| The Shetland Sheepdog is a very popular | | | | removes the accumulation of plaque and |
| dog because of her beauty and | | | | tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) |
| willingness to please. She is very | | | | and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal |
| trainable and makes a good watch dog. | | | | disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, |
| She can be kept in an apartment if she | | | | bad breath and other serious disease. |
| can get frequent long walks. She is | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for |
| generally good with other pets and dogs. | | | | growth and clipped regularly. The |
| She loves older children, especially if | | | | toenails of the rear feet grow slower |
| she has been raised with them. As a | | | | than the toenails of the front feet. |
| reminder, never leave a child | | | | *Life Span. The Shetland Sheepdog can |
| unsupervised with a puppy or dog. | | | | live between 12 and 14 years with proper |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate | | | | nutrition, medical care and excellent |
| adult size (two years old or older) of | | | | living conditions. |
| the Shetland Sheepdog is 13 to 16 inches | | | | *History. The Shetland Sheepdog is from |
| to the withers (highest point of the | | | | Great Britain where they were used to |
| shoulder) and 14 to 27 pounds. | | | | guard and herd sheep. They were first |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog | | | | registered by the American Kennel |
| breeds have certain inherited health | | | | Association in 1911. |
| problems associated with that specific | | | | Some Registries: |
| breed and the Shetland Sheepdog is no | | | | *American Shetland Sheepdog Association |
| exception. Be on the look out for | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| epilepsy, eye problems, skin problems, | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| bleeding disorders and Canine Hip | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| the hip joint that can lead to | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| arthritis pain and lameness). This | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique |
| disease list is an informative guideline | | | | Internationale |
| only. Other diseases may also be | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| significant threats, please contact your | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| veterinarian for a complete list. | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| She should visit the veterinarian | | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| several times in the first year for | | | | Litter Size: 4 to 6 Shetland Sheepdog |
| shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | puppies |
| an adult, she should visit the | | | | Category: Herding |
| veterinarian yearly for shots and check | | | | Terms To Describe: Loyal, responsive, |
| up. As she gets older, six years and on, | | | | affectionate, intelligent, |
| she should visit the veterinarian twice | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| a year for check ups and shots. | | | | They keep themselves clean. |
| Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. | | | | Makes a good watch dog. |
| *Grooming. The Shetland Sheepdog has a | | | | Very popular breed. |
| double coat. The inner coat is short, | | | | Eager to please. |
| furry and thick. The outer coat is | | | | Very trainable. |
| straight, long, harsh hair. She should | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| be brushed regularly. Brushing will help | | | | Makes a poor guard dog. |
| her maintain a clean and healthy coat, | | | | Sheds heavily. |
| avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye | | | | Can be a barker. |
| on her health and strengthen your | | | | *Other Names Known By: Sheltie, |
| emotional bond with her. | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least | | | | everything in this information may be |
| twice a week with toothpaste and | | | | correct for your dog. This information |
| toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing | | | | is meant as a good faith guideline only. |