Shetland Sheepdog Ears Characteristics and Care

The Shetland Sheepdog's ears are one of its most distinctive features. They're triangular in shape and moderately sized, with a rounded tip and a length that's roughly proportional to the head.

Shetland Sheepdogs have erect ears, meaning they stand up straight rather than folding down against their head. This ear type is a result of their breeding history as herding dogs.

Erect ears help the Shetland Sheepdog detect and locate sounds from a distance, which is useful for herding sheep. They can also help the dog to pinpoint the source of a sound, such as a sheep's bleat.

Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ear type. However, this is not the case for the erect ears of the Shetland Sheepdog.

For your interest: Border Collies Herding Sheep

The Shetland Sheepdog's head is a distinctive long, blunt wedge shape with a defined stop, which is less pronounced in the Collie.

Their almond-shaped eyes have plenty of room in the Sheltie head, setting it apart from the Collie.

Intriguing read: Bull Terrier Head Shape

The Sheltie standard allows for a height range of 13-16 inches at the withers, with any dogs taller or shorter being disqualified from conformation competition.

Their lush and lovely coat is the breed's trademark, featuring rich sable and glossy black colors, as well as marbled merle patterns with white markings.

See what others are reading: Dogs Breeds That Start with B

Our ears are incredible organs that play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. They help us navigate our surroundings by detecting sound waves.

The human ear is made up of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.

Each ear canal is approximately 2.5 centimeters long and is lined with tiny hairs and tiny glands that produce earwax. Earwax helps to protect the ear canal from dirt and debris.

The middle ear contains three tiny bones called ossicles that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. The ossicles are incredibly delicate and are responsible for our ability to hear a wide range of frequencies.

The inner ear contains the cochlea, which converts sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

Shelties have a double coat, with a short and dense undercoat and a longer, harsher topcoat. This unique coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The undercoat sheds dirt and repels water, but it needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting. You'll need to brush your Sheltie at least once a week, using a pin brush to get right down to the skin.

You can use a spray bottle to mist the coat as you brush, which will help prevent damage to the hair. Be sure to pay special attention to the fine hair behind the ears, which tends to tangle easily.

Males and spayed females generally shed once a year, while unspayed females shed twice a year. This is due to their estrus periods, which can cause them to shed more frequently.

A proper Sheltie coat is a harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. This type of coat sheds dirt and repels water, so they don't need to be bathed too often. However, they will still need to be trimmed regularly to keep their nails short.

Take a look at this: Sheltie vs Shetland Sheepdog

Here are the basic colors you can expect to see in a Sheltie:

While their color may not affect their ability to be a great companion, it can affect their show ring eligibility. A Sheltie who's more than 50 percent white or who has a brindle coat won't be eligible for the show ring.

Shetland Sheepdog ears require regular care to stay healthy and prevent problems. Brushing her ears weekly, even as a puppy, will help keep them clean and free of debris.

It's essential to clean her ears regularly because Shetland Sheepdogs often have serious problems with their teeth, and ear care is just as important. You'll need to brush her teeth at least three times a week to prevent dental issues.

Here's a simple ear cleaning routine to follow:

By following these simple ear care tips, you can help keep your Shetland Sheepdog's ears healthy and happy.

Shelties are naturally herding dogs, which means they need a job to do. If they don't have a task, they'll find one, like herding kids or getting anxious.

Herding breeds have a unique connection with people and work, which is why Shelties excel in obedience trials. They're often among the highest scorers.

Shelties are intelligent and responsive, making them easy to train. They're devoted to their family and love to please.

However, poorly bred Shelties can be timid, yappy, and high-strung. This is why it's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes temperament and health.

Shelties are generally good watchdogs due to their suspicious nature around strangers. They're also wonderful companions for kids who love to play ball and Frisbee.

Shelties require early socialization to become well-rounded dogs. This means exposing them to various people, sights, and sounds when they're young.

Shelties are naturally loyal and gentle, but they can be reserved with strangers. Look for a puppy that's happily curious, not overly timid or nervous.