Shelt Dog Breed Information and Characteristics

The Shelt dog breed is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, making them a unique and fascinating companion. They are often referred to as a Sheltie.

Their origins date back to the 19th century in Scotland, where they were bred as a working dog to herd sheep and protect homes.

Shelt dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They are generally small in size, weighing between 25-40 pounds and standing between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

A fresh viewpoint: Shelt

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the Shetland Islands in Scotland.

Originally, the breed was developed from the herding dogs of Scotland, which also provided the basis for the Collie and Border Collie. These dogs were quite small, measuring only about 18 inches in height.

The scarcity of vegetation on the Shetland Islands favored smaller animals, and the dogs needed to herd them were proportionately smaller. This led to the development of a breed that was well-suited to the island's unique environment.

On a similar theme: Shetland Sheepdog Black and White

The Sheltie's ancestors were used for herding not only sheep but also ponies and chickens. In some remote areas, it was customary to keep all animals in the family's home building during winter, and an amiable herding dog no doubt worked their way right into the family part of the home.

The breed was initially referred to as the Shetland Collie, but Collie enthusiasts objected to the name, so it was changed to Shetland Sheepdog. Today, they're more commonly known as Shelties.

The Sheltie's origins can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the breed gained the attention of fanciers in Scotland and England.

Here's an interesting read: Puppy Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a small and double-coated dog with a well-shaped head, giving it the appearance of a miniature Rough Collie.

Their coat is made up of two layers: a long, harsh-textured outer coat and a soft, short undercoat. The long coat should produce the appearance of a mane, while the face is smooth-haired.

Expand your knowledge: Flat Coat Doodle

Shelties typically stand between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder, but it's not uncommon for them to be slightly taller or shorter. They usually weigh around 22 pounds.

Here is a list of the acceptable coat colors for a Sheltie:

The Shetland's appearance is a key part of its charm. They have a well-shaped head and a long coat that becomes short around the face, giving it the appearance of a mane.

Their ears are small and of moderate width at the base, placed close on top of the head. When alert, they're semi-erect and propped forward, which adds to their adorable expression.

Shelties have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur. The outer coat is made up of long hair and is harsh-textured and straight, while the undercoat is soft, short, and close to the skin.

Their coat comes in a variety of colours, including sable, tricolor, blue merle, black and white, and black and tan. Sable ranges from pale gold to mahogany, while tricolor has intense black on the body and rich tan markings.

Here are the main colours of the Shetland breed:

These colours are what make the Shetland's appearance so unique and beautiful.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a relatively small breed. They stand between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder.

It's not uncommon for them to be slightly larger or smaller than this average height. A typical Sheltie weighs about 22 pounds.

Their compact size makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.

Shelties are high energy breeds that require lots of exercise. They can outlast the most energetic children, making them a great match for families with kids.

A Sheltie needs lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without it, they may find less appropriate ways to entertain themselves.

Shelties are prone to certain health issues, including allergies and skin conditions, so regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are a must. They're also at risk for transitional cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the bladder.

Exercise is crucial for Shelties, who need daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They may be small, but they were bred to be working farm dogs and need to keep their minds and bodies active.

Shelties are sensitive dogs and respond best to positive reinforcement, such as praise, play, and food rewards. They can become bored easily, so training should be interesting and varied to keep them engaged.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed that's prone to certain health issues, and it's essential to be aware of these to provide the best care for your furry friend. The Shetland is predisposed to allergic skin disease, cutaneous drug eruptions, cutaneous histiocytosis, cutaneous or systemic lupus, dermatomyositis, and Sertoli cell tumour.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in many breeds, but the Shetland has a relatively low prevalence - only 4.2% of Shetlands have hip dysplasia, which is the fifth-lowest out of sixty breeds studied.

Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the Shetland, and it's crucial to be aware of this condition if you're considering bringing a Shetland into your family. The breed is affected by both type I and type III of this disease.

Collie eye anomaly is another inherited trait that affects the Shetland, causing incomplete closure of the embryonic fissure. This condition is almost exclusively seen in Collies, Border Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs.

A different take: White Collies

Certain medications can be toxic to Shetlands due to a genetic mutation in the MDR1 gene. This means that affected dogs may exhibit sensitivity or adverse reactions to many drugs, including ivermectin, acepromazine, and doxorubicin.

Ulcerative dermatosis of Shetland sheepdog and rough collie (UDSSC) is a skin condition that affects the thigh, groin, axillae, and ventral abdomen. It's a vesicular variant of discoid lupus erythematosus, and it's essential to monitor your Shetland for any signs of this condition.

Gall bladder mucocele is a condition that's significantly more common in Shetlands than in other breeds. In fact, a UK study found that Shetlands are 93.87 times more likely to acquire this condition than other dogs.

Related reading: Merle Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties love their people and should live indoors with them as part of the family. They're social dogs that thrive on being part of the pack.

Despite their small size, Shelties need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy. A good walk, short jog, or active game and training session can meet their exercise needs.

Shelties were bred to be working farm dogs, so they're naturally energetic and love to play. They can probably outlast the most energetic children.

To keep your Sheltie entertained and stimulated, try playing fetch or running around the dining room table with them. They'll help you hold down the sofa afterwards.

Shelties need regular grooming to keep their thick coat looking its best. Brush or comb them every other day to prevent matting and tangling.

It's essential to provide daily walks and playtime for your Sheltie, especially if you live in an apartment. This will help them get the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.

Shelties respond best to positive reinforcement, such as praise, play, and food rewards. Avoid yelling at them for barking, as this can hurt their feelings and make training more challenging.

Additional reading: What Is the Best Large Breed Dog Food

Feeding your Shetland Sheepdog is a crucial aspect of their overall health and care.

The recommended daily amount of food for your adult Sheltie is 3/4 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals.

It's essential to consider your dog's individual needs, such as their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level, as these factors can affect how much food they require.

An active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, so make sure to adjust their portions accordingly.

The quality of dog food you choose also makes a difference, with better food going further in nourishing your dog.

To ensure your Sheltie stays in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than free feeding.

If you're unsure whether your Sheltie is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test.

You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your dog, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.