Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog): breed description and characteristics. Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie as an ideal dog breed with an amazing character

Brief description of the Sheltie breed

• Other possible breed names: Shetland Sheepdog, Dwarf Collie, Shetland sheepdog, Sheltie
• Adult dog height: 35-37 cm.
• The weight: 6-78 kg.
• Characteristic color - five options:
  • the first is tricolor (black with tan and white markings),
  • the second is white and silver with spots, speckles, black stripes (bi-merle is considered a rare color),
  • the third is black and white,
  • the fourth - the main color is silver-blue, black speck (blue merle),
  • the fifth is marble.
• Wool length: long.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years old.
• Advantage of the breed: affectionate non-aggressive dogs, loving their owners, adoring children.
• Breed Difficulties: constant careful care of wool, it is necessary to provide physical activities.
• Average Sheltie Price: in kennels in Moscow, puppies with a pedigree cost from $710 to $450, puppies without a pedigree from $180, kennels in the provinces offer puppies with a pedigree from $370 to $300.

Origin story

Shelties are the smallest of the sheepdogs.. Very little is known about the history of this breed. Such dogs lived in ancient times in the Shetland Islands. Berril Tiny, the author of a book on Shelties, wrote that they appeared on the islands as a result of the improvement of shepherd dogs, who had guarded herds there since ancient times. Sheltie dogs are based on various Scandinavian breeds, for example, yakki and Norwegian Buhund. Not without influence.

Shelties faithfully herded sheep on a rugged island until the herds multiplied many times over in the 19th century. Small Shepherds found it difficult to handle them and were gradually supplanted by larger breeds.

They are preserved thanks to the Scottish Shetland Sheepdog Club. In 1912, Shelties began to appear at exhibitions, where one requirement was made for them: they must resemble collies in miniature. Then they began to call them the Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie.

In Russia, the breed appeared recently, about 20 years ago, when the first puppies were brought from Czechoslovakia.

What is the breed for?

The herding career of the Sheltie is a thing of the past. Now it's Pets.

Psychologists recommend that older people get a dog of this breed as a companion. Often a Shetland Sheepdog puppy is bought for a child. They are not watchmen, but they can be easily trained to react to the appearance of strangers with loud barking.

Character Description

Shelties are dogs that can carry themselves with dignity and independence. They are very delicate and never bother the owner just waiting for him to pay attention to them. They are very attached to a person, they want kindness and affection from him, they do not tolerate rudeness. Sensitively listen to the voice of the owner, catch the slightest change in intonation.

It is easy to get along with other animals. They react to the appearance of strangers in the house, in this case they usually growl. But if they see a kind attitude towards themselves, then they are happy to get acquainted.

Get along well with children willingly take part in the games.

The characteristic of the breed is the ability to make different sounds: they hum, grumble, howl, thus conveying various feelings and emotions. A loving owner will always guess what these sounds mean.

Video review of the Sheltie breed

In a short story filmed for Belarusian television, Sheltie dogs of the breeder Svetlana Dvuzhilnaya are shown during a walk and in the house. Announcer tells about the history of the breed, character, that such dogs are best suited for retirees and families with children.

Buy a puppy better from breeders, then you can be sure that this is indeed a purebred Sheltie.

If you are going to show a dog, then you need to get acquainted with the standards of this breed in detail and choose a puppy in accordance with them.

• Shelties have several types within the breed, so you need to familiarize yourself with each and decide which one you like best.
• Be sure to check with the breeders.
• View photos of the next possible relatives of your future pet on the website in the internet.
• You should only buy a puppy when it reaches 6-12 weeks and will start eating meat, cereals and vegetables. He must do. At this age, puppies are already socially adapted and respond adequately to others.
• A healthy puppy is well-fed, has a thick undercoat, is very mobile, with a gleam in the dark eyes.
• You can see the mother. She should not look exhausted, exhausted.
• All puppies have white hair on the chest, tail and paws. White in general should not be more than 50% if the dog is a show dog. A pet of white wool can have much more.

But if you buy for the soul, and not for exhibitions, then you can stop at a cheaper, but no less beautiful in appearance and the same quick-witted puppy, which for some reason cannot be exhibited due to small deviations in the standard, for example, in color, height, setting of paws and so on. If necessary you can take an adult dog: shelties quickly become attached to a person, they have a stable psyche.

Dog names

When choosing a name puppy can take into account its appearance. If there is a lot of black in the color, it can be called Black, add separate syllables to this word: Blackmer, Blackdon, Blackter, Blackta, Blackmery, Blackdin.

Sometimes the name appears in the process of observing the baby in the first days of his stay in the house: Bumblebee, Cricket, Fantik, Yula, Letka, Pulka.

