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Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog has the appearance of a miniature collie dog, and can evoke cries of "it's baby Lassie!" wherever it goes. The Sheltie has a narrow and long face, framed by luscious, long straight hair. While their outer coater can be rough, the undercoat is soft and smooth. This breed is small but well built and athletic in appearance.Their almond eyes are sweet and well melt your heart!

Other Names
Sheltie
Country of Origin
England
Colour
Comes in a range of colours including sable, tan and black and blue merle with some white included.
Size
Small
Height / Weight
Height 35 - 40.6cms; weigh 8 - 12.3kgs. Bitches measure 33 - 38cms and weigh 6-4 - 10.3kgs.
Health
The Shetland Sheepdog does have some eye issues including malformation and disease. There is also a risk of hypothyroidism and movement of the knee cap. The Sheltie is a small dog and care should be taken to prevent them becoming overweight or obese.
Life Span
12 -15 years
Intelligence
The Shetland Sheepdog is one of the most intelligent canines and is renowned for the their talent at tasks like tracking, herding, agility and obedience competitions as well as performing and acting as a watchdog. The Sheltie can sometimes be shy, so socialisation will help draw them out of their shells and obedience classes are a great way to stimulate and socialise your pup.
Exercise
Medium
Suitability (Children)
Low
Feeding

The Shetland Sheepdog requires an appropriately balanced diet to manage their energy needs and prevent them becoming overweight. They don't tend to be fussy eaters.

Feeding Cost
$5-$10 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
The Shetland Sheepdog is an active and athletic dog that will need a daily jog or walk. They like to run free but do still have herding and hunting tendencies to keep an eye on them! The Sheltie will be comfortable in an apartment if they get enough exercise each day and are adequately stimulated.
Ailments
The Shetland Sheepdog does have some eye issues including malformation and disease. There is also a risk of hypothyroidism and movement of the knee cap. The Sheltie is a small dog and care should be taken to prevent them becoming overweight or obese.
Hair Shed
Little
Grooming

The double coat of the Sheltie will need some grooming to maintain, not taking care with the coat could lead to matting and a lot of discomfort for your pup. weekly brushing at least is necessary! When the dog is moulting brushing should be done daily. You may choose to trim the feathering on the legs and tail to make it easier to manage.

Grooming Frequency
At least once a week
Trimming
Heavy
The Sheltie is frequently recognised as a miniature version of the Rough Collie, and it's not surprising given that they both descended from Border Collies in Scotland. The Border Collies were originally brought to the Scottish Island of Shetland and crossed with a now extinct small dog called the Yakkin. The dogs were used to herd and guard sheep flocks and were said to be gentle with their charges. Though the breed was developed in the 1700s it wasn't recognized in England until 1909.


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