Is a Shetland sheepdog or sheltie the right dog for you?
Getting a dog is a big decision, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. Whether you decide to buy or, even better, adopt, you need to consider the dog’s size, temperament, age, and genetics.
Never choose a dog because it’s small, puffy, or looks cute.
When selecting a dog, many people opt for popular breeds such as pugs, corgis, labradors, and terriers.
But there’s another mid-size dog you should consider: the Shetland sheepdog, better known as a sheltie.
If you’re thinking about getting a sheltie, a herding breed, here’s what you should consider:
Breed history and origin
The Shetland sheepdog is a small herding dog from Scotland’s Shetland Islands.
Once known as “toonie dogs” or farm dogs, the breed’s origins are a bit of a mystery, but the dogs were bred to be small and used to herd sheep, ponies, and poultry.
The dogs look like a miniature version of the rough collie.
The dogs became trendy after they were brought to England in the early 19th century. The British Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1909.
The dogs quickly became popular in the U.S. and around the world. Ironically, few are found on the Shetland Islands now, where border collies have replaced them.
Temperament
When deciding on a dog, consider your needs and the space where you live. Do you want a dog that’s always by your side or one that’s independent?
How about their energy levels? Do you prefer a pooch that’s eager to walk in the park or snuggle next to you on the sofa?
All of these are important to consider, as you want a dog whose temperament matches yours. Be sure you understand sheltie traits before choosing a dog.
The Shetland collie is energetic, loves to play fetch, and excels at agility. It looks like a collie in miniature and is intelligent, so make sure to make the training process fun.
These cuties can also be stubborn and have a loud bark, so it’s crucial to teach them to stop barking on command.
Additionally, they are very loyal, gentle, and touchy-feely. They are known as family dogs, which makes them safe for kids.
Because they bond quickly with their owners, shelties don’t like being left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety. It’s crucial to make sure the dogs get enough exercise.
To keep a sheltie busy, you also need to challenge them mentally, which you can do with slow-feeding dog bowls or interactive toys like puzzles.
Health and care
Shelties tend to be healthy overall, but they’re also prone to specific health problems, including thyroid problems and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Hypothyroidism or a low-functioning thyroid can cause hair loss, dry, itchy skin, ear infections, excessive weight gain, behavior issues, and seizures.
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the ball doesn’t fit properly in the socket, leading to friction, inflammation, cartilage damage, and pain. It often leads to arthritis.
Dermatomyositis is an inherited disorder that causes skin lesions. The condition typically starts on the head, ears, and front legs.
Collie eye anomaly, or collie eye defect, is a mutation that occurs when the blood vessels that nourish the retina are underdeveloped.
This can cause other defects such as retinal detachment. The mutation typically affects both eyes, but sometimes it is more severe in one eye.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes the retina’s cells to deteriorate, eventually leading to blindness.
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a clotting disorder similar to human hemophilia, which can cause excessive bleeding.
With proper care and regular vet checkups, these conditions are treatable. Regular checkups will help sheltie owners detect these conditions early, allowing them to develop treatment plans.
Exercise needs
Shetland sheepdogs, or Shelties, are energetic and intelligent dogs that require at least 1 hour of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy.
Here are some practical ways to meet their exercise needs:
Walking and jogging: Daily walks or jogs help burn off energy. Varying routes keeps them engaged.
Playtime: Interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war in a secure area allow for both exercise and bonding.
Socialization: Regularly visiting dog parks or having playdates enables them to socialize and run freely with other dogs.
Training sessions: Mental stimulation is essential; engaging them in training sessions or agility exercises keeps their minds sharp.
While ensuring your sheltie gets enough activity, don’t forget to allow time for relaxation and adjust exercise routines based on weather conditions.
A balanced approach will help your Sheltie thrive.
Train your sheltie
Training and socialization are essential for raising a well-adjusted Shetland sheepdog.
Here are some concise tips:
Start early: Begin training and socialization as soon as you bring your Sheltie home to help them become well-rounded.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats and praise to encourage repetition.
Keep sessions short: Limit training sessions to 5-10 minutes to maintain interest and effectiveness.
Gradual socialization: Introduce your Sheltie to new experiences slowly to reduce fear and anxiety.
Obedience classes: Enroll in a puppy kindergarten or obedience class for structured training and socialization.
Teach basic commands: Focus on key commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” Because shelties are vocal dogs, teach a “quiet” or “no bark” command, too.
Be consistent: Use the same commands and rewards, involving everyone in the household to avoid confusion.
Exposure to various environments: Take your Sheltie on outings to different places to build confidence.
Monitor body language: Keep an eye on their comfort levels and allow them to retreat if they feel stressed.
Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude during training to create a favorable learning environment.
Create the perfect home
Shelties thrive in active and engaging environments.
Here are the vital elements for their ideal living situation:
Space to roam
A secure, fenced yard is ideal for Shelties, as it allows them to explore and play. Regular visits to parks can also meet their exercise needs if a yard isn’t available.
Safe indoor environment
Inside, Shelties need a safe space free of hazards, with designated areas for their bed and toys. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and interactive games is essential.
Temperature considerations
With their thick double coat, Shelties are suited for colder climates but can be sensitive to heat.
Ensure a comfortable living environment with shade or air conditioning during warmer months.
Social interaction
Shelties are social dogs that need companionship and should not be left alone for long periods. Regular socialization and training help them stay happy and balanced.
Exercise opportunities
Daily exercise is critical for their well-being. Activities like walks, playtime, and agility training help them stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Sheltie appearance
The dogs typically stand 13 to 16 inches tall at their shoulders and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. They look like miniature collies or border collies.
The dogs have a double coat and shed a lot. The hair of the outer coat is long and straight, while the undercoat is short, curly, and dense.
Although shelties only need occasional baths, they require regular grooming such as brushing, once a week, more often during shedding season. Their coats can be black, blue merle, or sable with white markings.
It’s important to get puppies used to being handled and groomed when they’re puppies. Trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth daily to help prevent oral diseases.
A great family dog
Shelties can be wonderful pets if you learn to treat these affectionate dogs right and be a good owner. If you are looking for a Shetland sheepdog, consult with a reputable breeder or visit shelters or rescue groups.
These dogs with high intelligence love and genuinely care for their families. Be sure to take care of their health, feed them quality food, and most importantly, don’t forget to love them back.
Claire Morgan is a marketing consultant and lecturer who, thanks to her integrated approach to business, has been behind many digital strategies for renowned brands. She enjoys traveling and passionately blogs about the latest marketing and lifestyle trends.