Often the owners give their pets names that cause them different associations: Boatswain, Squirrel, Narda, Flambeau, Fred.

They are also called by the time of birth: March, Blizzard (especially if there is a lot of white wool), August.

It is useful for dogs of this breed to move a lot. Recommend walk them four times a day at least half an hour. An adult dog can also be taught to walk twice a day, but then they should be long, at least one and a half hours.

Dogs love attention from the owner, so before you get a Sheltie, you need to think about whether there will be enough time for a pet.

It is important to watch your weight dogs, if you can’t feel the ribs on the sides, then the pet is overweight.

Shelties do not like loud sounds and noise. It is better to keep a dog in the house.

Sheltie coat needs careful care, brush the whole dog you can once a week, but behind the ears you need to comb every day to avoid rolling. Every day, you need to carefully remove the discharge by rubbing your eyes with a gauze swab dipped in chamomile infusion. Ears too. Once or twice a month, it is necessary to cut the claws with special nippers.

Briefly about training and education

puppy training it is necessary to start with the development of hygiene skills and the ability to behave in the house: do not make noise and do not whine at night, sleep only in the allotted place, do not gnaw on objects, do not beg, do not do your business anywhere, do not tear off the leash, do not pick up anything from the ground . He must respond to the call.

After cultivating these skills, you can move on to obedience school: teach simple commands, achieve obedience and understanding.

The puppy should be trained by one person in the family. You can not achieve obedience from a dog with rudeness and punishment, you need to act only with the help of affection and patience.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Advantages:

• accommodating;
• do not require active walks, just walk with the dog at a calm pace;
• feel good in the city;
• obedient, learn quickly, able to remember many commands;
• have high intelligence;
• never offend a child;
• very playful;
• rarely get sick.

Disadvantages:

• regular thorough care of the coat, during the molting period, it may fall out and roll into lumps;
• such dogs love to chase literally everything: cats, cyclists, cars (the genetic memory of shepherd dogs), this can be dangerous, so you need to constantly look after them when walking;
• with any discomfort or discontent, shelties may begin to bark at night;
• very shy, can hide from strangers in the house.

Briefly, but accurately describes the Sheltie breed characteristic - affectionate, intelligent, well-mannered fox. The Sheltie is similar in appearance to the Collie. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are an independent breed with clear standards of structure, appearance and character.

Many Sheltie owners believe that this breed was bred from Scottish Sheepdogs. There is some truth in this, but this one appeared much earlier. No one knows the exact date and history of origin. There is an assumption that the Sheltie was brought to the territory of continental Europe and England by sailors who called at the ports of the Shetland Islands and took the dogs with them.

Dogs were valued for their small size, they did not need much food, and their thick coat served as protection from snow and wind. From year to year the breed improved, became more resilient, calm and even intelligent. The final form of the breed standard appeared in 1948.

Description of the breed, photos and appearance of the Sheltie

Sheltie standards: weight is from 7 to 11 kg, male is 37 cm, female is 35.5 cm.

The main characteristics of the representatives of the breed:

1. Format dogs are a little stretched, the skeleton is powerful. But the size of the Sheltie allows her to remain a very nimble dog.
2. Head looks like a blunt wedge. The tubercle on the back of the head is not pronounced, the skull is flat and proportional to the length of the muzzle. The jaws are strong and deep. Lips close to each other, dry.
3. Teeth strong and big. Scissor bite.
4. lobe nose always black.
5. Eyes medium size, almond-shaped, dark. Blue eyes and brown eyes with blue flecks are acceptable, but the color of the dog must be blue merle.
6. Ears small in size, very mobile, set high. Three-quarters of the ear in a standing position, tips pointing forward.
7. Back muscular and straight, the loin is convex and short, the shoulder blades are set obliquely.
8. Neck medium length, muscular, chest deep. The abdomen is slightly tucked up.
9. Hind legs compact and oval have narrow hips. The tibia corresponds in length to the thigh. The nails are strong and strong, the pads are hard and thick.
10. Front legs closed with dense pads and strong claws.
11. Tail The Sheltie is of medium length with long hair, carried down or slightly curved with the tip upward when at rest.

Dog color and coat type

In the description of the breed, a special place is given to wool. The coat is straight and long, the hair is hard. The undercoat is very dense and short. On the paws, the ends of the ears and on the muzzle, the hair is straight and short. On the withers and on the sides of the neck, the hair is longer and denser, forming a mane. The hair on the tail is long. The hind and forelimbs also have thick and long hair. But on the metatarsus and metacarpus, the hair is quite short.

Dogs with the following defects are culled: wavy and curly hair, lack of undercoat, short and soft hair.

