Dog picture taken by WoofBC.

A Shetland sheepdog is not a “mini-collie” but a distinct separate breed that actually has roots in the Border collie. A native of the Shetland Isles in far northern range of Scotland he was a dog developed to help on crofts, or small farms, where there wasn’t much food to be had. A small dog was needed for that reason, yet a tireless worker in all kinds of weather which gave rise to selection for a durable coat and a loyalty to their owners.

Shelties are also thieves – they’ll steal your heart slicker than any pickpocket! They are commonly sable, black and white, tri color and blue merle. They can be barkers without patience and training but are a loyal, observant dog. Their intelligence and trainability make them among the most successful obedience breeds.

The sheltie coat does require regular grooming to remain tangle free and prevent it from becoming matted. There is a double coat with an outer layer that is more harsh and straight and an undercoat that is very dense. This can help shed rain from a working standpoint and enough harshness to the coat to resist tangling. For pet dogs you must be committed to thoroughly combing a Sheltie a couple times per week. It is not advisable to shear or close cut a Sheltie’s natural coat.

From a show standard point the Sheltie is 13-16 inches tall and of course show dogs are bred for that glorious coat. Dogs over or under height can excel at herding, agility, obedience and many other tasks where intelligence and their work ethic is valued.

Some Shelties are very nervous, some very friendly and some reserved. One sheltie came to a new home at five months old and was very stand offish initially, almost timid. After a week or so his new owners noticed he was observing EVERYTHING in the household. From washing clothes to cooking dinner to hooking up speakers on the stereo the young Sheltie was observing as if taking notes on human behavior. Once he was satisfied in his mind things were fine he became a constant companion and irreplaceable part of the household. He had his little quirks and routines – he loved to be outside but let one rumble of thunder roll and he wanted inside pronto! He would patiently stand to be combed and brushed until the camera came out when he would primp and pose like the most arrogant of film stars!

Shelties are above all people dogs. They’re intensely loyal and affectionate with a high drive to please their owners. They should move as a working dog with purpose, without up and down hackney action. They are wonderful dogs for those who have a small area or need a small dog due to housing requirements. They are a big dog in a small package and often have a hero worship for the people lucky enough to own one.

There are health considerations that warrant attention in the Sheltie. Among them is hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, von Willebrands disease, dermatomyositis, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and Addison’s disease are among those to watch for. Many of these can be tested for including eye disease, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a clotting disorder – this is normally not a huge issue to have a dog get a cut but for a dog affected any surgery (including spay/neuter), birthing puppies and injuries takes on a much more serious tone. Eye and heart diseases should always be something that breeding dogs get a clean bill of health on before breeding.

Another thing that needs to be watched is a high sensitivity to Ivermectin which can send them into an overdose situation that also affects border collies and collies. This might not affect every dog, but when you’re watching a dog seizure after getting an Ivomectin dose intended to help her it is of little consolation.

Some Shelties can be sensitive to grain content in less expensive dog foods and many owners advise that a raw or real meat diet can be a good choice especially for Shelties.

The Sheltie is a breed for many reasons and will capture your heart like few others. They are intensely loyal and loving with those in the home that they choose to trust and when you get the Sheltie stamp of approval it’s a pretty incredible thing! Early socializing is recommended so the Sheltie learns to tolerate strangers even if not enjoying the interaction. When you bond with a Sheltie there is no question to anyone watching who his owner is.

Owing to his herding heritage Shelties will often chase movement. They aren’t particular if it’s ducks, sheep, children, cats or squirrels! This is a breed that LOVES to play! They’re intelligent and observant dogs that enjoy the mental puzzle of figuring things out. Some Shelties can be real “chow hounds” while others are apt to pick at their food throughout the day. If you feed raw meat there it few sights that radiate happiness more than a Sheltie with his meal! It’s not unusual for him to savor each bite as if in full appreciation of the good things in life!

An example of the Sheltie intelligence is the owner who worked from home but the telephone was in the living room while she worked in the office. Her Sheltie would get up in the morning, go outside, come in for his breakfast then head to the office door. As she answered email he settled contentedly at her feet unless the phone rang. Because she would get up to answer it – he learned on his own when the phone rang to run to the office door! Even if she didn’t hear the phone he did and would alert her to a telephone call or knock on the door.

