Shetland Sheepdog Facts

Shetland Sheepdog Facts
Shetland Sheepdog, also known as Sheltie, is small dog that looks like a miniature version of Collie. It belongs to the group of Herding Dogs. Shetland Sheepdog originates from Shetland Islands where it was created by mixing Border Collie with Icelandic Yakkin. Shetland Sheepdog was used to herd the sheep and to keep them away from the plants in the garden. Despite its excellent herding skills, Shetland Sheepdog is mostly kept as a family pet today. It is more popular in the USA, where it is listed as the 20th most popular breed, than in its home country, where it has been replaced with Border Collie.
Interesting Shetland Sheepdog Facts:
Shetland Sheepdog can reach 13 to 15 inches in height and 22 to 40 pounds of weight.
Shetland Sheepdog has long, dense double coat and thick mane around neck. Coat can be sable, black or blue-grey/black colored. Tri-colored, black, white and tan-colored coat is the most frequently seen.
Shetland Sheepdog has wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped dark eyes, small ears with folded tips, athletic body and long tail.
Shetland Sheepdog is the 6th most intelligent type of dog in the world. It can be easily trained by using the positive reinforcement methods.
Shetland Sheepdog is loyal and gentle dog that is eager to please. It is suitable for families with children and dogs of its own kind. Shetland Sheepdog enjoys to spend time with people and to play with kids, but it can also spend time on its own without major problems (it is good choice for busy people).
Shetland Sheepdog can detect owner's mood and act according to it (it will offer a cuddle when its owner is feeling sad).
Shetland Sheepdog can be kept both in the apartments and in the houses with backyards. It requires regular daily walks and vigorous exercise at least few times per week.
Shetland Sheepdog has strong herding instinct and desire to herd squirrels, rabbits and other animals (as well as kids).
Shetland Sheepdog is an excellent guard dog. It is naturally reserved toward the strangers and it loudly barks when it detects anything unusual and suspicious (proper training can minimize unnecessary barking).
Shetland Sheepdog can achieve great results at the competitions in agility, flyball, tracking and herding, and learn to perform various tricks and stunts.
Shetland Sheepdog needs to be mentally stimulated and occupied with some sort of job each day to prevent unwanted behavior.
Shetland Sheepdog sheds profusely and requires thorough weekly brushing. Its coat needs to be moistened before brushing to prevent damaging of fur.
Shetland Sheepdog gives birth to 5 puppies on average. They reach maturity at the age of 3 to 4 years.
Shetland Sheepdog can suffer from hypothyroidism, ocular and blood disorders and hip dysplasia.
Shetland Sheepdog has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.


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