Shetland sheepdog Puppy(Sheltie):
Shetland sheepdogs like a small version of the rough collie in appearance.
Shetland sheepdogs are renowned for having a kind disposition. In addition to being affectionate and entertaining, they are also quite popular as home pets. Shelties excel in obedience training, which should not be surprising given their intelligence and desire to please their owners, according to breed experts.
They are quick, strong, and diminutive. The head is wedge-shaped, albeit not as polished as the modern show collie.
The points of the tiny, upright ears that are high on the head are somewhat pointing forward. The Sheltie’s thick, double coat offers great defense against poor weather. The long, straight outer coat. The dog has feathering on the legs, tail, and a large mane. Woolly and thick undercoat is present.
A tiny herding dog breed from Scotland, the Shetland sheepdog, or Sheltie, has a long, straight, thick coat that comes in a range of colors. Shelties resemble a more delicate form of the rough-coated collie. They feature attentive facial expressions, erect ears that slant slightly, low tails, and nimble bodies. Shelties are extremely bright and athletic dogs that were bred to herd animals. They are also capable of being devoted and caring companions.
Shetland sheepdog Friendliness
Although normally reserved, the Sheltie is not aggressive towards strangers. They make good security dogs since they bark at any passing strangers. They get along well with kids in general, although they should be taught not to pursue or nip at heels. Children should be taught how to treat others with respect. Generally speaking, Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with fellow Shelties but not so well with other dogs.
Shelties are wary of unfamiliar people. As a result, they make effective watchdogs and are inclined to bark loudly when they see an outsider. When stimulated, they also bark. Although they are not often aggressive, some Shelties may nip at strangers, whether they are adults or kids. Others could be wary of strangers.
Shetland sheepdog Appearance
The Sheltie and the rough collie seem quite similar. Shelties have long, thin, wedge-shaped heads that resemble those of their larger counterparts and give them an elegant appearance. They don’t appear to be too prim and proper to be a man’s best friend, though, with their plentiful fluff, sweet, almond-shaped eyes, petite, high, upright ears inclined slightly downward at the points, and what many owners call to as the “Sheltie grin.” They appear to be just as happy, kind, and affectionate as they actually are.
These dogs have two coats: an outer layer of long, straight, coarse hair and a short, thick, woolly undercoat. The Sheltie’s coat often comes in a number of hues, according to the ASSA, including sable (which can range from golden brown to mahogany), blue merle, black, tan, and white.
Sheltie fur requires routine maintenance, as you would have inferred from their magnificent manes. Every dog is unique, but the majority will require brushing once a week. However, in the autumn and spring when shedding is at its worst, brushing could require an extra push.
Size:
Weight of Range:
Male: 14-20 lbs.
Female: 14-20 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 16 in.
Female: 14 in.
Features:
Dolichocephalic (Long Face)
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Energy Level: Very energetic
Longevity Range: 12-14 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Shetland sheepdog Temperament
A family-oriented dog with a golden heart and a bright mind lies behind all of that flowing fur. Shelties are great with kids and get along with other dogs and cats, according to Hector. Mary Mahaffey, DVM, head of the ASSA Research Advisory Committee, adds that this is especially true if they are raised with other animals.
Shetland sheepdogs, however, are not well recognized for being enthusiastic about strangers right away and may bark until they get to know them. Hector notes that although they might be a little hesitant with outsiders, they are devoted to their owners. “If you are not a part of their family, they value the option to approach you first rather than you approaching them to meet them.” That brings up a further notable Sheltie characteristic: their propensity for communicating. They are a chatty breed that were once used to keep livestock out of the home, according to Mahaffey. So they do enjoy barking.
However, Hector asserts, they shouldn’t bark nonstop. She continues, “They could do so to sound a warning or convey joy.” A Sheltie will always announce when your pizza has been delivered, so although chattiness can be difficult to cope with (particularly if you live in an apartment), you can also use this barking bent to your advantage.
