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