Sheltie color can be different:

1. Black and white or black with red-brown blotches.
2. Sable. May vary from golden to mahogany.
3. Tricolor or tricolor - a deep black color throughout the body with juicy red-brown markings.
4. Blue merle or blue marble. The color is silvery blue with black blotches and marbling. Preferably the presence of juicy red-brown markings.

The nature and temperament of the breed

The nature of the dog can be called one of the most docile. Shelties are very gentle, loyal and intelligent companions who are excellent with children.

Dogs are wary of strangers, so they always notify their owners of the approach of guests. If in childhood you teach a dog to society, then the pet will understand in what cases it is possible to let strangers into the house, and in which it is necessary to serve.

Shelties need to communicate with their owners. Therefore, people who have a lot of free time should start this breed, otherwise, due to lack of attention and boredom, the dog’s character may change, and not for the better.

Since the Sheltie is a family dog, she not only requires constant caresses and hugs from family members, but also tries to please them in everything.

Important. This breed has an acutely developed intuition, as well as sensitivity to the surrounding atmosphere. If there are constant squabbles and misunderstandings among people in the house, the dog will not withstand this tense situation.

Sheltie training and education

As stated in the characteristics of the breed, the dog is extremely intelligent. Therefore, it is easy to train and educate. New teams are picked up by the pet on the fly. And the praise makes the dog give all the best at full capacity, if only it would be noticed and appreciated.

Shelties can be called the best friend for people of different ages - from diapers to 100 years old. They are great for families with children who admire the unusual habits and tenderness of the dog. If the baby falls or cries, Sheltie will certainly rush to pity and lick the baby.

This breed is suitable for active people. The dog will accompany them everywhere - for a walk, a picnic or a hike. Shelties get along with other animals, and with cats and rodents they can become inseparable friends.

Required care and maintenance

The Shetland Sheepdog is a fairly easy breed to keep. In order for the dog's coat to be in a normal state, it must be combed at least once a week, using a massage brush for this.

Important. Combing must be done correctly. First, apply a moisturizing spray to the coat, and then start combing from the very base of the hair.

Dogs of this breed do not shed much. Females twice a year, and males once. Since Sheltie wool has a waterproof coating, dirt and moisture are repelled from the hair. Therefore, you need to bathe the animal rarely, only in the presence of visible pollution.

You need to monitor the ears weekly, treating them with a special solution.

Your pet's teeth should also be brushed once a week to prevent tartar and gum disease.

The nails are cut once a month, but the dog can grind them down on its own.

Balanced Diet and Feeding Your Dog

The Sheltie is one of those breeds that can eat just about anything. The main thing is the correct introduction of complementary foods to puppies. Usually, breeders raise puppies themselves, giving them the opportunity to eat their mother's milk for up to 2.5 months, gradually accustoming them to adult food.

Important. In any case, up to 1.5 months, mother's milk should be the main food for babies.

After you get a puppy and bring him home, veterinarians recommend feeding him millet or rice porridge boiled in water. And before the baby is 4 months old, there should always be a bowl of milk and water near him.

When the puppy grows up, you can feed him porridge with meat. It is best to choose beef for this. But the chicken should be abandoned.

Approximate puppy diet:

1. Morning - dairy products, including cottage cheese.
2. Lunch - boiled meat with vegetables.
3. Snack - porridge in meat broth or milk.
4. Dinner is a piece of meat scalded with boiling water.

By 6 months, you can begin to transfer the dog to meat, while introducing dry food. Many breeders are wary of ready-made feed. However, recent studies have shown that ready-made industrial feeds not only do not harm the health of the dog, but, on the contrary, improve it. After all, a balanced diet contains all the necessary trace elements and vitamins that are difficult to obtain from natural food.

After six months, the dog is fed twice a day, and the largest portion is in the evening.

If you feed Sheltie straight, then you can give her the following products:

1. Offal.
2. Rice, oatmeal, buckwheat.
3. Vegetables.
4. Greenery.
5. Fish.
6. Fruits and berries.

If you feed your pet ready-made food, then give preference to more expensive manufacturers. Only premium food contains everything necessary for the growth and life of the dog. The following brands of food are suitable for Sheltie dogs:,.

It is best to buy a puppy from breeders who will not only give the necessary guarantees regarding the purebred breed and the health of the puppy, but will also teach you how to properly care for the pet.

It is best to take a puppy at the age of 12 weeks, when he can already eat cereals and vegetables. By this time, he should already have had the necessary vaccinations.

When choosing a Sheltie puppy, pay attention to its appearance. He should be well-fed, have dark eyes with sparkle, thick undercoat. The behavior of the baby should cause joy, that is, the puppy should be active and look at you with "puppy" eyes. You can also examine the mother, who should also be healthy and not emaciated.

