Other names

Sheltie

Life expectancy

14 years

Age adult

12 months

Height (Shoulder height)

36 cm

Weight

8 kg

Coat texture

long-haired / undercoat / stiff/rigid / short straight hair on the face / crest / straight

Coat color

black, zobel, sable,tricolor, blue&merle, gold-brown to mahogany,black&white each with or without white markings

Common illnesses

eye diseases / MDR1 gene mutation / progressive retina atrophy / von Willebrand disease / dermatomyositis

Food expenses per month in €

about € 26

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather not

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

sensitive / alert / clingy / intelligent / lively / likes learning

Bred for

pest control / drive and shepherd sheep

Common illnesses

eye diseases / MDR1 gene mutation / progressive retina atrophy / von Willebrand disease / dermatomyositis

Dog type according to FCI

sheepdogs and cattledogs (exept swiss cattledogs)

FCI description

Shepherd dogs have the task to defend their herd from bear and wolf attacks. They are usually suspicious of strangers. Especially at dusk, when people go to rest, their instincts of defense and guarding become active. They are often insecure outside their territory. These animals need a task as working dogs. Shepherd dogs are not dependent on humans, because they must react independently and quickly to danger.

Cattledogs drive the cattle of the traders with a lot of barking, sometimes over long distances, to the market. They protect it from thieves and make sure that none escapes. These powerful, robust dogs have great assertiveness, because in certain situations they have to decide for themselves what to do.

Shepherd dogs emerged as agriculture grew and wolves were largely extinct. No longer protecting the independent, but keeping and driving the herd animals together without much barking became their tasks. They work together with the shepherd, have to react to his instructions as quick as lightning, but are also able to make their own decisions. They are fast, intelligent, agile, persevering and want to work.

Undemanded dogs in this group tend to have behavioural problems. Their instinct to keep the herd together is innate. For example, it happens that fast-moving children are tweaked into change. They need a clear, loving education, a task or a substitute task and are to be inspired for sporty activities.

Also, these animals must learn to come to rest. The active part is no problem for them, but if they are overstrained and do not come to rest, this can also lead to behavior problems.

Short description

The Shetland Sheepdog, lovingly called Sheltie, is known for his abilites as a herding dog. He is bold, confident and very sensitive. He needs a lot of outdoor exercise and attention, as he can be bored quite easily. His cot needs regular grooming.