Shetland Sheepdog

Sheltie
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, originated in the Shetland Islands and was bred to herd and guard livestock. They are intelligent, loyal dogs with a long double coat requiring regular grooming, and thrive in a variety of working roles, needing moderate exercise and mental stimulation.

Origin and Purpose

  • Developed in the Shetland Islands to herd and guard livestock, especially sheep.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female13-16 inches15-25 pounds
Male13-16 inches15-25 pounds

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Black, blue merle, sable, or tricolor with white markings.
Type
  • Long, double coat.
Length
  • Medium to long.

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Seasonal heavy shedder.
Grooming
  • Regular brushing 2-3 times a week, daily during shedding season.
Drooling
  • Low.

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Refined and wedge-shaped.
Skull
  • Flat and moderately wide.
Ears
  • Small, erect or semi-erect, with tips that may fold forward.
Eyes
  • Medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark in color.
Nose
  • Black.
Muzzle
  • Tapering and moderate length.
Teeth
  • Scissor bite.
Neck
  • Muscular and well-arched.
Forequarters
  • Angled shoulders with straight forelegs.
Fore Legs
  • Straight and well-muscled.
Hindquarters
  • Well-muscled with moderate angulation.
Hind Legs
  • Straight and strong.
Feet
  • Oval and compact.
Tail
  • Long, reaching the hocks, and carried low with a slight upward curve.
Gait
  • Light, agile, and graceful.

Temperament

  • Intelligent, eager to please, sensitive, and loyal.

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Very affectionate.
Good with Children
  • Good, especially with early socialization.
Good with Dogs
  • Good with other dogs, especially with early socialization.
Good with Cats
  • Good with cats if raised together.
Openness to Strangers
  • Reserved with strangers initially.
Playfulness Level
  • Moderately playful.
Protective Nature
  • Protective of family and home.
Adaptability Level
  • Adaptable to different living situations.

Working Roles

  • Herding livestock, agility, obedience, and therapy dogs.

Exercise Needs

  • Moderate; requires daily walks and mental stimulation.

Health

  • Generally healthy, but prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, and hypothyroidism.

Additional Notes

  • Known for their barking, they require consistent training. They thrive on having a job to do. They are a smaller version of the Collie but a distinct breed.

References