Shetland sheepdogs are intelligent, intuitive, and hardworking since they were raised to work alongside their owners—a winning combination when it comes to trainability. They are “athletic and very biddable, excelling in exercises like agility, obedience, and rally,” according to Hector. Shelties are friendly and eager to play, but as long as they have lots of physical activity and cerebral stimulation, they are quite pleased to trade romping for lounging.
Shetland Sheepdog History
Contrary to several miniature versions of larger breeds, the Shetland sheepdog is not a direct descendent of the collie, despite the fact that these dogs may remind you of the well-known TV collie, Lassie. It is more closely related to the King Charles spaniel and Scottish collie.
Uncertainty surrounds the Sheltie’s true ancestry. However, it’s possible that Shetland Islands’ native dogs were crossed with collies and other canines that came from the mainland. A dog with a thick coat that could resist the severe weather was the end result. And because it ate less than bigger herding dogs, its small size was a prized characteristic.
Early in the 20th century, shelties began to gain appeal outside of their own land. The Shetland collie was their original name. However, after opposition from collie breeders, they were given the new name “Shetland sheepdogs.” The breed was officially acknowledged by the English Kennel Club in 1909, and then by the American Kennel Club in 1911.
Shetland sheepdog Health
The Sheltie breed often has a lengthy lifespan of up to 14 years. Shetland sheepdogs, like other breeds, are prone to certain health issues. The top three breed-specific health issues in Shetland sheepdogs, according to Mahaffey, are Gallbladder Mucoceles, hypothyroidism, and dermatomyositis. However, it’s crucial to remember that these issues aren’t necessarily frequent in the breed as a whole.
Gallbladder Mucoceles:
A buildup of sludge and mucus in the gallbladder known as a Gallbladder Mucoceles can block the organ or possibly cause it to explode. If it does exist, it mainly affects older Shelties, however it can sometimes impact younger ones. Vomiting, lack of appetite, and stomach pain are among the clinical symptoms, and an ultrasound or exploratory surgery is often used to make a diagnosis. Although the precise Aetiology of gallbladder mucoceles is unknown, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the only effective therapy.
Hypothyroidism:
When the thyroid gland doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. The clinical symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland can vary widely because it affects so many different bodily systems, but they frequently include tiredness, weight gain, obesity, and alterations in the skin and hair. Most hypothyroidism patients need lifetime treatment.
Dermatomyositis:
An autoimmune condition known as dermatomyositis can damage both muscle and skin tissues. The two breeds that are diagnosed with the illness the most frequently are collies and Shetland sheepdogs. Crusty sores on the skin in parts of the body with very little muscle, such as the face, ear tips, legs, feet, and the tip of the tail, are clinical indications. Shelties’ muscles are normally unaffected. Although dermatomyositis cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
Shetland Sheepdog Care
For a Sheltie, expect plenty of physical activity and mental challenge. Additionally, prepare to devote some effort each week to maintaining its long coat. should make an effort to begin socializing and training early.
It is obvious that grooming is important when it comes to care for Shetland sheepdogs. Hector explains, “Shelties have a double coat. “To prevent matting, they need to be brushed once a week.” She says it’s crucial to pay close attention to the fur in the skirts, beneath the elbows, and behind the ears (the long hair that falls between the front and back legs). It’s not a good idea to work with a coat that is completely dry, so be sure to wet the area you’re brushing with water. Hector advises giving your Sheltie’s nails a trim every two weeks when it comes to their nails.
It’s best to begin a grooming routine as soon as possible. Sheltie pups who are accustomed to being handled and checked frequently are not only simpler to groom, but also make wonderful patients for the veterinarian. Grooming may be made fun for Shetland sheepdogs and their owners with the right instruction and encouragement.
