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Shetland Sheepdog Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
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Also Called: Sheltie
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Height: The Shetland Sheepdog is about 13-16 inches tall.
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Weight: The Shetland Sheepdog weighs between 14-16 lbs.
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Colors: The Shetland Sheepdog can be black, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany), marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan.
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Physical Appearance: The Shetland Sheepdog looks like a Rough Collie in miniature. A male Sheltie should appear distinctly masculine and a female distinctly feminine. There are differences which may be noted. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog. He must be sound, agile and sturdy. The outline should be so symmetrical that no part appears out of proportion to the whole. Dogs should appear masculine, bitches feminine.
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Temperament/Personality: The Shetland Sheepdog is good with children and makes a delightful companion. He is loyal, affectionate and responsive.
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Care: Brushing the coat for half an hour each week can keep the Sheltie looking his best. The Sheltie will shed at least once a year, the shedding process can be sped up by a warm bath and more complete and more frequent brushing.
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Health Concerns/Problems: The Shetland Sheepdog dog breed has been known to have experienced the following health problems: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid), Hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), and Dermatomyositis (DM).
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Training: The Shetland Sheepdog is easy to train and will love agility training.
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Activity: The Shetland Sheepdog needs plenty of exercise.
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Life Span: The Shetland Sheepdog lives an average life of 12-14 years.
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Litter Size: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average litter of 4-6 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Shetland Sheepdog originated in Scotland.
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Brief History: Sometime around 900 A.D., the islands off the coast of Scotland were colonized by Norse people who brought with them the ancestors of the Shetland Sheepdog. These ancestors were Spitz-type dogs, probably similar in type to today's Iceland Dog and the Swedish Vallhund. Over time, the Shetland islanders developed a small, highly intelligent dog, capable of herding with little or no supervision. The island's harsh climate required a hardy, small dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat.
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