Shetland Sheepdog Breed Facts and Information

Training: Shetland Sheepdogs are incredibly loyal and intelligent dogs. They quickly learn new behaviors with a few repetitions. Shelties are itching to please their pet parent, so positive reinforcement is very important. Relative to other breeds, they are quite emotionally sensitive and will easily pick up on a small amount of negativity. Giving a treat and positive encouragement after completing a task is all your Sheltie needs!

Barking: Understanding your dog: These highly intelligent dogs are generally trying to accomplish something with their relatively frequent barking. Sometimes they want to herd the family together, play outside, or they may sense danger. As herding dogs, Shelties likes to be agile and complete tasks for their pet parent, which can be the best way to play and tire them out. A tired dog is less likely to bark as a means of seeking attention.

Temperament & Behavior: Shetland Sheepdogs are a relatively energetic breed that needs consistent exercise to prevent the onset of anxiety or behavioral problems. A Sheltie is often highly attuned to their family's emotions and can become anxious or loud when they sense stress in their family members. Regular exercise and playtime helps to mediate some anxiety and provide a sense of routine, as well as allowing for bonding with your bright and playful pup. Shelties crave frequent interaction with their family and can act out or bark if they feel left out of the fun.

Behavior with kids: Shelties make wonderful family dogs. With great temperaments and a strong sense of loyalty, they will instinctively make sure the family is together by herding children to their parents. As with any dog, be sure to supervise your Sheltie around children and unfamiliar adults.

Protection: Shetland Sheepdogs are highly loyal dogs and will watch out for their family. They tend to keep their tails in the air when on high alert. Shelties are not an attack dogs, but will bark if they sense that their family seems uncomfortable around certain people or situations.

Life Span: On average, Shetland Sheepdogs live to be about 12-14 years old.

Inherited health issues: A number of health conditions have been recognized in the Shetland Sheepdog either through methods of inheritance or occurring at an increased frequency in the breed. They include, but may not be limited to, the following: Patent ductus arteriosus, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Uveodermatological syndrome, Cutaneous histiocytosis, Dermatomyositis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Multidrug reactions, Gallbladder mucocele, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, Von Willebrand disease, Angular deformity of the tibia, Elbow luxation, Shoulder luxation, Superficial digital flexor tendon luxation, Nasal cavity tumor, Congenital deafness, Collie eye anomaly, Coloboma, Corneal dystrophy, Ectopic cilia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Cryptorchidism.

Preventive care: Genetic testing is available for several of the health conditions found in Shetland Sheepdogs and is often performed by responsible breeders prior to mating dogs. In particular, testing for multidrug resistance genes (MDR1) is important for every Sheltie because this gene mutation can cause affected dogs to be much more sensitive to certain drugs, such as ivermectin.

Shetland Sheepdogs can develop several joint conditions and fish oil supplements can be helpful in decreasing the inflammation associated with signs of arthritis that may develop. Keeping your Sheltie at a healthy body weight is critical to overall joint health.

Nutrition: Shetland Sheepdogs are high energy dogs and require proper nutrition to maintain their drive. With overfeeding or insufficient exercise, Shelties can easily become overweight. Be sure that you are feeding carefully portion-controlled meals of a balanced diet to keep your Sheltie at a healthy body weight.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Sheltie is 1/3 -3/4 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Shetland Sheepdogs are competitive dogs that enjoy performing tasks, such as chasing a ball or herding sheep or children. They are relatively small in stature, but are full of spunk and ready to help their master at a quick call. A regular exercise regimen is beneficial for both your Sheltie's mental and physical well-being.

Climate: With their heavy coat, the Shetland Sheepdog is made for colder climates and outdoor ranges. Originally from Scotland as an outdoor dog, the Sheltie isn't quite built to sit around the equator.

Living space: These medium sized dogs are full of energy and like to run around. Given their herding heritage, they should be kept in a house with a backyard. Daily trips to the park to run and play can suffice in place of a yard. Don't leave them alone all day, as they like to bark, and want to plenty of attention.