Show puppies must have white hair on the body, but not more than 50% of the total coat. In ordinary puppies, which are taken as a simple pet, white wool can be many times more.

The cost of puppies varies and depends on the pedigree. On average, the price ranges from 25,000 to 60,000 rubles.

How to prepare your home for a Sheltie

Shelties in puppyhood are very hyperactive dogs. Therefore, they often receive various injuries due to their clumsiness and mobility. New owners must prepare the apartment before bringing a puppy in.

First of all, hide expensive shoes and other valuables. The puppy will certainly want to try everything on the tooth. Remove small items that the puppy can swallow.

Don't forget to remove the wires too. All the cables that get in the way of the puppy will be gnawed and dragged to different corners of the apartment.

Prepare toys for the baby. You can buy them at the store, or you can make your own. To do this, you only need to thoroughly wash potatoes, carrots or apples. These fruits and vegetables will be great entertainment for Shelties.

The floor surface must not be slippery. Clumsy puppies can easily slip and dislocate their paws.

Health and longevity

On average, Shelties live to be 13 years old. Proper maintenance and care of the dog will help to achieve this. Like many other breeds, the Shetland Sheepdog has a predisposition to certain diseases.

List of possible pathologies:

1. Dermatomyositis.
2. eye anomaly.
3. Polyarthritis.
4. Corneal dystrophy.
5. Hemophilia.
6. congenital deafness.
7. Open ductus arteriosus.
8. Dysplasia of the hip joint.
9. Inversion of the eyelids.
10. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
11. Hypothyroidism.
12. Neoplasms of the nasal cavity.
13. Progressive retinal atrophy.
14. Von Willebrand disease.
15. Gene mutations.
16. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
17. testicular neoplasia.
18. Weakening of the ligaments of the wrist.
19. Cryptorchidism.

Important. The breed is extremely sensitive to certain medications. For example, milbemycin and ivermectin (drugs are contraindicated for these dogs, and others, which include the above active substances).

Sheltie Disadvantages

Despite numerous advantages, Shelty has a number of disadvantages:

1. The need for regular and thorough hair care.
2. Possible formation of lumps on the coat.
3. Increased activity of the dog, which causes certain difficulties when walking.
4. Shyness. The dog can be extremely shy and hide from guests in the house.
5. Increased need to live in a peaceful environment. If in the middle of the night the dog feels uncomfortable, then it can express its dissatisfaction with loud barking, which seems to the owners for no reason.

The Sheltie dog is a rare representative of the Collie, with a bright characteristic color, an extraordinary appearance, like a business card for a dog. Graceful, elegant and simply beautiful dog, which is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Few people pass by, seeing an unusual beauty, few people know that this dog is a magnificent shepherd and a born family guard.

At the moment, this is the smallest of the shepherd representatives. Their difference from the rest of the dog, the control over smaller cattle, against their background the miniature sheltie, is easily lost, which allows it to remain invisible. There are several versions of the formation of the breed, but not all of them are confirmed by facts.

Shelties and collies are very similar in appearance, the first glance at them makes a simple layman think about miniature, declarative, but this is not so. Scottish Sheepdogs, a breed of dog that was used at one time only for working moments, namely shepherd duties.

• Shelties are the smallest of all herding breeds. Basically, its working qualities were used for a small livestock, but due to the rapid development of farming, they had to be replaced with larger and more dangerous breeds -

From complete disappearance, the dog was saved by numerous fans who could not allow her to completely disappear. Those at one time began active work to restore the livestock and improve the exteriors of these dogs.

Some experts firmly argue that the ancestors of the Sheltie are primordially Scandinavian dogs, having the appearance of a Spitz type, and received herding skills from dogs from distant Iceland. As always, in the distant times of farming, only working qualities were valued, and appearance was given only minimal importance.

If you draw a line between the similarity of the Sheltie and the Collie breed, then it is not entirely appropriate to mention them, since there are definitely genes, but in very small quantities and not officially confirmed. But the meaning of another breed is precisely established, yes, they exist.

All that is known about the Sheltie as a breed is a set of certain service qualities, and kinship with the Scandinavians, which is already a lot.

Main characteristics and standard

Description Shelties are primarily beautiful, stately, elegant dogs, miniature in size for working dogs, proportionately and well built, with a beautiful and rich fur coat. The collar and natural fringes in the form of trousers on the limbs give the appearance of an aristocrat.

• Characteristics of the Sheltie dog breed - gives a description of them as animals with increased responsibility - possessing vigilance and observation.

The interesting and attractive appearance of the animal has not yet left anyone indifferent.

