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ViewsShetland SheepdogFrom Pet Encyclopedia
[edit] IntroductionThe Shetland Sheepdog looks like a miniature copy of the rough coated Collie is. Viewed from the side, sees the head like a blunt wedge, with the muzzle tapers slightly from the ears toward the nose. It is a stop light. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is black. The almond-shaped eyes are dark, blue eyes, but can appear in the blue merle coat. The small ears are erect with the tips fold forward 4.3. The neck is arched and muscular. The Long Tail is sprung and straight down, out or in a slight curve upwards. The tail should reach to the hock. Dewclaws are often removed. The double coat is long and abundant throughout the body, but shorter on the head and legs form a coat a mane around the neck and chest. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch and the undercoat soft and dense. Coat color in blue merle, sable and black, come with different amounts of white and / or tan. [edit] Origin and HistoryThe Shetland Sheepdog was bred in the Shetland Isles in Scotland to guard sparse vegetation and cultivated fields of the fenced crofts or farms. Shepherds needed small, hardy, courageous,resilient and intelligent dogs, whose double coats protected them from the cold and stormy weather conditions of the islands. The dogs worked with the shepherds in a close and direct partnership, tending livestock, guarding property and providing much needed companionship. All of these qualities blended together over the generations, with the Sheltie's genetic make-up has resulted in the caring, loyal, understanding temperament Sheltie's have now. [edit] AppearanceShetland sheepdog's have double coats, although long very easy to groom. Beautiful and soft in texture, Shelties come in 3 colours Sable (Sable or Sable and White), Blue Merle and Tri colour. When breeding colours come into play, If you breed Blue Merle to blue Merle you will have a chance of ending up with blind and/or deaf puppies or a colour known as lethal white. You can however breed Tri to blue Merle, Tri to tri, Sable to sable and Tri to sable. You can breed Sable to blue Merle however this will result in sable Merle which is a undesired colour in the show world. You can also get Shetland sheepdogs in Black and white however this is not very common. [edit] TemperamentShetland sheepdog's are very loyal dogs, careful of strangers and vocal at times. As been said many times if you want a quiet life don't have a Sheltie. Shetland sheepdogs get on with other dogs and cats, however they must be exposed to them like any breed. Good with children and funny characters life is never dull with a Shetland sheepdog around. [edit] HealthShetland sheepdogs are fairly healthy though they are prone to some problems such as CEA (collie eye anomaly) though most good breeders will eye test for this at 6 week old. Hip scoring should be done on any sire and dam as hip dysplasia is sadly a possibility in Shetland sheepdogs. Skin problems are rare but can occur from time to time. Also Shelties come under the MDR1 line for testing as they can have problems with some medications such as ivermectin. [edit] Shetland Sheepdog Carethere is a tendency for inherited diseases and deformities of the eyes. Each individual puppy should examine his eyes by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist. Some lines are prone to hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and skin allergies. The usual life span for Shelties is 10-15 years.Regular brushing is necessary to keep the skin smooth and free of complications. The long coat of the Sheltie not more like dirt supervision is necessary, unless regular bathing is not a problem. Stark shedding during certain seasons, the hair can become such a mess grooming is particularly important in this phase. [edit] Shetland Sheepdog GroomingThe coat is easier than you might expect to maintain, but regular brushing is important. Mist the hair lightly with water before you begin and tease out the mats before they get bad, but the comb sparingly. This breed is a seasonally strong shedders. The dense undercoat is cast twice in a year: in spring and autumn. The fur lit dirt and mud and Shelties are particularly pleased with their cleanliness. Bathe or dry shampoo only when absolutely necessary. [edit] Shetland Sheepdog TrainingThe Sheltie is to train very easily and very well in obedience and herding, given the right methods and trainer. After a man such as intelligence, to obey Shelties willing and very eager to do so. Is very good in working environments is that the flocks instinct is still very strong. [edit] External Links[edit] References |
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