About The Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is an extremely intelligent, quick, and obedient herder from Scotland's remote and rugged Shetland Islands. Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, active, and agile herding dog standing between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. The long coat is harsh and straight, with a dense undercoat, and comes in black, blue merle, and sable, with white markings. The coat, along with a long, wedge-shaped head; small, three-quarter erect ears; and deep-chested, level-backed torso, give Shelties the look of a rough-coated Collie in miniature. Bright and eager Shelties are easy trainers and world-class competitors in obedience, agility, and herding trials. They are sensitive and affectionate family dogs, highly in tune with the mood of the household. They like to bark and tend to be reserved toward strangers'two qualifications of an excellent watchdog.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs need a lot of grooming?
Shetland Sheepdogs have a beautiful double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from matting. They have a dense undercoat and a longer, harsh-textured outer coat. Weekly brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and remove loose hair.
During shedding seasons, which occur twice a year, more frequent brushing may be required to manage the increased shedding. Shelties are moderate shedders overall. Bathing should only be done infrequently, approximately every 2-3 months, or as advised by your vet.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train?
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and thrive on praise and rewards. Their herding instincts make them naturally attentive and responsive to commands. Early socialisation and basic obedience training are important to ensure they develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs. Shelties enjoy learning new tricks and tasks, and their trainability makes them suitable for various dog sports and activities.
Shetland Sheepdogs and Kids
Shetland Sheepdogs are generally friendly with children and make excellent family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and patience, but it's important to supervise interactions to ensure they are positive and safe.