• Head: Sheltie and breed standard, provides for a wedge-shaped head, which necessarily has a narrowing towards the nose. The tubercle at the base of the skull is not protruded, practically invisible. The width of the forehead is medium, the muzzle is more rounded, the cheekbones are flat, elongated. Full color of the nose, lips and eyelids, always black.
• Jaw: Medium power, but with good strength, the chin is visible. Close fitting lips, correct bite, scissor bite, full set of teeth. Fangs are snow-white, of medium size, the number of teeth is 42.

• Eyes: predominantly slanting type, medium size, brown color. Representatives of Merle (blue) - blue, can have two sets of brown and blue, or pigmented with incomplete color. The gaze is always direct and attentive, conscious.
• Ears: Medium size, close set, widening towards the base, triangular in shape. Movable, dense cartilage, directed downwards in calm sucking, with attention - sharpened, looking forward. The corner may slightly bend to the bottom.
• Neck: Rather large, strong, well muscled, nicely arched. Outwardly similar to the rack of an aristocrat.
• Limbs, paws: straight, mostly dry muscles, set in parallel, without eversion. Paws - rounded, compressed into a tight ball. Fingers with hard and hard claws are black in color. The thigh is wide, strong, the muscles are pronounced, dry.
• Chest: deep, reaching to the level of the elbow. Ribs of good span.
• Back: straight, not elongated, strong with good muscles, smooth transition to the loins.
• Loin: convex type, medium width, strong.
• Tail: in overall length, at the level of the hock joint, saber-shaped. Fully covered with profuse hair. There is a slight curve towards the top. Does not rise above the level of the back.
• Movement: Graceful, free, fast, with good reach. Moves easily and naturally.

Sheltie standard weight and height should be:

• Males - 35 - 38 cm; Weight - 10 - 12 kg;
• Girls - 32 -35 cm; 8 - 10.5 kg.

colors

Particular attention in the description of the breed is given to its coat and all kinds of colors. The coat is outwardly beautiful, well-groomed, glossy, straight, beautifully falling down.

There are several colors for the Sheltie:

1. Tricolor (tricolor) - the leading color is black, spots from brown to red-red colors are distributed over the body, there is a slight white color.
2. "Blue - Merle" (blue marble) - wool of a bluish hue, beautiful overflows of silver, numerous black spots, not large, with a smooth gradient. May be in small quantities - red and white spots.
3. Sable - from sandy light to bright gold and fiery red. The main condition is the brightness and the absence of gray spots on the body.
4. Black and white: there may be brown spots, a bright representative, pure black with white spots looks more spectacular.

Sheltie marble - one of the preferred by the owners, the color looks unusual and attractive, such dogs can have different eyes, or they can be pure blue. In all animals, white heels are desirable: on the chest, stomach and paws (except black and brown).

The nature of the miniature beauty

The character of the Sheltie rightfully gives her one of the leading places, these are ideal companions, friends. A tender and devoted animal, with special trepidation relating to its owner and household.

• She treats children very well, allows them a lot, is patient, and will not show aggression.
  Friendly, sociable and cheerful dog, sincerely loving.

He is distrustful of strangers, can bark loudly, warning that he should not approach in the absence of the owner. This can create a certain problem, at the time of the absence of a person, their barking is heard throughout the area.

Loving beauties expect the same from a person, they need affection and attention, active games in the company of a person, and a simple presence nearby.

They are emotional, with great joy they can jump, whine, this is how they manifest themselves, for example, when a person returns home. They are completely aimed at the owner, they try to please in everything, to prove themselves from the best side, to bring joy, they are waiting for praise.

They do not tolerate rudeness, physical manifestation of strength, they grow old to avoid conflicts.

Developed intelligence, natural clarity of mind, allows her to easily cope with the process of learning and training. At the same time, they are inquisitive and constantly require movement.

• Animals are tolerant, they will not infringe on them, but the best condition would be joint upbringing and growing up, then the friendship will be stronger.

Lovers of chewing and pulling off a couple of the owner's things, just for the sake of feeling not alone. When leaving Sheltie alone, put away your belongings and shoes. Otherwise, loyalty to the house, where your favorite T-shirt will be on the floor, and the pet will definitely be found sleeping on it.

Dog breeds such as Shelties are overly emotional and susceptible to change, if you plan to leave for a long time, do not leave the animal with strangers, they are prone to depression and strong longing for a person.

Conditions of detention

Pet training and education

Sheltie training begins at a young, puppy age. From 2 to 3 months, it is necessary to start socializing a pet, and then proceed to education. After putting down all the vaccinations and activating the puppy, accustom him to the leash and collar. Go outside at least 3-4 times a day, with short walks.

Go out to crowded places, let you communicate with strangers and animals. The sooner the puppy gets used to loud sounds (cars, people), the better.

