Akc Shetland Sheepdog: Everything You Need to Know

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.

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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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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:

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 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.

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.

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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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