Akc Shetland Sheepdog: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 17, 2024

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Crop female in casual clothes sitting on floor and playing with adorable shetland sheepdog while spending time in modern gym
Credit: pexels.com, Crop female in casual clothes sitting on floor and playing with adorable shetland sheepdog while spending time in modern gym

The Akc Shetland Sheepdog is a popular breed known for its intelligence, agility, and loyal nature. They are small dogs that typically weigh between 20-40 pounds.

These dogs are easy to train due to their high intelligence, and they thrive on mental and physical stimulation. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They shed heavily during spring and fall, so be prepared for some extra cleaning.

Quick Facts

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a beloved breed with a rich history. They originated in Scotland, specifically in the Shetland Islands.

Here are some quick facts about the Shetland Sheepdog:

  • Shelties typically weigh between 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg).
  • They have a long double coat with a dense undercoat and come in various colors, including sable, black, and blue merle, often with white markings.
  • Shelties have a moderate exercise requirement and need regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and prevent boredom.
  • They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility training with positive reinforcement methods.
  • Shelties have a lifespan of 12-14 years with proper care.
  • Their long coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, especially during shedding seasons.
  • Shelties are generally good with children and make a popular choice for families.
  • They can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and allergies.

Breed Overview

The Shetland Sheepdog is a beautiful breed. Their flowing coat comes in several colors, including various shades of sable, black, and blue merle.

Their long, refined head and expressive eyes combine to create a gentle, intelligent expression that melts hearts.

Physical Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Shetland Sheepdog - AKC Dog Breed Series

The AKC Shetland Sheepdog is a small but mighty breed. They stand between 13-16 inches at the shoulder, a significant increase from their original height of 8 to 10 inches.

Their appearance is often described as a miniature Rough Collie, with a well-shaped head and a double coat that's a joy to behold. The long coat is a defining feature of the breed, becoming short around the face to give the appearance of a mane.

Here are the recognized colors of the Shetland Sheepdog breed:

  • Sable – clear or shaded sable ranging in color from pale gold to mahogany
  • Tricolor – with intense black on the body and rich tan markings
  • Blue merle – silvery blue with splashed and marbled black, with rich tan markings preferred
  • Black and white & black and tan

The Breed Was Smaller

Earlier Shelties were indeed smaller than the ones we know today, standing at 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder.

The breed standard now states that they should stand 13-16 inches at the shoulder, a significant increase from their earlier counterparts.

Appearance

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, has a unique appearance that's hard to miss. They're a small dog with a well-shaped head and a long coat that's double-layered for extra protection.

Credit: youtube.com, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Their double coat is made up of a soft, short undercoat and a harsh, straight outer coat that stands out from the body. This combination gives them a beautiful, rugged look that's perfect for a working dog.

Shelties have a distinctive mane that forms around their neck, giving them a regal appearance. The mane is made up of long, harsh hair that's a key part of their overall look.

One thing to note is that Shelties have a smooth-haired face, which is a nice contrast to their bushy mane. This helps them look even more handsome and dignified.

Here are the three basic colors you'll see in the Shetland Sheepdog breed:

  • Sable, ranging from golden to mahogany
  • Black
  • Blue Merle (blue-gray with black)

These colors are all beautiful in their own way, and each one has its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the rich tones of sable or the striking look of blue merle, there's a Sheltie color out there for everyone.

Eyes

Eyes are a distinctive feature of this breed, and they're quite striking. They're always dark brown, except in dogs with merle coats where one or both of the eyes may be blue.

The shape of the eyes is also worth noting - they're almond shaped, which is a unique characteristic of this breed.

Health

Credit: youtube.com, Sheltie Health Problems | Veterinarian explains

The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed that's prone to certain health issues, which is why it's essential to be aware of them.

The Shetland is predisposed to several dermatological conditions, including allergic skin disease, cutaneous drug eruptions, and cutaneous or systemic lupus.

Shetlands have a higher risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma, a cancer of the bladder, with a four times greater risk than other breeds.

Hip dysplasia is relatively rare in Shetlands, with only 4.2% of the breed affected, according to a study of over a million hip scores in dogs.

Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects Shetlands, causing both type I and type III.

Collie eye anomaly is another inherited trait that affects Shetlands, resulting in incomplete closure of the embryonic fissure.

The MDR1 mutation causes sensitivity to certain drugs, including ivermectin, which has been observed in Shetlands and can lead to adverse reactions.

Ulcerative dermatosis of Shetland sheepdog and rough collie (UDSSC) is a disease that affects the thigh, groin, axillae, and ventral abdomen in Shetlands.

A UK study found that Shetlands are 93.87 times more likely to develop gall bladder mucocele than other breeds.

They Love Learning

Credit: youtube.com, I am a Shetland Sheepdog breeder

Shelties love learning new things, and they thrive on the challenge of coming up with new skills to master. They enjoy helping around the house and even canine gymnastics.

Their intelligence is undeniable, and they respond well to patient training that makes learning fun.

Shelties are extremely intelligent, which makes them a joy to train and interact with.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost for a Shetland Sheepdog?

The average cost of a Shetland Sheepdog from a reputable breeder is between $800 to $1,500, depending on factors like pedigree and location. If you're considering bringing a Sheltie home, be sure to research reputable breeders to ensure a healthy and happy companion.

What is the difference between a Sheltie and a Shetland Sheepdog?

There is no difference in name, but a Sheltie and a Shetland Sheepdog are two distinct breeds with unique histories.

What are the standards for a Shetland Sheepdog?

A Shetland Sheepdog should have a symmetrical, elegant appearance with a luscious coat and a sweet expression, free from coarseness. Its overall shape and features should be in perfect proportion to create a beautiful and harmonious whole.

What is the lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog?

Shetland Sheepdogs typically live for 12-14 years, making them a relatively long-lived breed.

Rachel Kunze

Senior Writer

Rachel Kunze is a passionate writer with a keen interest in the world of animals and agriculture. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the Maremma Sheepdog and livestock breeds. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rachel's writing is informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all levels.

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