The educational process begins with the designation of the territory where it is allowed to play, eat, have fun. Organize a place for your pet.

Training should be short 15 minutes with learning the simplest commands, with the puppy growing up - increasing the load and time. Be sure to remember about the promotion, goodies in the form of cheese, crackers will do.

When learning, show restraint, exactingness and perseverance, but without the use of physical force and screams. If you do not have enough experience or feel that you are not coping with a puppy, contact a specialist, and then continue on your own.

Care and maintenance

The characteristic of the Sheltie dog suggests that the main care will be on the animal's coat, this is not surprising, the owners of such a chic fur coat, of course, require special care.

Feeding and diet

The best option for them is dry food. It has already been selected for each breed and is balanced in composition, which is difficult to do when feeding with natural products. Does not require additional vitamin and mineral complexes.

Adults eat 2 per day, puppies in small portions 4 - 5 times a day. Provide access to water - permanent. Premium feed is preferred.

Products for natural feeding:

1. Meat (not fatty);
2. sea ​​fish;
3. Milk products;
4. Cereals and cereals;
5. Vegetables and fruits, berries;
6. Vegetable fats;
7. by-products;
8. Dried fruits;
9. Eggs (rarely and only raw);

• Exclude: potatoes, tubular bones, sweets, bread, pasta, food from the table.

From proper nutrition, envy the quality of life, health and duration. The more balanced the food, the better for the pet. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Lifespan and health

A Sheltie dog and a description of her health make it clear that this is a healthy representative of strong immunity. It all depends on the genetic predisposition, the quality of life and nutrition, the regularity of vaccinations. The better all these indicators, the healthier your pet is.

There are predispositions to the following diseases:

• Dysplasia of large joints;
• food allergies;
• Eye diseases;
• Inflammatory diseases of the ear;
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract with poor nutrition;
• Dermatitis and eczema.

This does not mean that your pet will necessarily have some of the above diseases, but there is still a predisposition.

Life expectancy with proper care and maintenance of good physical activity, 12 - 15 years.

The cost of puppies

The price of a puppy is made up of different indicators, they include: the titles of the parents, the individuality of the baby, color, future prospects.

• Sheltie marble children are the most expensive in terms of cost, the price for them can reach up to 1000 euros. Girls are mostly also more expensive.

Puppies on average cost from 30 thousand rubles to 1200 euros. Kids on the "sofa" will be much cheaper, while they will not participate in breeding or exhibitions. Children leave for new owners from 1.5 - 2 months.

The Sheltie, or Shetland Sheepdog, is a breed of herding dog that looks like a long-haired collie. It is currently one of the oldest, popular ornamental breeds. Representatives of the breed got their name due to the homeland of the sheltie - the Shetland Islands.

Shelties and puppies.

History of the breed

History is silent about the age of the breed, but it is known for certain that Shelties did not originate from Rough Collies, to which they are very similar, but from Border Collies, crossed with other breeds of herding dogs.

Initially, shelties were used to manage small herds of sheep, but the development of sheep breeding led to the involvement of large sheep dogs in farms and shelties practically disappeared.

The breed was saved by fans who perceived "little collies" only as decorative dogs. Shelties gained recognition at the beginning of the 20th century when the first club "Scotland" was created in Scotland. The English Sheltie Club was formed in 1914, at the same time the first standard was approved and the breed acquired its official name. According to the regulations, Shelties are supposed to look like miniature Rough Collies.

In 1947, the breed standard underwent significant changes, and from 1987 to this day it has been used without corrections. Reference to the appearance of the collie was removed as distorting the general idea of ​​the Sheltie breed.

Description of the Sheltie

Shelties are small, graceful and extremely well-proportioned dogs with luxuriant hair, a beautiful head and a smiling muzzle.

Body type

Adult Shelties of both sexes weigh between 6 and 12 kg. The growth of males at the withers should be 37 cm, females - 35.5 cm. The breed standard allows a deviation in any direction by no more than 2.5 cm.

The body is slightly elongated: the distance from the humeroscapular joints to the ischial tuberosity slightly exceeds the height at the withers.

The chest is deep, gradually narrowing to the sternum, lowered to the elbows. The back is straight, a slightly arched loin usually gives an excess of wool.

Limbs and tail

The hips are strong and voluminous, the pelvic and femur bones form a right angle. An incorrect joint angle gives a cow-like stance and a square dog. The joints of the hind limbs are developed and clearly defined. The hocks are low and strong.

The shoulder blades and shoulders are the same length, which ensures maximum leg extension when moving. The front legs are straight, strong, with well-developed muscles. Hocks are straight, long enough, giving the dog's movements smoothness and smoothness. The paws are oval, the fingers are tightly collected.

