Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

El Shetland Sheepdog It is a breed that comes from the Shetland Islands, located in Scotland, United Kingdom. This dog can be easily confused with the Collie, as it looks like this breed but in a miniature size. However, these are two breeds that are different, although the Border Collie is the breed of origin of this dog.

Let meet one of those races that are not really popular, precisely because they are confused with another breed that is recognized worldwide as the Collie. Everyone knows Collies, but not the Shetland Sheepdog. But both breeds have great qualities.

Shetland Sheepdog story

Shetland Sheepdog

The history of this dog is not well known in its origins, since it is not known exactly what type of breeds it comes from, although its relationship with a dog such as the Collie is undoubted, due to its appearance. This dog was recognized for first time in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, with documents that already placed it in the XNUMXth century as a breed of the island, although it was not recognized as a breed until the XNUMXth century. Apparently this breed arose from the crossing of Collie dogs, hence the great similarity.

Apparently life on the island favored small predators, so the use of large dogs is not really necessary, as could be seen in other places where mastiffs and large dogs are used to deal with wolves and other large predators. They were used to protect and guide dwarf sheep, chickens, and other small farm animals. It is a dog with great activity and very intelligent, although due to its great beauty it quickly became a very appreciated companion animal.

Dog characteristics

Shetland Sheepdog

The Sheltie is a small size dog, which is distinguished from the Collie precisely by that size. It is easy to think that it is just a cross of the other race, which is much better known. The dog is somewhat longer than tall and its body is muscular and agile, since it is a herding breed that has worked since its inception. These dogs usually have brown eyes, although it is also true that there is a version with a gray coat that may have some blue eyes.

El This dog's coat is double-coated. It has an inner layer and a longer upper layer. Its colors are very varied, with sable, tricolor, blackbird blue or black with white or tan. These dogs have a height at the withers of 37 centimeters and the weight can be around eight kilos.

Shepherd character

Shetland Sheepdog

The sheepdog is an animal very loyal to his familyas they have been bred to bond with their masters as a working dog. This dog is also considered one of the most intelligent breeds. This type of dog learns really fast, so it is an animal that will really be easy to train. They have a strong herding instinct and that is why they must be educated and socialized from an early age, with other people and animals. They can have a certain tendency to be independent and to follow their instincts and that is why it is better to give them an early socialization since they are puppies. As they can be somewhat shy with strangers, it is good to introduce them to other people very early so that they get used to it.

Dogs playing together
Related article:
Socialization, the key to a balanced dog

Sheepdog Health

Shetland Sheepdog

The dog comes from other breeds that have some genetic predisposition to some diseases. Although it is usually an active and healthy dog, we must always be careful with these diseases that can appear by pure genetics. Periodic check-ups at the vet can help us avoid or alleviate some of them. These diseases include cataracts or retinal atrophy in sight. These dogs can also be deaf and have epilepsy. There are some diseases that occur in these breeds, such as the Collie eye abnormality. In the worst cases, bleeding can occur within the eye, leading to loss of vision. If dogs have this problem, it is possible that their descendants will also develop it, so they should not be crossed with specimens that have this problem, as there is no possible cure. The fact that this breed has so many hereditary problems makes it essential that we ensure that the dogs come from healthy specimens.

Shetland Sheepdog Care

Shetland Sheepdog

One of the things that requires the most care when it comes to this breed is the coat. Their hair has an abundant undercoat that is shed when shedding. On the other hand, they have a long hair cape It must be cared for and combed so that it does not tangle, although it is hair that is easy to comb and keep in good condition.

These dogs need perform physical exercise and they also require psychological challenges. It is good to go for walks and races with them and also to do sports such as agility, since they help them to show their qualities and to concentrate. As they are quite nervous, it is necessary for them to exercise daily, otherwise they may bark or break things. That is why these dogs live better in the open spaces and in houses with gardens than in closed floors.

Why have a sheepdog

These types of dogs are not as easy to find as Collies, since the latter are much more popular and Shetland Sheepdogs are not as well known. But it is a dog that has a small size and therefore can be better adapted to places such as flats or houses without gardens. These dogs, however, need physical exercise. The race is intelligent and sensitiveIn addition to being very hard-working, it is easy to do all kinds of activities with them, from games to walks. They are perfect for families with children, as they are very attached to their own. What do you think of the Shetland Sheepdog breed?


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