Contents
- 1 Overview of Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2 Allergies
- 3 Barking
- 4 Breed
- 5 Cancer
- 6 Coat
- 7 Energy
- 8 Genetic Predispositions
- 9 Grooming
- 10 Health
- 11 Infections
- 12 Life expectancy
- 13 Obesity
- 14 Parasites
- 15 Personality
- 16 Social
- 17 Temperament
- 18 Training
- 19 Appearance: What do Sheltie Collies look like?
- 20 Are Shetland Sheepdogs a Breed Popularity?
- 21 Are Shetland Sheepdogs Aggressive?
- 22 Are Shetland Sheepdogs Easy to Train?
- 23 Are Shetland Sheepdogs Friendly?
- 24 Are Shetland Sheepdogs Good Family Pets?
- 25 Are Shetland Sheepdogs Good with Kids?
- 26 Are Shetland Sheepdogs healthy?
- 27 Are Vegetables Good for My Sheltie?
- 28 Do Shelties Need Supplements?
- 29 Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark a lot?
- 30 Do Shetland Sheepdogs Like Other Dogs?
- 31 Grooming: Do Shelties shed?
- 32 How Does Dog Insurance Work?
- 33 How much do Shelties cost?
- 34 How to take care of your Shetland Sheepdog?
- 35 Is Fresh or Dry Food Better for My Sheltie?
- 36 Need help finding the right product?
- 37 Shetland Sheepdog temperament: Are Shelties good family dogs?
- 38 Should I Be Using a Grain-Free Food for My Sheltie?
- 39 Size: How big are Sheltie dogs?
- 40 So It’s Not a Collie?
- 41 To Test or Not to Test?
- 42 What is the Best Dog Food for a Shetland Sheepdog?
- 43 What kind of dogs are part of your family?
- 44 What should my Shetland Sheepdog eat?
- 45 What’s your primary interest in dogs?
- 46 When Can My Sheltie Puppy Start Eating Adult Food?
- 47 Who should get a Sheltie dog?
- 48 History of Shetland Sheepdogs
Overview of Shetland Sheepdogs
Allergies
Dogs can’t digest many of these foods or can have adverse reactions to them, up to and including organ failure and seizures.Shetland sheepdogs are not particularly affected by allergies more than other breeds.Still, it’s important to stay away from foods that can cause serious health problems for all dogs.These include raisins, chocolate, onions, and mushrooms.
Barking
Breed
Canines of the Shetland Sheepdog dog breed stood guard for farmers in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland, keeping hungry birds and sheep out of the farmer’s garden, and they served as herding dogs as well.Today they’re excellent family companions and superstars in dog sports.
Cancer
For years, veterinarians simply avoided using ivermectin in herding breeds, but now there is a DNA test that can specifically identify dogs who are at risk for side effects from certain medications.If your Shetland Sheepdog has this mutation, it can affect the way his body processes different drugs, including substances commonly used to treat parasites, diarrhea, and even cancer.Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1.Testing your pet early in life can prevent drug-related toxicity
Coat
A notable feature of this breed is their loud, high pitched bark, which again displays their herding nature.Shelties often portray their natural herding instinct, chasing around small animals such as rabbits or squirrels.Shetland Sheep are excellent companions and excel in dog sports.The Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat which you can expect to excessively shed year round, particularly in spring.The small, energetic Sheltie are loving family dogs with a willingness to please their owners.Their smart nature, combined with their desire to please and athletic ability, makes the Shetland Sheepdog a strong sports performer.They are also highly intelligent, ranking 6th in intelligence in a study run by animal expert, Stanley Coren, out of 142 breeds.While being very loyal to their owner, they are known to be reserved with strangers.
Energy
A good amount of animal-sourced fats and carbohydrates are also a vital energy source, especially for a high-energy breed like the Shetland Sheepdog.
Genetic Predispositions
At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Sheltie looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Shetland Sheepdogs.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.
Grooming
The Shetland Sheepdog is a relatively low maintenance dog, which
is ideal for those with little time to spend on grooming.He is a medium shedder, and sheds more
heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not the best choice for
those suffering from allergies.You can
brush his coat around twice a week to keep it in good condition,
although you will need to increase this at times when he is
shedding more heavily.
Health
By knowing about health concerns specific to Shetland Sheepdogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks.That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Sheltie.We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her.
Infections
Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors.Shetland Sheepdogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.
Life expectancy
But like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health problems.Shetland Sheepdogs are generally healthy and have a decent life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Obesity
Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.Obesity can be a significant health problem in Shetland Sheepdogs.She’ll feel better, and so will you!Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.
Parasites
Personality
Shetland sheepdogs or Shelties are known for their gentle and sweet personality.This popular family pet likes to keep busy, functions well in small homes and is content to lie around alone all day, but still needs to be exercised.
Social
To help your Shetland Sheepdog feel happiest around unfamiliar people, start socialization as early as possible.
Temperament
Training
Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their success in obedience training.The Shetland Sheepdog is a very intelligent breed, as are most herding breeds and working dogs.
