The Shetland Sheepdog
“Sheltie”

Dog breed info
Shetland Sheepdog
“Sheltie”
Weight: 18 — 20 lbs
Height: 13” — 16”
AKC Rank 2008 #19
Life Span: 12—14 yrs
Group Herding
Origin Scotland, 1800’

Dog Breed Info – The Shetland Sheepdog

Happy Sheltie in a hurry!

Breed Overview

The ancestors of the Shetland were herding dogs of Scotland that also provided the root stock for the Collie and Border Collie. Some of these dogs were small,. measuring only 18 inches in height. The Shetland Sheepdog probably comes from early Collie-type dogs which then were developed on the Shetland Islands.

They were initially shown around 1906 as Shetland Collies. Collie lovers objected to the name and it was changed to Shetland Sheepdog. The breed is more often referred to by it’s nickname, “Sheltie.”

In early England, breeders often discreetly crossed Shelties with Rough Coated Collies in an attempt to improve on the Collie characteristics. This practice led to over sized Shetland Sheepdogs. However, this has long since stopped.

Intelligent. Easy to train. Use clicker training for excellent results and dogs like the technique too. Get a clicker for around $3 at most pet stores.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Shetland Sheepdog? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

This is Howard, a Sheltie chewing a yummy stick
Howard is a Shetland Sheepdog, a loyal and intelligent herding breed from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Photo sent by the owner of the website featured below:
Want more information about the Sheltie? Here’s a lady who owns them end wants to tell you about them:

Sheltie Planet: The Complete Pet Owner’s Guide to Shetland Sheepdogs
Discover the unique Sheltie dog breed with free info on gorgeous Shetland Sheepdogs. Includes cute pictures, videos, tips and advice on Sheltie puppies.
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Potty Training

Most Shetland Sheepdogs are easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Fast running Sheltie!

The Sheltie is smart, sensitive and extremely willing to please. This combination makes for a dog that is obedient, quick to learn, and very devoted to its family. It is not only gentle, playful, friendly, and companionable, but also excellent with children, although it can nip at heels when playing. The dog is reserved and often timid toward strangers. This breed barks a lot.

If you happen to get a Sheltie with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Fairly friendly toward other dogs. Not very aggressive.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Gets along quite well with other pets. No guarantee about the cat. If raised with a cat, OK.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No. Loyal to family, but not to strangers. Leave the relatives at home.

Playfulness

Usually quite playful.

The Sheltie is a pleasant, lively dog, used to outdoor running, but can rest on your lap too.

Two beautiful adult Sheltie brothers, Howard
and Piper in on the right. Sent in by Becky of New Zealand.

Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs tolerate kids pretty well. Not for toddlers though.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No needs too much exercise.

Living environment ?

Apartment, farm, city condo life OK, made for indoor living. Shetland Sheepdogs need to live with their family around them.

If they have a medium size, fenced yard to fetch balls in, much the better. Good way to get exercise.

Energy level

Moderate energy, but enough to be good for herding.

The Shetland Sheepdog is energetic but it’s exercise needs can be met with some good walking, short jogging, or active game and training session.

This Sheltie just won the lottery!

Excellent watchdog. Barks at anything moving.

No. Not aggressive enough.

Some shedding but light.

Yes. Long fur. Clip regularly. Comb and brush every other day to keep coat from tangling.

Consider a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks

The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog emergencies, illnesses and injuries. I find it a useful book. ________________________________________________

Howard, a 4-month old Sheltie playing
at the beach.Sent in by Becky of New Zealand.

In the event you decide to go looking for Shetland Sheepdog puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Shetland Sheepdog Breeders with puppies for sale.

Sheltie Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Sheltie and are looking for a Sheltie rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Sheltie Rescue – (Nationwide)Inquire about prior dog health problems when adopting your new pet.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site that may give you some ideas. Also, look for Sheltie rescue groups online and in your classifieds.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Patellar luxation—Limping, Hind Leg Held Up, Can’t straighten back leg. Caused by an unusually shallow spot on the femur, weak ligaments and misalignment of tendons and muscles that align the knee joint and allow the knee cap (patella) to float sideways in and out of position of your Shetland Sheepdog. This can be caused by injury or be present at birth and can affect both rear legs. It’s most common in small and toy dogs. If your dog has trouble straightening the leg, is limping, or is walking on three legs and holding one hind leg up, look for patellar luxation. Several of my dogs have had the problem and all I’ve done is reach down, massage the knee a little until they drop their leg, and we’re good to go for another 3 or 4 months. Severe cases require surgery for a fully lame leg.

>li> Renal dysplasia—Disease of the kidney. Improper function of the kidney. If you own a Shih Tzu, or other breed prone to this, check twice a year with your vet for kidney function or. sooner if you observe any unusual symptoms such as. increased drinking, increased or decreased urination, very little color to the urine, depression, loss of appetite, bad odor in breath plus any other unusual behaviors. See vet immediately!