Shetland Sheepdog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, called the Sheltie, is a small herding dog of 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder with a long, flowing coat and a refined, wedge-shaped head. The abundant mane and frill around the neck and chest make it look larger than it is, and many people think it resembles a Collie in miniature. Coat colors include sable, tricolor, blue merle and bicolor combinations, often with white markings.

The breed came from the harsh, treeless Shetland Islands, where small, hardy livestock called for a small, hardy dog. Shelties kept sheep from straying into crop fields and signaled trouble with their voices. Today they are popular as attentive family pets and as competitors in obedience, agility and herding.

Temperament and family life

Shelties are sensitive, eager to please and intensely loyal to their own people. They are often reserved with strangers, and some are shy. A harsh voice or chaotic household can upset them, so they tend to do better in calm homes. With early socialization they become polite, affectionate companions.

Barking is the breed's most famous quirk. Shelties were bred to use their voices, and many bark at passing people, squirrels and any unfamiliar sound. Training can reduce it, but it rarely vanishes. They usually get along with considerate children and other dogs, although they may try to herd by chasing and nipping at heels, and rough handling is not something they enjoy.

Exercise and training

Shelties need daily walks and play, but their needs are moderate compared with other herding dogs. They enjoy a good run in a fenced area, a game of fetch and training sessions that give their minds something to do. Agility, rally and obedience are natural fits, and many Shelties compete successfully.

They are among the most trainable dogs, picking up commands rapidly and responding well to praise and treats. Gentle, patient methods are the right ones. Because they can be nervous, it helps to introduce new places, sounds and people gradually during puppyhood.

Grooming and shedding

The long double coat needs real attention. Plan to brush it thoroughly at least two or three times a week, focusing on the areas behind the ears, under the legs and along the britches where mats form. Shelties shed year-round and blow their undercoat dramatically once or twice a year, when daily brushing is wise.

Regular baths, nail trimming and ear checks complete the routine. The coat often looks worse than it is: dirt tends to dry and fall out of it.

Health

Many Shelties carry the MDR1 gene variant, which causes sensitivity to certain drugs, so a DNA test is worthwhile. The breed is also known for collie eye anomaly, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand disease and dermatomyositis, a skin and muscle disease that has a hereditary component. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and certain heart conditions can occur. Responsible breeders screen for eye disease and use available genetic tests.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Shetland Islands north of mainland Scotland, where small farm dogs were crossed with other types, including Collies, to refine the working stock. Early breeders in the early twentieth century called them Shetland Collies, which angered some Collie enthusiasts and led to the name Shetland Sheepdog. The Kennel Club in Britain recognized the breed in 1909, and the first Shetland registered by the American Kennel Club was entered in 1911.

Is the Shetland Sheepdog right for you?

A Sheltie suits an owner who wants a smart, affectionate and trainable dog and who can tolerate barking and a coat that needs routine brushing. It is a poor fit for a very noisy household, for people who are away all day, or for anyone wanting a sturdy playmate for toddlers.

For a larger version of the same look, see the Collie. If you want similar intelligence with more athleticism, consider the Miniature American Shepherd. A cheerful companion of comparable size and a gentler profile is the Papillon.