Shetland Sheepdog
Family: livestock, herding
Area of origin: Scotland (Shetland Islands)
Original function: sheep herding
Average size of male: Ht: 13-16, Wt: 20
Average size of female: Ht: 13-16, Wt: 20
Other names: none
Shetland Sheepdog Dog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is extremely bright, sensitive and willing to please. This combination makes for a dog that is very obedient, quick to learn and utterly devoted to his family. He is not only gentle, playful, amiable and companionable, but also excellent with children, although he can nip at heels in play. He barks a lot.
Shetland Sheepdog Dog Care
The Sheltie is energetic, but his exercise needs can be met with a good walk, short jog or active game and training session. He is too attached to his family to do well separated from them so the Sheltie should be a house dog. His thick coat needs brushing or combing every other day.
Shetland Sheepdog Dog Health
Major concerns: dermatomyositis
Minor concerns: CEA, PRA, trichiasis, cataract, CHD, hemophilia, Legg - Perthes, patellar luxation
Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, epilepsy, vWD
Suggested tests: eye, hip, DNA for vWD
Life span: 12-14 years
Note: may be sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health.