This same Sheltie would observe everything from the normal routine of the cats to the pack order of the household. It was almost as if he was supervising and keeping things in order!

The beautiful coat of a Sheltie does require regular brushing but it’s also important to lay your hands on your Sheltie daily. Because of that coat it can be deceptive and feeling him lets you know if he’s too thin or too heavy. Some of the less active members of the breed can quickly become obese which shortens their lives and can trigger several diseases.

The Sheltie isn’t a breed for everyone. Although low maintenance the do take an owner who is sensitive to gain their confidence and yet firm enough to lead them. Their intelligence can also mean without a balance of training they can be a poor representative of dogdom due to lack of boundaries. That said, for an older couple they can be the ideal companion as they are small and smart.

One dog owner had always had border collies and took in a Sheltie who needed a home. After just a few months he absolutely had moved in and taken over the household! He gave ‘king of his domain’ a whole new definition!

Dog picture taken by ugglemamma.

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community and spend more time with your pet, you should consider pursuing therapy training. Therapy dogs are used to provide comfort and activity to patients in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as prisons and homeless shelters. Besides offering some affection and love, interaction with dogs encourages rudimentary physical therapy in seriously injured or ill patients.

In many cases of canine therapy, patients are depressed and disheartened, leading to a lack of motivation to perform their physical therapy. Petting or speaking to a dog, or even playing short games of fetch, help patients to exercise muscles, nerves, and brainpower when the encouragement of nurses or doctors is not enough.

Therapy dogs are also used with Alzheimer’s patients and patients struggling with senility to help jog memory function and provide comfort and socialization. Another use is aiding rehabilitation in prisons, where inmates have the opportunity to interact and care for these dogs.

Shetland Sheepdogs are on the top of the list as far as therapy dogs go. They are very intelligent animals that are eager to please and get along well with strangers and children. It is easy to train them up to therapy certification, and their sweet faces and loving dispositions can brighten the gloomiest day for a chronically ill or rehabilitating patient. Shelties are a sensitive, empathetic breed that is well suited for a career in therapy.

If you decide to pursue therapy training and visits with your Sheltie, it is best to start very young, as with any dog. Proper socialization is requisite for working in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, or shelters. From puppyhood, your dog must be exposed to strangers and children as often as possible, and be encouraged to interact with them. Reward your pet for positive interactions with a treat or more affection. Your Sheltie will quickly learn that he will be rewarded by the attention he or she gets alone! Basic obedience and a quick response to commands is also required of any therapy dog.

There are many training and certifications programs for therapy dogs across the United States. If you plan to make therapy visits with your dog for the first time, it is best to enroll him in one of these special training courses. Some states require certification and some do not, but a little extra training can never hurt. Canine therapy visits are a great way to do something charitable and spend time with your pet. The patients and your dog will thank you!

Dog picture taken by ugglemamma.

Dog picture taken by Matt Stratton.

Dog picture taken by brykmantra.

Jasper two months old

Dog picture taken by Julep67.

If you are looking for a fun and competitive way to exercise with your Shetland Sheepdog, pursuing agility training is your best bet. Like all herding breeds, Shelties excel in test of agility because of their intelligence, speed, and dexterity. Training for agility trials is a fantastic bonding experience for you and your pet, as well! You will find that not only will your pet bond with you, he or she will also listen much more intently with day to day commands.

If you are just becoming interested in agility training or competition,

it is advisable to consult your local branch of the AKC to see if there are any agility or Shetland Sheepdog clubs in your area. These clubs can offer helpful training seminars, novice competitions, and general advice and support. They can also offer other resources for training, such as regulation courses and obstacles. All of these clubs will have specific rules so it’s important to brush up on your reading before you start training so it’s done correctly from the beginning.

The actual agility course is made up of several basic obstacles which can vary from competition to competition. These include hurdles, cloth tunnels, A-Frames, seesaws, the dog walk (a plank raised approximately four feet above the ground), and other obstacles depending on ability, club, and region. Dogs are tested based on proficiency and time. The owner, as the handler, will run alongside the dog in the course, directing him verbally or with hand motions. Treats and other motivational gifts are not allowed on the course and will lead to immediate disqualification, so it is best to phase these out of the training process after your dog learns to master each individual obstacle at home. Dogs are judged on their completion of the course as a whole as well as the proficiency with which they tackle each obstacle.

