Animal Talk

T

he Shetland Sheepdog has an elegant

appearance with his beautiful,

abundant coat which is his crowning

glory. He looks similar to a Rough Collie,

just smaller. Not only is this dog beautiful,

he is also intelligent with high levels

of energy. This combination makes the

Shetland Sheepdog a good candidate to

play games with, as he is also a good family

companion and a pleaser.

Character

This dog has a sweet personality and is

generally gentle. He is also playful and

affectionate towards the family. He doesn’t

particularly like strangers and therefore needs

early socialisation. You need to keep this

active dog busy – he will do well in agility and

obedience training. Trained to herd, this dog

might herd small pets on the property.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a devoted, loyal and

adaptable breed that does well as companions

for families, active and single people.

Grooming

The Shetland Sheepdog has a long, double

and thick coat – the ideal protection

against cold weather. The coat consists

of the long and straight outer coat with

a dense and woolly undercoat. Do take

care of this dog in hot summers. He

features a mane and feathering on the

legs and tail.

Coat colours are sable, tri-colour,

blue merle, all usually with white

markings.

Background

This dog comes from the

Shetland Islands off the north

coast of Scotland. Originally

known as the Shetland Collie,

he was used as a general

farm dog and family

companion. He was

originally bred to herd

sheep and was slightly

smaller than the

Shetland Sheepdog

we know today.

FACT FILE

SHETLAND

SHEEPDOG

Great Britain

Needs lots of space with a fenced yard

12-14 years

Weight: 6-7kg; height: 36-37cm

Eager to please

Gets along with other dogs and children

Easy to train and good at obedience, agility

and herding

Regular grooming with brushing three times

a week

breed profile

DOGTA LK

1 | Small ears carried semi-erect

with tips falling forward

2 | Medium, almond-shaped eyes

3 | Long, double coat

4 | Long face

5 | Long and fluffy tail

1

Energy level

Drool probability

Snore probability

Bark probability

Digging

Low Medium High

Shetland Sheepdog

Mission: to please

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3

4

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