Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Breed Information



Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 20 lbs
Height: 13-16 inches
Color(s): Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan
Coat: The Shetland Sheepdog, better known as the Sheltie has a long double coat, sporting a frill around the neck area. The coat of the Sheltie needs extensive grooming on a regular basis.
Overview: Resembling a Miniature Collie, this breed is an absolute delight to own. Intelligent, sweet, gentle, making this dog a great companion animal. Throughout the years, this breed has become very popular and is said to have almost a human like intelligence. Sometimes wary of strangers, the Sheltie also loves to bark persistently.
Character: A sweet disposition, this loveable breed does have a very strong herding instinct often nipping at ankles and chasing cars. This is a home breed and should not be kept in a kennel like environment. The Shetland Sheepdog is very affectionate and lovely, yet can be protective of his owner and/or territory. This dog loves being an in-home companion and would gladly lie down on the couch next to his family.
Temperament: High energy, active, very trainable, this breed has a well-rounded and even temperament giving him the idealistics for a household pet. The Shetland Sheepdog does well with children, but children should be properly trained to handle a dog of any breed. Used as a watch dog, this gentle breed will not attack without being repeatedly provoked so does not do well for guarding. Great for herding, this dog is still commonly used for herding purposes in a country environment and does exceptionally well.
Care: Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat smooth and free of tangles. The long coat of the Sheltie does tend to trap dirt so supervision is necessary unless regular bathing is not a problem. Heavily shedding during certain seasons, the hair can become a mess so grooming is particularly important during this stage.
Training: The Sheltie is very easy to train and does very well in obedience and herding given the right methods and trainer. Having a human like intelligence, Shetland Sheepdogs are willing to obey, and very eager to do so. Does very well in working environments being that the herding instinct is still very strong.
Activity: This high-energy breed should have regular exercise. Most prefer to allow their Shelties to run free but must be in a fenced in yard, as this breed loves to chase things and will surely bolt if given the opportunity and visual stimulation. An average sized yard would be ideal for this small yet lively breed.