Sheltie puppy socialization, which is removing the puppies from their familiar surroundings and exposing them to novel situations, people, and surroundings, is very vital in addition to regular, moderate exercise. This can resemble going for a walk in the park or dropping by a friend’s house. These seem innocent visits are actually enjoyable, stress-free training experiences where Sheltie puppies may pick up social skills and learn how to adapt to various people, animals, and environments. The process of socialization continues throughout one’s life; owners should be aware of this.
Shetland sheepdog Exercise
Shelties need at least one to two hours of exercise every day. The best activities to help them burn off energy are long walks, running, trekking, and energetic fetch games. Additionally, puzzle games can test their sharp intellect. Shelties are also excellent in agility and herding, two dog sports. They also respond well to training to become service and therapy dogs.
Just be cautious that if you let them off leash outside, their herding nature may urge them to chase moving objects, like as vehicles. It’s preferable to confine them to a safe place or keep them on a leash.
Shelties should be kept on a leash and should take at least one daily walk. Spend some time playing with them as well because of how intelligent they are and how much mental stimulation they require. They may start barking nonstop if they are bored, which will annoy anyone around them. You should sign them up for agility contests, obedience training, tracking, and herding, among other things.
Shetland sheepdog Grooming
To eliminate stray fur and avoid matting, brush your Sheltie’s long, thick coat at least a couple times each week. The fur around the legs, tail, and area behind the ears, which is prone to matting, should receive extra care. Expect increased shedding at certain times of the year, often in the spring and fall. You should brush more frequently to maintain the loose fur. Avoid shaving a Sheltie’s coat because it keeps the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer and guards against sunburn.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, aim for a wash every one to two months. About once a month, examine your dog’s nails to determine whether they require trimming. And inspect its ears at least once every week for wax accumulation, dirt, and discomfort. Additionally, attempt to daily brush your dog’s teeth.
Due to their double coat, Shetland Sheepdogs shed a lot, especially in the spring and fall. They ought to be brushed once a week, and it’s a good idea to dampen the hair with a spray bottle before brushing it to prevent damage. They will need regular brushing during the shedding season. As required, baths can be administered. If they don’t wear them down via exercise, their nails should be cut once a month and their ears should be periodically examined and cleaned. Shaving is bad for the skin, and thereafter, their hair frequently doesn’t come back.
Shetland sheepdog Training
Ideally, you should begin socializing and teaching your Shetland sheepdog while it is a puppy. Shelties are often quite intelligent and eager to please, which makes them good at learning commands. Use only constructive training techniques. Shelties are sensitive to tone, thus giving them harsh corrections could make them become unresponsive.
Try to provide your Sheltie pleasant interactions with other individuals and canine companions. This can lessen the breed’s innate suspicion of strangers. Instruct this loud breed to stop barking on order as well. Shelties frequently bark to communicate their emotions, as well as when they are bored and in the presence of potential threats. Thus, it is essential to teach them the command “silent.”
Shelties adore all forms of “dog sports,” including obedience training sessions. They are motivated and clever pupils who excel when trained using non-violent, reinforcement-based techniques. There is simply no room (or need) for strict “old school” training methods that rely on coercion, corrections, and punishment because shelties can occasionally be sensitive.
The best way to use your Sheltie’s enormous brain and amount of energy is to educate them to obey. Additionally, it will be time you spend together, which is a plus for everyone.
One of the greatest breeds to train with is a sheltie; the following are some things to keep in mind when working with this wonderful breed:
⦁ Shelties quickly pick up on all of the fundamental obedience training commands, including sit, down, stay, and walking on a loose leash. To get the job done, keep your training sessions brief and employ lots of positive reinforcement, repetition, and goodies.
⦁ Shelties are a breed of herding dogs that can become easily distracted or diverted when they are off the leash. It is imperative that you teach and practice a solid, forceful come or recall because of this. One day, your Sheltie’s life might be saved by the come command.
⦁ When your new puppy first comes home, house training your Sheltie will be a top priority. The good news is that toilet training Shetland Sheepdogs is not too difficult. To get the desired outcome, all you need to do is choose a reliable Sheltie housetraining programmed and follow it.
