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Shetland Sheepdog
Nickname: Sheltie
Breed origin: Shetland Islands
Original purpose: Farm helpers and home protectors, watching over crofters’ cottages, flocks and herds from invaders of all kinds.
AKC recognized: 1911
AKC group: Herding
Size:
Height: 13 to 16 inches
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Color: Black, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany); marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan.
Life span: 10 to 15 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Shetland Sheepdog is alert, intensely loyal, affectionate, responsive, devoted, intelligent, and docile. They may be reserved toward strangers, but are very loving with their family and make outstanding companions. They are highly trainable and typically do very well in obedience competitions and many other canine sports. Early socialization is a must to prevent shyness. They have strong herding instincts and may try to herd people or other pets.
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Good with children? Yes, but should be supervised to prevent rough handling by very young or rambunctious children.
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? Yes
OK for inexperienced owners? Yes
OK in apartments? Yes if given enough exercise.
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Intelligent? Yes
Easy to train? Yes
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, agility, obedience, rally, herding, flyball, tracking
Grooming requirement: Brush thoroughly once a week. During shedding season twice a year, brush daily to minimize the amount of hair shed.
Known health problems: Collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, allergies, dermatomyositis, von Willebrand's disease.
Additional photos of Shetland Sheepdog
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
American Shetland Sheepdog Association
Wikipedia breed information page
American Shetland Sheepdog Association Rescue
DogBreedMatch