The tail of the Sheltie is set low, densely covered with hair and falls to the hock. When walking, it rises slightly, but not high.

Head

The neck of the Sheltie is muscular, beautifully arched, ending in a proudly raised head, which provides the dog with a royal posture.

The graceful skull is wedge-shaped, gradually tapering from the ears to the nose. The cheekbones are slightly pronounced, gently passing into a rounded muzzle. The characteristic, touching expression of the Sheltie is provided by the absolute harmony of the skull and muzzle, the correct set of ears, as well as the color and shape of the eyes.

The eyes are almond-shaped, obliquely set, dark brown; in marbled shelties, the eye color is blue or with blue spots.

The ears are close-set, small, round in shape. In a calm state, they are taken to the back of the head, in a wary dog ​​they are raised to a semi-standing position with the tops bent forward.

The jaws are even, strong, with dense, beautifully defined lips. 42 teeth form a scissor bite.

Sheltie photo.

Tricolor Sheltie.

Wool and color

The Sheltie's luxurious coat consists of straight, long guard hairs and a short, dense undercoat. The most intense coat is on the mane, front legs and hind legs, above the metatarsals. The muzzle is smooth.

The breed standard recognizes the following Sheltie colors:

• tricolor (black with red-brown markings);
• bicolor (black and white);
• sable;
• marble (silver-blue with a special arrangement of marks).

A full white collar is considered the "collie mark" and a special asset of the Sheltie.

Sheltie puppy.

Sheltie black and white.

Sheltie character

Shelties are very active dogs, so they are ideal companions for lovers of outdoor activities. Affectionate, loving Shelties are balanced and completely devoid of aggression and nervousness, thanks to which they get along well with children, but will never offend the owner.

Smart by nature and delicate dogs are easily trained, intelligent and develop as harmoniously as they look.

With proper care, Shelties live from 12 to 15 years.

The Sheltie dog is a Scottish Shepherd dog, perfectly adapted to living in a private house or in a small apartment. Many are convinced that this is a miniature collie. Let's dispel the misconception. The two breeds are not related by history of origin, although they show a lot of external similarities. The Sheltie breed appeared in the 17th century. First discovered in Scotland, this country is considered the birthplace of the dog. Cynologists claim that the breed was brought from Asia, but there is no evidence for this statement.

Entry into history

It seems strange that a dozen years ago in Russia, rare people recognized Sheltie. Dogs were confused with collies, compared with a cute long-haired fox. However, the miniature Scottish Shepherd breed has earned the right to self-identification. Today, unfortunately, the history of the origin of the breed is unknown. Dogs are highly intelligent and smart. Thanks to good physical training, the animal was even used in protection, despite its modest size.

Shelties have an excellent sense of smell and have long been used as search engines. Thanks to their docile disposition, they lend themselves perfectly to training. Four nurseries have been created in Russia, breeding the breed and exhibiting pets at competitions of various ranks.

Scottish cynologists have made a lot of efforts so that over the centuries the breed does not change much due to the admixture of other breeds. Failing to justify the efforts, the modern Sheltie dog breed shows a more elongated muzzle and smaller stature. The nature of the dog remained unchanged. The animal, as in the old days, is a wonderful companion and true friend.

Shelties have something in common with collies, the halo of the origin of both breeds is Scotland. The Shetland Islands are considered to be the homeland of the Shetland Islands. There, small shepherd dogs with thick hair were used to look after pastures where cows and sheep grazed. Moreover, in the ancestors of the Sheltie, the hair grew longer, the ears hung, and the tail lay on the back like a pretzel.

Perhaps the breed began to spread across Scandinavia, continental Europe and England thanks to the efforts of sailors. The sailors called at the ports of the Shetland Islands, took the dogs with them. When crossed with the dogs of Greenland, the Sheltie family of wild huskies acquired the final features of the modern exterior.

Dogs were revered for their small size; they did not seek to make guards out of animals. The dogs did not need much food, the wool protected them from snow and winds. Evolution has served as a good sculptor, honing the traits of endurance, calmness, and a certain canine intelligence in the character of the Sheltie. In 1909, the club was founded in Scotland, the English equivalent appeared in 1914. At that time, the dogs were called Shetland Sheepdogs. The final form of the standard was fixed in 1948.

Description of the breed

The description of the Sheltie breed begins with the nature of this animal. Shelties work as watchmen and search engines, keeping a light disposition and complaisant character. They easily make contact with children, although they are initially treated with a little distrust. The Sheltie cannot be called a nanny, the dog is too proud for this task. Able to show a grin if the child begins to persistently mock the animal.

Cohabitation with other pets cannot be called problem-free. Shelties are reluctant to tolerate cats around, except for a kitten that has grown up with a puppy. Then Shelty regards the cat as her best friend, staying close throughout her life.