When you are just starting out, you may feel somewhat intimidated by other competitors, but remember that everyone else and their dogs started out at your level! There are plenty of novice competitions you can enter your pet into, and it always helps to watch and learn from the tactics and techniques of other trainers and handlers. As your dog becomes more skilled at the course and your handling of him or her becomes more confident, you can begin to challenge him with other obstacles, longer courses, and different levels of competition.

Shetland Sheepdogs, being such an intelligent and athletic breed, need to have challenges and stimulation on a day-to-day basis. Training for and competing in agility trials are a fantastic way to go about this. It is a great way to create a stronger bond with your dog, strengthen obedience commands and trainability, and get a lot of exercise for your pet and yourself. The Sheltie loves nothing more than to please his or her owner, so you will probably find that it is very easy to train him or her on the agility course. The sport can become rather addictive once you conquer the first couple obstacles!

Shelties seem like they were made to be show dogs, with their long, luxurious coats and elegant little bodies. If you’ve purchased a purebred, registered Shetland Sheepdog, you may want to consider showing him or her in the ring.

Every person that shows dogs should attend several dog shows prior to embarking upon such a demanding hobby. Watching other trainers, owners, groomers, and handlers work with their champion dogs is the best way to learn tips and tricks to performing well in the ring. Introduce yourself to other Sheltie owners and tell them you hope to start showing. Most will be very friendly and offer you some helpful advice.

Some dogs are not shown by their owners. Instead, owners will hire an experienced handler to show their dog in the ring. Reasons for this vary, but it is a personal decision. If you would like to hire a handler instead of showing your pet yourself, your local chapter of the American Kennel Club can provide you with a list of professional handlers for hire. If you choose to show your dog yourself, your local chapter of the AKC probably offers novice classes in dog showing. It is recommended to sign up for one to learn the basics before you jump into the ring blind. The essentials of dog showing etiquette are rather easy to learn, and you will become more adept and proficient at showing your pet after you have gained some experience.

If you use a groomer, you will have to visit him or her with your pet immediately before a show. Show dogs are impeccably groomed; nothing less is expected or accepted. If this seems like too large a financial commitment, you can learn to groom your Sheltie yourself. If you own a Shetland Sheepdog, chances are you’re already used to the extensive brushing and bathing process involved in having this breed as a pet. All you need to learn now are some basic trimming techniques to keep your dog’s coat and appearance in immaculate condition.

Training for show dogs, as with training for any dog, should begin in puppyhood. Basic obedience, as well as respect for the handler, is an absolutely necessity in show dogs. The show ring is quite distracting, with all the other pups running around and so bright lights and loud noises. Your dog must know to respond only to his or her handler, be it you or a hired professional.

Your dog must also be officially registered with the AKC. In order to be eligible for competition, his or her parents and litter must also have been registered with the AKC by the breeder. This is done to prove the quality of bloodlines, as most show dogs are eventually used as breeding dogs themselves.

Attending and participating in dog shows with your Shetland Sheepdog can be a very rewarding experience for both you and your pet. You will have an opportunity to bond and probably learn a lot of new things about your favorite breed!

Dog picture taken by brykmantra.

Dog picture taken by WoofBC.

Because of their long, thick, fluffy coats, it may seem like grooming a Shetland Sheepdog would be a daunting task. While it does require some dedication and patience, it is not nearly as difficult or time-consuming as one might think. Some owners choose to shave their Shelties to avoid having to groom, but this is not a good option. The Sheltie’s thick and lengthy coat helps protect the dog from extreme heat and extreme cold. Shaved dogs are also more susceptible to sunburn and frostbite.

Brushing your Sheltie’s coat and undercoat regularly is the single most important aspect of grooming for this breed. You should brush the undercoat first, as it has more difficulty shedding on its own and is most prone to matting. Part the fur of the topcoat and mist the area you plan to brush with water. (It is important to mist or dampen your Sheltie’s fur as you brush it due to the risk of breakage on course-coated dogs.) Using a pin brush, brush from head to rump, removing the dead hair as it collects in the brush. Do this all across your Sheltie’s body. This technique is referred to as “line brushing.”