Appearance: What do Sheltie Collies look like?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, sturdy dog that can look like a rough collie at first glance.They have an athletic build and an abundant mane and frill.Their body appears symmetrical and proportionate.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs a Breed Popularity?
Known for their playful and loyal personality, the Shetland Sheepdog has always been a beloved dog.In 1911, the AKC recognized Shelties as its own breed, which helped to increase their popularity throughout the country.Today, they rank as the 24th most popular breed in the United States.This in part is due to the fact that they are great for all types of households and have a very even temperament.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs Aggressive?
If you’re worried about getting an aggressive dog, it’s important to research the breed’s temperament first.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs Easy to Train?
When used as herding dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs need to learn various commands.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs Friendly?
Herding breeds like the Sheltie enjoy active play and exercise more than other breed types.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs Good Family Pets?
Now that we know a little more about the Shetland Sheepdog temperament, you may know whether or not it is the breed for you.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs Good with Kids?
When properly trained and socialized, Shelties can be a great companion for children.Introduce your dog to your child at a young age so they can learn appropriate behavior early on.It’s important to note that these dogs are still apart of the herding group.This means they are used to chasing and nipping small, moving objects, including children.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs healthy?
The Sheltie dog breed has a general lifespan of 12 to 14 years.And with the proper care and medical attention, they can live a long, happy life.
Are Vegetables Good for My Sheltie?
All dogs need nutrients that they can get from vegetables, but only from certain kinds.While all of the dog foods features in this article contain vegetables in some form, you may want to supplement a high-quality dog food with some extra veggies now and then.
Do Shelties Need Supplements?
Most young dogs get all of the nutrients they need from what they eat as long as they are consuming high-quality food.Nevertheless, as your sheltie ages, you may want to begin adding supplements to your dog’s diet.These supplements can help with joint issues, bone health, and general health and activity level.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Since barking comes naturally to this breed, it may be a difficult habit to change.Whether they’re feeling joyful, bored, excited, or wary, you can expect plenty of barking.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs Like Other Dogs?
If you want a new pup in your family, but already own other dogs, you’ll need a breed that likes other dogs.
Grooming: Do Shelties shed?
If you have medium to severe allergies, a Sheltie is likely not going to make life easier for you.They’re not hypoallergenic and, we reiterate, they’re heavy shedders.
How Does Dog Insurance Work?
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How much do Shelties cost?
If you’re looking to get a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, it goes without saying that you’d want a fair price.
How to take care of your Shetland Sheepdog?
Thanks to their double coat, Shelties can live in and adjust to various weather conditions.However, they do much better in cold weather, so you should keep them cool when days get warmer.
Is Fresh or Dry Food Better for My Sheltie?
We’ve included both options on our list, and it’s hard to say which is best.The important thing is to make sure your sheltie is getting all of the nutrients needed to remain active, healthy, and happy.A high-quality food rich in protein and with enough fat and supplements will generally do the trick.
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Shetland Sheepdog temperament: Are Shelties good family dogs?
Shelties are proud and playful dogs who are surprisingly agile despite their small size.They’re intelligent, highly trainable dogs who need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.
Should I Be Using a Grain-Free Food for My Sheltie?
A lot of dog foods advertise that they are grain-free, but what does this mean, and is it really something you should be worried about? The short answer is: it depends.Some dogs are sensitive and have allergies to ingredients found in food that contains grains such as soy, wheat, and corn.For this reason, a lot of dog food has started removing the grains in favor of legumes and peas.
Size: How big are Sheltie dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog puppies become physically mature at 10 months old.But since they’re a small breed, they don’t tend to grow very big.
So It’s Not a Collie?
Other ways the Sheltie mirrors the Collie? They’re intelligent, loyal working dogs.Easy to train, sweet natured.This dog is a herding dog, which means that they probably nip at heels and backs of knees.And when I say they’re a small dog, I don’t mean small in the miniature sense, but more like almost knee high dogs.
To Test or Not to Test?
Mary E.Galloway DVM As ASSA Health chairperson*, people who want to purchase a Sheltie frequently contact me asking what they should know about the breed’s health problems.A recent […
What is the Best Dog Food for a Shetland Sheepdog?
We’ve done a lot of research when it comes to dog food and put together a list of the best dog food for shetland sheepdogs.We’ll go into more detail below, but first here’s a quick overview of our favorites.
What kind of dogs are part of your family?
Help us get you the most relevant information.
What should my Shetland Sheepdog eat?
When it comes to feeding your Sheltie, use the dog food label instructions as a guide according to their age and size.Most Shelties need ¾ cup to 2 cups per day, split into two feeding times.
What’s your primary interest in dogs?
Help us get you the most relevant information.
When Can My Sheltie Puppy Start Eating Adult Food?
Most puppies are ready to start eating adult food by the time they are one year old.To avoid switching all of a sudden, you can start transitioning your sheltie’s food slowly.Start by mixing the puppy food with adult food a little bit at a time until your sheltie is used to the new food.Using this technique can help to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Who should get a Sheltie dog?
If you’re looking for an intelligent, playful dog with high trainability to welcome into your home, a Shetland Sheepdog is right for you.