Other names: Shetland Sheepdog, Sheltie, Colley Shetland
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, long-haired working dog. Elegant, supple and graceful in appearance, he looks a lot like a young Collie, but he is indeed part of a breed apart. Without heaviness or disproportions, it is harmoniously constructed and displays an expression that is both gentle and intelligent.
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 Hair type |
Long |
|---|---|
 Origin |
Britain |
 Template |
Small |
 Head shape |
Long |
 Weight and size |
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| Sex | Weight | Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Female | From 7 kg to 10 kg | From 35 cm to 38 cm |
| Male | From 7 kg to 10 kg | From 36 cm to 40 cm |
History of the breed
The Shetland Sheepdog is nevertheless a breed in its own right. He was highly regarded by sheep farmers for his great intelligence and his ability to provide quality work with the herds , even under the most difficult conditions. Today, it continues to make a few shepherds happy, but it is mainly used as a companion dog. He is also particularly good at agility events. Its official standard currently in force was published in 2013.
Shetland Sheepdog Pictures
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Physical features
Behavior and character
| Affectionate | |
|---|---|
| Calm | |
| Protective | |
| Independent | |
| Hunter | |
| Barks / howls |
Behavior with others
| Cohabitation with children | |
|---|---|
| Sociable with other animals | |
| Love strangers |
The Shetland Sheepdog is a dog of remarkable gentleness and intelligence . Awake and active , he is basically a very good sheepdog. Attentive and attached to his master , he is rather wary of strangers and is never fearful . He gets along very well with children thanks to his kindness and his playful side. Without being an excellent watchdog, he can be a good warning.
The Shetland Shepherd
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Education
| Clever | |
|---|---|
| Obedient |
While attentive and intelligent , the Shetland Sheepdog is nonetheless a rather stubborn dog at times. He must therefore be educated with a certain firmness. Be careful, however, not to rush it too much, because it is quite sensitive . Excessively scolded, he can become depressed. The owner should keep the training interesting for his dog, as the Shetland Sheepdog can easily get bored if he repeatedly repeats an exercise he has already successfully completed.
Living conditions
| Suitable for apartment living | |
|---|---|
| Good for new masters | |
| Love it hot | |
| Love the cold |
Although bred for outdoor work , the Shetland Sheepdog has adapted perfectly to city life, especially indoors and in apartments. As long as he enjoys his long daily walks and enjoys regular exercise from his master, any lifestyle can suit him .
Health
| Solid | |
|---|---|
| Ease of gaining weight |
The Shetland Sheepdog is characterized by its hardiness and robustness. He does not have a genetic predisposition to a particular disease , but that does not prevent him from remaining vigilant about his growth and his health.
Hypoallergenic breed
No
Litter size
Between 4 and 6 puppies
| Major concerns |
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| Minor concerns |
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| Occasional concerns |
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| Suggested tests |
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To protect you from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends a Shetland Shepherd dog insurance .
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Life expectancy
Minimum: 12 years old
Maximum: 14 years
The life expectancy of a Shetland Sheepdog is, on average, between 12 years and 14 years.
Calculate the human age of your Shetland Sheepdog!
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Maintenance and hygiene
| Ease of maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Cost of maintenance | |
| Hair loss |
| Drool level | |
|---|---|
| Ease of grooming |
The Shetland Sheepdog remains subject to an abundant moult , occurring once or twice a year : once in the male and twice in the female, mainly after heat. Its beautiful dress requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and health.
It is recommended to brush and comb the dog at least once a week by performing a deep brushing for a good ten minutes. During the moult, daily brushing is essential and a bath (with a suitable shampoo) makes it possible to facilitate the removal of dead hair while maintaining the beauty of the dress. The Shetland Sheepdog only needs a bath if it is really dirty.
Her teeth need to be brushed regularly to eliminate tartar build-up and the proliferation of bacteria. His ears and eyes should be checked weekly to make sure there are no traces of dirt or infection. The nails are to be cut if necessary. If you are new to this, it is best to seek advice from a veterinarian.
Price and budget
Purchase price
The purchase price of a Shetland Sheepdog is between € 1000 and € 1500.
Annual maintenance cost
The annual maintenance cost of a Shetland Sheepdog is between € 600 and € 800.
Name ideas for a Shetland Sheepdog
| Male |
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| Female |
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None of these proposals suit you? Use our tool to find the name of your Shetland Sheepdog!
Food
The Shetland Sheepdog adapts to industrial kibble, as long as these provide it with all the nutrients it needs . You can also opt for high quality kibble . Its food should be divided into 2 meals per day . The amount should depend on his age, weight, height and activity level.
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Physical activity
| Athletic | |
|---|---|
| Energy level | |
| Potential to play |
The Shetland Sheepdog is an active dog who needs a good dose of exercise to be happy. Besides the long daily walks , he enjoys being able to play and work . Its mental and physical faculties can be mobilized within the framework of dog sports.
Competitions
| Classifications & Standards |
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Others
| Master character <span class="btnTooltip qTip2" title="- Calm: the master must be gentle and know how to show patience. – Active: the owner must be energetic and dynamic to live in harmony with his dog. – Hyperactive: the owner must be stimulating and very restless to suit the temperament of his dog.”> |
Active |
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Do you have a question about the Shetland Sheepdog?
Do not hesitate to ask Woopets visitors for advice on the forum!
FCI Information
FCI No.
88
FCI Group
Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Recognized by FCI
Since 1954
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