After removing all the shed fur from the Shetland Sheepdog’s undercoat, you can move on to the area called the “skirt.” The skirt is the hair on your dog’s rump beneath its tail. This hair tends to be more coarse than the rest of the sheepdog’s coat and is harder to get a brush through. Gently and carefully using a fine-toothed metal comb can be a better, if slower option for grooming the skirt fur. This comb can also double for similar hair near the ears and on the legs of the Sheltie. Always remember to mist the fur as well, as it will not tug on the dog and make it uncomfortable for them.

After grooming the undercoat and the skirt, you can move on to the topcoat. Continuing to mist the fur before brushing, you can work your way through the topcoat with the same brush as the undercoat (after cleaning out the excess dead fur, of course) to help regain the normal sheen of the Sheltie’s coat.

Since their coats are so long and thick, Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to collecting dirt, dust, and grime in their fur. Over bathing can be problematic with any breed, as it can potentially strip the fur and skin of essential oils and minerals that help protect and keep it healthy, but since the Sheltie has so much fur, it is acceptable to bathe more often. Many groomers recommend a bath approximately every two months. If you choose to bathe your Sheltie at home instead of with your groomer, you may have to test out a number of different doggie shampoos before finding one that suits you and your dog’s needs best. Always watch for excessive scratching, which can result from dry or irritated skin and is an indication that you need to switch shampoos.

puppies

The most common three dog breeds that are easily confused are the Collie, Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog. While each is its own breed and has its own distinctions, they also have some similarities as well. The following information outlines the most common differences and similarities between these three dog breeds.

Collies:

Developed in Scotland to be a herding dog, a Collie comes in two varieties: rough coated (long haired) and smooth coated (short haired). They stand between 20-25 inches in height at the shoulders and males weigh 40-60 pounds, females weigh between 39-55 pounds when fully grown.

The Collie breed dates back to the 17th century, they were used to keep herds of sheep together in groups. Collies are elegant and refined dogs, with a very regal appearance, they are calm and well mannered in temperament.

Shetland Sheepdog:

Also known as a Sheltie, a Shetland Sheepdog, is also referred to as a “miniature Collie,” but this is untrue. Shelties are a very different breed altogether, though they look like a small version of a rough coated Collie. Shelties as a breed, date back to the 1800’s, and originates from the Shetland Islands. They were used as a herding dog, but instead of sheep herding, the dogs were used to keep the sheep away from the crops on the farm. The Sheltie had the task of herding the sheep away from the fields and keeping them in the fold.

Collies and Shelties were developed to be independent of one another. Though the Collie is one of the breeds that contributed to the bloodlines of a Sheltie. Shelties are never short coated and are much smaller in stature than a Collie. Shelties generally weigh around 15-25 pounds. A Sheltie has a much livelier personality than a Collie, which has a tendency to be subdued and refined in temperament.

A Border Collie :

Border Collies were supposed to be herding dogs in the border between England and Scotland. Border Collies are highly prized as herding dogs because of their unique ability to “fetch” a member of the herd who had wandered away. A Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds and are still being used on farms and ranches all over parts of Europe.

The colors of a Border Collie are most often black and white, though other colors are possible. They are a medium-build dog weighing between 25-55 pounds and come in both rough and smooth coated varieties.

A fairly easy way to tell the difference between a Border Collie from a Standard Collie is the hair. Even on a rough coated Collie, the hair is not as long and flowing as that of a Standard Collie. A Border Collie has a smaller, shorter nose and resembles an Australian Shepherd, more than a Standard Collie.

Because of the high intelligence and working ability, a Border Collie needs to have a purpose, goal or job. If not, the breed tends to get bored and displays destructive behavior. The breed does perform quite well in the show ring and during agility competitions, these activities keep their minds stimulated and body active.

The most common three dog breeds that are easily confused are the Collie, Border Collie and Shetland Sheepdog. While each is its own breed and has its own distinctions, they also have some similarities as well. The following information outlines the most common differences and similarities between these three dog breeds.

Collies:
Developed in Scotland to be a herding dog, a Collie comes in two varieties: rough coated (long haired) and smooth coated (short haired). They stand between 20-25 inches in height at the shoulders and males weigh 40-60 pounds, females weigh between 39-55 pounds when fully grown.

The Collie breed dates back to the 17th century, they were used to keep herds of sheep together in groups. Collies are elegant and refined dogs, with a very regal appearance, they are calm and well mannered in temperament.

