Shetland Sheepdog Appearance and Physical Traits Explained

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Alert Shetland Sheepdog in Lush Green Field
Credit: pexels.com, Alert Shetland Sheepdog in Lush Green Field

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small to medium-sized dog breed. They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their small size belies their intelligence and agility, making them a popular choice as both family pets and working dogs. With their thick double coat, Shelties are well-suited to cold climates.

Their eyes are often described as "almond-shaped" and can be a variety of colors including blue, brown, and hazel. Their ears are triangular and hang down to the side of their head.

Their tail is usually long and carried with a "J" shape, adding to their endearing and expressive appearance.

Shetland Sheepdog Breed

The Shetland Sheepdog breed is quite a sight to behold. Many Shelties truly look like a smaller version of a Rough Collie.

Its body is long although it is short in stature. The Sheltie has a double coat and a mane of hair on its upper chest and neck. The undercoat is dense, which makes the outer coat look like it's standing out from the body.

Credit: youtube.com, Shetland Sheepdog - Top 10 Facts (Sheltie)

The hair on the Sheltie's head, ears, and feet is long and straight. The mane is frilly and abundant. The legs and tail have long hair and are furry.

There are three basic colors in the Sheltie breed: a golden to mahogany sable, black, or blue merle (blue-gray with some black).

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Physical Characteristics

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are small to medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build. They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds.

Their height ranges from 13-16 inches at the shoulder. Their compact size makes them a great companion for city living or smaller homes.

Their double coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat.

Size

The size of the subject is truly remarkable. It can grow up to 5 meters in length.

Its weight can range from 50 to 100 kilograms, which is quite substantial. This size variation is due to its unique life cycle stages.

Coat

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A coat is a type of outerwear that covers the upper body and sometimes the lower body. It's typically made of a thick, insulating material like wool or down feathers.

A coat can be short or long, but most coats fall in the category of a long coat, designed to keep you warm in cold weather. In some cultures, a coat is a symbol of status and wealth.

The length of a coat can vary depending on the style and purpose, but it's usually designed to be worn over a shirt and pants.

Information

Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other breeds.

They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their coats can be a variety of colors including sable, tri-color, and blue merle.

Shelties have a medium-length double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming.

Their ears are triangular and erect, always perked up and alert.

Appearance

Credit: youtube.com, shetland sheepdog (Appearance,Cost,Adaptability,Shedding,Grooming)

The Shetland sheepdog, or Sheltie, has a striking resemblance to the rough collie. They have long, slender, wedge-shaped heads that give them a refined appearance.

Their kind, almond-shaped eyes and small, high, erect ears bent slightly downward at the tips make them look friendly and affectionate. They're small in size, standing between 13-16 inches at the shoulder and weighing 20-25 pounds.

Shelties have a double-coated fur, with a short, dense, wooly undercoat and an outer layer of long, straight, coarse hair. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including sable, blue merle, black, tan, and white.

Regular grooming is a must for Shelties, with most needing to be brushed once a week to prevent matting and tangling. In the fall and spring, they may need extra brushing to deal with intense shedding.

Shawna Welch

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Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.