a puppy, adult or senior. Some Shelties are prone to weight gain, therefore monitoring their calorie intake and weight is important. While treats can be valuable for training purposes excessive indulgence can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with safe human foods for dogs and those to avoid. If you have concerns about your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Additionally, it is essential to provide clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

Originating from the rugged Shetland Islands, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom, Shetland Sheepdogs were initially bred to assist farmers in herding sheep, ponies and poultry. In local Shetland dialect, Shelties were affectionately referred to as "Toonie dogs," with "toon" meaning farm. To differentiate them from their larger cousin, the rough-coat Collie, Shelties were intentionally bred smaller. Their compact size allowed them to consume less food compared to Collies and other larger herding dogs, a crucial advantage in the challenging cold climate of the breed's homeland where food resources could be scarce. This also explains the diminutive stature of Shetland ponies. Unfortunately, the specific timeline of when Collies were introduced to the island from mainland Scotland and subsequently downsized into Sheltie size remains a mystery due to the lack of written records left by the island's breeders. Moreover, the geographical isolation of the Shetland Islands meant that Shelties lived in virtual seclusion from other breeds and were relatively unknown in the rest of Britain until the early 20th century. The Kennel Club (England) first recognized the breed in 1909 as the Shetland Collie but the name was later changed to Shetland Sheepdog due to pressure from Collie enthusiasts. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered its first dog of this remarkably intelligent and obedient breed in 1911.