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Description
The
Shetland Sheepdog is a highly intelligent herding dog developed from the hardy
sheepdogs that lived on
the Shetland Islands
that lies off the north-east coast of Scotland. The
work of this early breed includes keeping livestocks away from the cultivated
areas, rounding up farm animals (sheep, cattle, ponies, poultry), and serving
as a companion and as watchdogs.
The
Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie as it is known today, have great herding
instincts and strong sense of boundary. The
Sheltie is amongst the most highly intelligent dog of all canine breeds,
making it easy to train, while still retaining a mind of its own.
It is extremely
inquisitive and is always interested in whatever its master is doing, and
responding well in all forms of training.
It is very affectionate and is always eager to please its owner and
will be a friend for life, but it is somehow reserved to strangers.
The
Shetland Sheepdog is alert and protective and can become very barky at times,
but they're not aggressive enough to be guard dogs.
It is also a very sensitive dog that can be affected by loud sounds and
harsh treatment.
Shelties
come in a variety of colours, mainly the Sables, the
Tri-colours and the Blue
Merles. Each colour is usually
marked with varying amounts of white, and may or may not have tan markings.
These white markings may appear in the blaze,
collar and chest,
frill, legs,
and the tip of the tail.
Grooming
is very much essential for the Sheltie as it is a double-coated breed that
sheds heavily. One can
never be too sure of how much his sheltie will shed and can be very shocked at
the amount of furs flying all over the house.
For a male sheltie, heavy shedding usually occur once a year while
female twice a year, but there will still be light shedding whole year round.
For a person who has no time to attend to the daily brushings of the
Sheltie, then this breed is definitely not a suitable breed to keep.
Like
all other dogs, Shelties do need an average amount of exercise to keep them
healthy. Daily walks of about
15-20 minutes should be essential, other than a few active play sessions.
With proper care and nutrition, Shelties can easily live up to 15
years. However, there're some
known health problems in Shelties.
an inherited disease
commonly found in the Collies as well as the Shelties.