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