⦁ Housebreaking your new puppy will be a major priority when it first arrives at your place. The good news is that Shetland Sheepdog potty training is not too challenging. All you have to do to get the desired results is select and adhere to a reputable Sheltie housetraining programmed.
⦁ Shelties are skilled jumpers; they do it frequently and well. When I say “jump,” I don’t only mean jumping over fences—I also mean jumping up on guests and family members. Once more, the key to preventing or diverting this leaping habit in your Sheltie is obedience training.
⦁ Shetland Sheepdogs have a propensity for incessant barking, which is likely their most noticeable and unpleasant attribute. It’s critical to exercise control over this conduct as soon as possible to prevent the development of undesirable habits. By cueing the behavior (barking), some Sheltie owners have some success in managing the barking. Stop Excessive Barking, an article with further information.
⦁ Obedience training has numerous advantages, including ensuring your Sheltie’s safety, but the most important one, in my opinion, is the strong relationship you and your dog will have during the training process.
If you are considering purchasing a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, my suggestion is to do extensive research and go through with it.
Shetland sheepdog Diet and Nutrition
Give your Sheltie fresh water at all times. And feed your dog a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced meal. Two measured meals each day are typical. But be sure you go through the meal kind and quantity with your vet. For instance, based on age and/or activity level, your veterinarian may suggest several diets. To avoid overeating, stay wary of snacks and any excess food.
What is The Best Dog Food for Shetland sheepdog?
Picking up the cheapest bag of kibble from the grocery store will enough to feed your Sheltie. However, low-cost kibbles mostly consist of grains rather than the high-protein meat that dogs need to flourish. Concerns about toxicity also exist with regard to the chemicals and meat source utilized in several well-known brands.
So which pet food company is best for your Sheltie? The best and worst dog food components are examined in this article. A fresh food diet and which human foods are harmful to dogs will also be discussed.
Quantity of Dry Dog Food
Although dry kibble may appear and smell the same to humans, appearances can be deceptive. In actuality, there are many different types of dog food, and the cost is a useful guide to what you should be giving your Shetland sheepdog.
Despite the glitzy branding, many low-cost and mid-range kibble brands rely heavily on maize, soy, and meat by-products, which deprives your Sheltie of essential nutrients. As she ages, this might result in a variety of skin, bone, joint, and heart issues. As a general rule, it is a warning sign if maize or meat and bone meal is listed as the first component.
The manufacturer can list beef, lamb, or poultry meal as the main component in premium kibble products since they use high-quality meat. Omega-3 fatty acids, which play a number of advantageous roles in the body, from the immune system to heart function, are added as a supplement.
Let’s go into the specifics with an analysis of the best and worst dog food components. In general, we wish to think about two aspects:
⦁ The Origin of Meat. It’s no secret that low-cost kibble includes some questionable meat origins. Embarrassingly, these sources include road dead, euthanized pets, and sick farm animals. Additionally, it is permitted for dog food producers to use any sort of by-product from the slaughterhouse, including animals treated with hormones and other medications that are not destroyed during cooking.
⦁ The ratio of grains to meat. Some of the largest dog food producers have recently shifted to utilizing grain as the primary component, leaving high-protein meat as an afterthought. Your Sheltie’s ancestors developed on a diet of raw meat, bones, and some greenery from their prey’s stomach, thus wherever feasible, we should strive to mimic this diet. A diet heavy in grains is grossly insufficient.
6 unfavorable ingredients in Shetland sheepdog food
Here are six items you should specifically stay away from, especially if they are listed towards the top of the ingredients list, which denotes the biggest quantity. This holds true for dog treats, dental chews, and food. So keep away from these:
- Meat and Bone Meal: This is a general phrase for the ground-up meat and bones of many different kinds of animals, such as sick animals, euthanized pets, and roadkill. Antibiotics and steroids that were administered to animals before they died are now included in dog kibble.
