Shetland Sheepdogs , ordinarily referred to as shelties , are eager to please , unproblematic to train , and will quickly become your best friend . Though this strain pay a striking resemblance to their large cousin , the Collie , shelties are definitely their own dogs . They are eminent - vitality , super intelligent workers who do advantageously in family that can provide for their alive penury .
Origin and History
The Shetland Sheepdog ’s stock is unsettled . concord to some hypothesis , the sheltie is a mix of Nordic strain such as thePomeranian , Collie , and perhaps even theCavalier King Charles Spaniel . They are referred to by several other name , including Lilliputian collie , toonie hot dog , poove dog , and miniature collie .
Shelties were enclose to visitors of the secluded Shetland Islands in Scotland , who take them home to various corner of the world . Islanders began breeding them for profit as pawl fancier take an pastime in them . For a more constant size and coming into court , some breeder bred them with Collies . It ’s also potential that other , unidentified breeds were mixed in , result in the blue merle with the tan pattern . Because of the salmagundi of dogs in their comparatively recent ancestry , shelties diverge in sizing even within the same litter .
After the name " Shetland Collie " was rejected by Collie breeders , theScottish Shetland Sheepdog Clubwas created in 1909 . The breed was distinguish by theAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)in 1911 , and theAmerican Shetland Sheepdog Associationwas found in 1929 .
Breed Characteristics
The sheltie is extremely easy to cultivate and enjoys spend time with their home , exercise , and playact games .
Appearance
Shelties have two pelage ; an primer , and an out pelage . Because the undercoat is thick and curt , the longer , harsh topcoat stands out against the body . The hair on the principal , ear , and feet is smooth , but there is a lot of head of hair and frill ( hair around the neck and on the bureau ) .
The stock come in three main people of colour , each with vary sum of money of white and/or tan grading :
A sheltie who is over 50 percent white or has a brindle pelage is n’t desirable for the show band , but their color has no bearing on their potential to be a wonderful fellow traveller .
Temperament
The majority of shelties have a gentle , kind behavior . They ’re gentle with other animals and courteous to everyone . However , they ’re usually set aside and cautious with strangers . The Shetland Sheepdog requires more extensive socialisation than many other breeds to evolve a confident temperament .
When shelties are left alone for extended periods of clip , they become restless , which might attest as queasy behavior , destructive chewing , or uninterrupted barking .
They adore their class and are peculiarly good with children as long as they are trained out of their nipping trait . The sheltie , like many other herding breeds , has a tendency to clip at moving objects , which can include children . Correct this every prison term you see it ; a sheltie ’s nipping conduct should never be consider appropriate .
Training
Shetland Sheepdogs are fabulously paying attention and antiphonal , and they ’re bare to take if you expend a calm voice andpositive reinforcement . One of this strain ’s key out machine characteristic is its sensitiveness . They often just postulate verbal corrections . If you are too harsh , they will force aside from you emotionally and shut you out .
Exercise Requirements
Shetland Sheepdogs are herding dogs who require unconstipated opportunities to vent their vigor , but this does n’t necessarily intend they ask an overabundance of running opportunities . A couple of walks around the block each twenty-four hour period for 30 to 60 bit at the dog green , or in a fenced - in area , is sufficient .
Health
Shelties are typically healthy . However , they are susceptible to some wellness issue , as are all strain .
Lifespan
With passable care , shelties by and large have a life of 11 to 15 class , as long as they do n’t get any health condition .
Grooming
Shetland Sheepdogs shed a lot twice a year and a little the rest of the time . Make certain that everyone in your home is OK with hair on their clothes and furniture . Shelties demand veritable brushing and ransack to keep their feathery coat free of mat , as well as sanitary cut back around their personal region . Shelties that are n’t prepare might acquire major peel problems and experience pain as a solution of the lustrelessness tugging on their skin .
Fun Facts about the Breed
Every breed has interesting tidbits to share . Here are a few about the Shetland Sheepdog :
Purchasing or Adopting a Shetland Sheepdog
If you ’re looking for a sheltie pup , a good blank space to start is the American Shetland Sheepdog Association . The club has a breeder directory usable as well as helpful tips on how to find responsible stock breeder with quality pups . TheAKC Marketplacealso has a stock breeder search . gestate to pay around $ 800 to $ 1,500 , although higher - end dogs from champion lines can cost as much as $ 2,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you are n’t set on an grownup or a puppy , you could look for shelties and admixture onPetFinderorSave - a - deliverance . you may also search strain - specific saving organisation :
Is this the Breed for You?
Shetland Sheepdogs are beautiful click , but there are a few thing to think about if you ’re considering have one . The highly intelligent nature of these dogs must be carry to forestall them from get into trouble , which will occur if you do not provide sufficient mental and physical exercise . Unless you live an active lifestyle yourself , you may not be able to furnish the stage of activeness that these dogs take to keep in top shape .