The nature of the dog is soft and calm. Sheltie puppies are mobile and playful, just like adults. They strive to visit all corners of the house. They like to gnaw on wires and cables, it is recommended to remove property from the floor.

Adopted by FCI 88 of 1987 in the UK, it gives a comprehensive description of the breed. According to the document, the Sheltie is a dog of medium height, graceful and flexible, revealing a thick coat of great length along the body, with a clearly defined mane and collar. Characteristics of the breed indicate a modest size:

• Height at the withers is 33-39.5 cm, which did not prevent the dog from jumping high and remaining extremely brisk.
• Weight - 7-11 kg. Meet large males, but extremely rare.
• Powerful skeleton. It cannot be said that the limbs have high strength, but the animal runs quickly.
• The neck is narrow, the head is elongated. The eyes are set deep. Ears are large and erect.
• The tail is long, not curled. It is not cut, as in selected fighting breeds.

The Sheltie's head shows characteristic features:

• Wedge-shaped forceps, muzzle resembles a fox.
• Absence of a protruding posterior tubercle of the skull.
• The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is small, clear.
• With any color, it has a black nose, eye and lip rims.
• Straight jaws with tight lips, 42 teeth.
• Medium-sized, slanting "fox" eyes are dark brown in color. In marbled shelties, blue-tinted eyes are allowed.

Small triangular ears with lowered tips are planted on the head. The head flows into a muscular neck and protruding chest, framed by a thick collar. The shoulders of the Sheltie are strongly turned back, the limbs are muscular and strong. The chest sags to the elbow, visually due to the wool it seems deeper, the ribs are arched enough. The tail is well pubescent, the length reaches the hocks. Marriage is considered a tail "pretzel".

Shelties have a dense coat of wool due to the fluffy undercoat. The only areas with short hair are the muzzle and metatarsus. A common color is sable, any shade from golden to deep red. Sheltie breeders are not too revered wolf colors. But marble, blue or tricolor give preference to votes. Moreover, puppies with black dots on silver-blue wool are considered expensive. Shelties are found in black and white or black and red. A small white mark on the chest is allowed.

Sheltie Care

Not every owner thinks about how to care for a Sheltie until he buys a puppy. This is wrong, you should learn about such aspects in advance. Proper care of the Sheltie is the key to the health of the dog's coat. Let's pay attention to the main points:

1. It is strictly forbidden to cut Sheltie wool. The action will disrupt the hormonal balance in the pet's body, a number of unpleasant diseases will appear, moreover, the Sheltie's coat is the dignity of the dog.
2. Until the coat has acquired a luxurious density, combing fades into the background, but a three-month-old Sheltie will already need to be combed daily, like an adult.
3. Ears and eyes are examined and wiped with a swab moistened with water daily.
4. Nails need to be trimmed once a month.
5. The Sheltie loves water procedures, the shower, if desired, becomes a daily procedure for the dog. Shampooing is not recommended more than once a month.
6. The skin of dogs is sensitive, do not overdo it with combing the coat. By the way, the undercoat is not prone to churning into tangles. The dog looks extremely stately and well-groomed even without regular combing.
7. Vaccination is a must. The puppy is supposed to be vaccinated with distemper and a number of serious diseases. It is performed when the puppy is 4-5 months old.

The Sheltie does not require specific, complicated care. The dog feels great in the apartment and in a private house. The mind and ingenuity of the dog will reduce the hassle of the owners to a minimum.

Remember: petting a puppy on the ears is not worth it, this will disrupt the growth and structure of the hearing organ. Able to become too soft and fall forward. Pay attention to the activity of the baby: puppies, like children, are inquisitive, love to jump from sofas and chairs, leading to limb injury.

Small things should not be allowed to play with, otherwise the little sheltie will swallow them. Get ready for attacks on shoes, furniture, interior items. This is what all puppies do - it is better to put away expensive things of the owners before returning home.

From the first moment the Sheltie appears in the house, you are responsible for the behavior, well-being, and education of the dog. How will you treat a young dog, lay such a character. If you don’t want, for example, a huge woolly dog ​​to sleep in bed later, don’t teach it - send it to the place. If you start training, introduce commands gradually, repeat patiently and do not raise your voice to the dog.

The first thing to teach a Sheltie is a nickname. The dog must respond impeccably to the name, ignoring touching and caressing nicknames. It’s a good idea to learn the basic obedience commands: “sit,” “quiet,” “come,” and “beside.” It is not necessary to learn commands in the first weeks, perhaps the signals will have to be worked out at a conscious age. Spend 15 minutes a day studying. From an early age, it is worth accustoming a Sheltie to a comb and a hair dryer.