- Meat By-Products: These include guts, skulls, feet, skins, and bones that were not declared appropriate for human food at the slaughterhouse. All beef by-products go through an intense heating procedure that eliminates the minerals and proteins since this also contains sick and infected meat.
- Poultry By-Product Meal: The only difference here is that poultry is involved. Little meat may be found in poultry by-products such bills, feathers, necks, feet, eggs, and intestines. These by-products can also include dangerous chemical additions and sick and polluted materials.
- Propylene Glycol: This artificial preservative has been shown to harm cats’ red blood cells. Since it’s a regular part of their food, I err on the side of caution even if there isn’t enough information to say whether it is poisonous to dogs as well.
- Ethoxyquin: The Department of Agriculture has designated this chemical additive as a pesticide. Because of its established ties to cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and stomach, it is a prohibited ingredient in human food. The food chain substance ethoxyquin is contained in any kibble made with fish meal.
- BHA & BHT: These artificial additives are still permitted in the US even though they are generally prohibited in Europe. Cancers of the bladder and stomach are also known to be brought on by BHA and BHT. Daily usage raises serious safety concerns due to the cumulative toxicity.
4 beneficial ingredients for Shetland sheepdog food
What should be included first on the ingredients list? These four components should be on your list. So look for these:
Lamb, Beef, or Poultry Meal: You can trust the source of the meat if the kind of animal is mentioned. Don’t be put off by the word “meal” because you saw it in the last list; it just means “ground-up.” At least one sort of meat or poultry meal is a key component of high-quality dog food.
Taurine, Omega-3, and Flaxseed Oil: While flaxseed oil enhances the skin and coat and guards against degenerative illnesses, taurine helps prevent blindness and heart disease. Essential fatty acid omega-3 lowers inflammation and supports healthy skin.
Vitamin C ,Vitamin E, and Tocopherols: These are organic preservatives that assist in keeping the fat in dry dog food intact. They are the most favored substitutes for the already stated ethoxyquin.
The Trace Minerals in Chelated Form: Chelation is the process by which trace minerals are changed into a form that is better absorbed in the intestine and circulation. The best kind of minerals to feed your dog is chelated.
It’s never too late to raise your Sheltie’s food quality. We give our Shelties Hill’s Science Diet, which is intended for dogs with delicate stomachs and focuses on optimum nutrition absorption, if you’re feeling overburdened. Additionally, doctors consistently endorse it as the best dog food.
Shetland sheepdog Living With
Shetland sheepdog desire to be kept occupied and with their owners since they are by nature energetic, working dogs. They are not dogs who enjoy lying around by themselves all day. Shelties tend to bark a lot.
However, if they are exercised in a fenced-in yard or taken on walks on a leash, shelties may live happily in tiny houses or flats. Their thick coat, which sheds rapidly in the fall and spring, has to be well brushed at least twice a week.
Shetland sheepdog are versatile and laid-back canines. They may be indoors or outdoors, but Mahaffey says they prefer to be near their owners. Shetland sheepdogs were meant to be working companions, so being left alone for extended periods of time without something to do doesn’t suit them well. This again goes back to their genetic makeup. Make sure your Sheltie has puzzles or other interactive toys to keep him occupied until you get home if you must leave him alone.
Mahaffey claims that while a modest yard can suffice, a bigger fenced-in area is preferable since Shelties require some daily activity, especially when they are young. However, city dwellers don’t have to rule out the breed as a possible pet. Owning a Shetland sheepdog can actually improve someone’s health.
As long as the owners walk their Shelties frequently, apartment occupants may get along with Shelties, according to Mahaffey. “This benefits dog owners as well as canines!” It is advised to keep Shetland sheepdogs in a gated yard and on leashes when walking them since they are born herders and are likely to chase anything that moves, including neighboring squirrels and even vehicles