This distinct and adorable little dog has been a popular favourite for many years. The ‘Sheltie’ as they’re affectionately referred to in Australia, looks like a miniature Rough Collie, originated on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. These islands are renowned for their rugged beauty and the other miniature breeds the people of these islands have bred, such as the Shetland pony and sheep. The Shetland Sheepdog has been the result of crossing Rough Collies with spaniels and other Spritz breeds from passing fishing ships boats over many centuries.
Shetland Sheepdogs were only recognised as a breed in 1914 and are regarded as elegant, agile and intelligent working dogs. Their long coat, finely shaped heads and well proportioned legs make this breed extremely attractive. Shelties are around half the size of their Rough Collie cousins and are an extremely loyal and affectionate dog. Their working dog background makes them quick learners and they enjoy participating in agility training and other forms of recreational and competitive activities.
Shelties make good watch dogs and will alert owners to strangers on the property. They can be quite timid with people and dogs they are not familiar with, so it is important that they are well socialised from a young age. Your Sheltie will needs lots of attention so you will need to be able to commit to providing this type of dog with lots of time for pats and an opportunity for a good run every day. Being a smaller dog they don’t need the same amount of exercise as their full sized cousins but they do enjoy having a run every day to burn up a bit of energy.
The long Sheltie coat doesn’t take a lot of grooming to keep it in good condition. A thorough brush once a week will keep it looking well groomed Obviously the more time you are able to put into grooming, the better it will look. Shelties have a double coat, meaning they have a soft under coat mixed with longer coarser hairs which make up its outer coat. This provides them with great insulation in their native colder climate. Keep an eye on them in our harsh Australian summers though and make sure they can keep cool so they don’t suffer from heat exhaustion.
Shelties have a long life expectancy, living between 12 and 16 years. They don’t have many health problems, however their miniaturisation has led to some ailments. Australian breeders are generally very thorough in ensuring Australian Shelties are in good health but you should always ask if the dog you are purchasing has had its eyes tested for Progressive Retina Atrophy. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Shelties can have problems with tooth decay so make sure your furry friend has lots of raw bones to chew on. However, keep an eye on their diet as Shelties are prone to weight gain.
Shelties shed twice a year so be prepared for hair on the carpet. Keeping up with the brushing will help in remove the excess hair before it ends up on your upholstery.
Shelties don’t need a big back yard and are a great quiet companion for older people and a wonderful gentle pet for families. Sheltie’s are popular in Australia so if you become a fan you’ll have no trouble finding a club of like minded pet owners.
Shetland Sheepdog FAQs
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly trainable. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Consistency and patience are key when training a Shetland Sheepdog.
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs are great with children. They are gentle and patient, and love to play. However, as with any dog, children should always be supervised when interacting with them.
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs are usually good with other pets, especially if they are socialized with them from a young age. However, they do have a strong herding instinct, so they may try to herd smaller pets.
Like all breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these conditions.
The Shetland Sheepdog needs a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk and playtime in a fenced yard is usually sufficient.
The Shetland Sheepdog has a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and tangles.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They are also known as Shelties.
The Shetland Sheepdog was originally bred to herd sheep in the harsh climate of the Shetland Islands. They were also used as watchdogs and companions.
The average lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog is 12-14 years. With proper care, they can live even longer.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a loyal and affectionate dog that loves to please their owners. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them great agility and obedience dogs.