Shetland Sheepdog:
Also known as a Sheltie, a Shetland Sheepdog, is also referred to as a “miniature Collie,” but this is untrue. Shelties are a very different breed altogether, though they look like a small version of a rough coated Collie. Shelties as a breed, date back to the 1800’s, and originates from the Shetland Islands. They were used as a herding dog, but instead of sheep herding, the dogs were used to keep the sheep away from the crops on the farm. The Sheltie had the task of herding the sheep away from the fields and keeping them in the fold.

Collies and Shelties were developed to be independent of one another. Though the Collie is one of the breeds that contributed to the bloodlines of a Sheltie. Shelties are never short coated and are much smaller in stature than a Collie. Shelties generally weigh around 15-25 pounds. A Sheltie has a much livelier personality than a Collie, which has a tendency to be subdued and refined in temperament.

A Border Collie :
Border Collies were supposed to be herding dogs in the border between England and Scotland. Border Collies are highly prized as herding dogs because of their unique ability to “fetch” a member of the herd who had wandered away. A Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds and are still being used on farms and ranches all over parts of Europe.

The colors of a Border Collie are most often black and white, though other colors are possible. They are a medium-build dog weighing between 25-55 pounds and come in both rough and smooth coated varieties.

A fairly easy way to tell the difference between a Border Collie from a Standard Collie is the hair. Even on a rough coated Collie, the hair is not as long and flowing as that of a Standard Collie. A Border Collie has a smaller, shorter nose and resembles an Australian Shepherd, more than a Standard Collie.

Because of the high intelligence and working ability, a Border Collie needs to have a purpose, goal or job. If not, the breed tends to get bored and displays destructive behavior. The breed does perform quite well in the show ring and during agility competitions, these activities keep their minds stimulated and body active.

The Shetland Sheepdog is classified in the AKC Herding Group, which means that it is an intelligent, athletic dog. Though smaller in size, measure just 12 to 16 inches at the shoulder, the Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, has as much energy as many dogs two or three times its size. Shelties need lots of exercise and physical activity, which can be a big bonus if you lead an active lifestyle. They are a very affectionate and social breed and will have the most fun exercising or playing with people or other dogs.

The easiest option to play with your Sheltie is to have a fenced-in back or front yard where you can play fetch or tag with your pup. Shelties are impeccably good at catch, as well, and can be trained to play a mean game of frisbee. Some Sheltie owners have little scavenger hunts with their dogs where they will hide treats around the yard and allow their pet to run around and find them. This is not recommended for city dwellers, however, as trash can easily find it’s way into your yard and you do not want your dog thinking that it’s okay to eat whatever he finds! While your sheepdog will enjoy his or her time running around off the leash, it is important to not leave them unattended in the yard. The breed is quite good at clearing hurdles or digging and could escape.

If you are not fortunate enough to have a yard to play with the Shetland Sheepdog in, there are plenty of other options to get them the activity needed to keep them happy and healthy. Taking your Sheltie along for the morning jog or training him or her to run next to your bicycle is a fantastic way to get the much-needed exercise for your dog and for yourself. If jogging or biking is not an every day activity for you, a long, brisk walk can suffice, but they will need more indoor playtime as well.

If you are really enthusiastic about exercising your Sheltie, you can look into some dog sporting events. All herding breeds excel at agility competitions because of their dexterity, speed and intellect. While the trials alone aren’t enough exercise, the training process is rather intensive and can be a great source of exercise for the both of you, as well as a wonderful bonding experience. Finding a Shetland Sheepdog or agility club in your area is a good start to begin agility training, though if you do not plan on competing you can easily build or purchase a course of hurdles, tunnels, and A-frames in your back yard.

The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent and playful breed, and is best suited to owners with an athletic or active lifestyle. Your Sheltie will be happy to accompany you on errands or runs, and can even help encourage you to stick with that exercise routine! Getting fit with your new best friend is an experience every dog owner can enjoy. Shetland Sheepdogs love to please and will be a perfect fit for anyones home.

Our cat (Belle) is to smart for our rough collie (Diva) and Shetland sheepdog (Harlie)

Blue Ridge Shetland Sheepdog Club Educational Video. Introduction to the Shetland Sheepdog. www.BRSSC.org for more breed information