Shetland Sheepdog Breed Information & Care

If you’re the proud owner of a Shetland Sheepdog , affectionately known as a Sheltie, you’ve found a loyal, loving, and highly intelligent companion. The Sheltie’s keen intellect and endearing traits make her an ideal pet for families, singles, and seniors alike. Here’s what you should know about this remarkable breed.

So Much to Love:

Devoted and Loving: Shelties are renowned for their loyalty and affection. They form deep bonds with their human families, making them excellent companions. Their gentle and sensitive nature makes them well-suited for households with children and other pets.
A Watchful Protector: A vigilant watchdog. Alert to their surroundings, they’ll let you know with a ready bark if anything is amiss, making them a reliable guardian for your home.
Intelligent and Trainable: Above-average intelligence and keen understanding of humans make training a relatively easy process, especially when positive reinforcement techniques are used. Whether it's basic commands or more complex tricks, your Sheltie is a quick learner.
Agile and Sturdy: Shelties are agile, sturdy, and muscular, which makes them excellent for activities that require quick movement and dexterity, such as agility courses or herding trials.

Challenges to Consider

Despite these many positives, Shelties do have their challenges. They can be wary of strangers and may get bored easily, leading to unwanted barking and chewing. Their strong herding instincts could lead them to chase after cars or small animals if not properly trained. Daily exercise is a must to keep this active breed happy, and they can be prone to health problems and separation anxiety.

A Rich Heritage

The Shetland Sheepdog has a storied lineage, descending from Collies in Scotland. Historically, Shelties have been employed in various roles, from herding and protection to tracking and competitive obedience. Their intelligence and versatility make them exceptional working dogs as well as loving companions.

Grooming and Health

While beautiful, a Sheltie’s double coat does require regular grooming. But most owners will agree that her stunning appearance more than justifies the effort. Generally speaking, Shelties are a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

So, is a Sheltie the right dog for you? If you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and versatile companion who’s great with families and takes well to training, the answer is a resounding yes. With proper care and training, your Sheltie will not just be a pet, but a treasured member of your family.

Genetic Predispositions for Shetland Sheepdogs

Heartfelt Concerns: Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Shelties

There is a heart issue you should be aware of– the condition is called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This is where a small vessel that should naturally close up after birth stays open, causing extra blood flow to the lungs. This can lead to fluid buildup and strain on the heart. Your Sheltie might seem just fine or could show signs like coughing, fatigue during exercise, and even hind limb weakness. During regular vet check-ups, we listen for a specific heart murmur to catch this early. If diagnosed, surgery is usually the best course to mend that little heart.

When Blood Doesn't Clot: Bleeding Disorders in Shelties

These dogs are prone to several kinds, including Hemolytic Anemia and thrombocytopenia. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often don’t show up until an injury or surgery triggers excessive bleeding. In some cases, your dog’s immune system may actually attack its own red blood cells or platelets. When this happens, you’ll see signs like paleness and lethargy. If your Sheltie has these issues, diagnostic tests for blood clotting are essential before any surgical procedures. Treatment usually involves steroids and sometimes even an emergency transfusion.

The Often Overlooked: Von Willebrand's Disease in Shelties

Another blood-related issue to watch out for is Von Willebrand’s Disease. It’s a clotting disorder that we specifically test for in Shetland Sheepdogs before any surgery. A DNA blood test can help catch this disorder early and prevent potentially life-threatening surgical complications.

The Window to the Soul: Eye Problems in Shelties

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then it’s crucial to keep those windows clear. Shelties are at risk for a range of eye conditions that can be painful and sometimes even lead to blindness. Cataracts are fairly common in older Shelties and may cause the eyes to appear cloudy. If you notice this, consult your vet about possible treatments, which could even include cataract surgery.

Hairy Issues: Distichiasis and Your Sheltie

Distichiasis may sound exotic, but it’s a rather prickly issue for your Sheltie’s eyes. It involves extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid and cause discomfort or even corneal ulcers. Treatment options to remove these pesky hairs are available and usually bring relief and good prognosis.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye: Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie Eye Anomaly is another eye condition that Shelties can inherit. It’s a genetic disease that, in its severe form, can lead to blindness. Sadly, there’s no treatment, but a comprehensive eye exam before breeding can help prevent passing it on to the next generation.

than Skin-Deep: Lupus in Shetland Sheepdogs

Lupus might be rare, but Shelties face a higher risk. This autoimmune disease causes the dog’s immune system to essentially wage war against itself, leading to chronic skin, joint, and internal organ inflammation. Signs often begin to show in middle-aged Shelties, around 3 to 7 years old. While there’s no cure, medication can manage symptoms. Be cautious with sun exposure, as it can trigger flare-ups—doggy sunscreen can be a lifesaver for your Sheltie’s sensitive areas.

Seizures in Shelties: The Types and Treatments

In dogs, seizures come in three flavors: reactive, secondary, and primary. Reactive seizures happen because of metabolic issues like low blood sugar, while secondary seizures are due to brain tumors, strokes, or trauma. If there’s no clear reason, then we call it primary or idiopathic epilepsy, which is often an inherited issue in Shelties. Usually, if your fur-baby is going to have seizures, they’ll start between 6 months and 3 years of age. Lifelong medication, with routine blood testing, is usually the go-to for managing these episodes. If your Sheltie has a seizure, keep calm, make sure they can’t injure themselves, and give your vet or emergency hospital a ring.

Keep Moving: Bone and Joint Problems in Shelties

Ever notice your Sheltie limping or having a hard time getting up? It could be a sign of musculoskeletal issues like dysplasia in the hips and elbows. This inherited disease can result in arthritis and discomfort, especially as your Sheltie matures. X-rays can help us diagnose the issue, and in severe cases, surgery might be recommended. And hey, keep an eye on your Sheltie’s weight—extra pounds can accelerate arthritis. Then there’s patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place. You might see your dog suddenly hop for a few strides. Mild cases may only need arthritis medication, but severe cases often require surgery.

Scratching the Surface: Allergies and Shelties

While humans sneeze when they have allergies, your Sheltie is more likely to have itchy skin. It’s called “atopy,” and it’s pretty common in this breed. This itchiness often occurs in the feet, belly, skin folds, and ears, and you might see symptoms like paw licking, face rubbing, or frequent ear infections. Good news, though! There are plenty of treatment options to help your Sheltie find relief.

The Skin-Deep Issue: Dermatomyositis in Young Shelties

Do you have a young Sheltie? Then you need to know about Dermatomyositis, an inflammatory skin and muscle condition. It seems to stem from a genetic glitch in the immune system. If you see signs, medications can help manage symptoms. But do note that affected Shelties should not be bred.

Cancer in Shelties: Early Detection is Key

We all dread the “C” word—cancer. Sadly, Shelties are not immune, especially as they reach their golden years. The good news? Many forms of cancer can be treated if detected early. So, make sure you keep up with your physical exams, and we’ll do our best to keep your Sheltie happy and healthy for as long as possible.

Balancing Act: Thyroid Problems in Shelties

Thyroid issues, specifically hypothyroidism, are pretty common in Shelties. Signs include dry skin, weight gain, or even behavioral changes. An annual blood test can help keep track of your dog’s thyroid levels, and medication is generally straightforward—a simple pill.

A Thirst for Knowledge: Kidney Disorder in Shelties

Fanconi syndrome is a kidney disorder that can affect your Sheltie, causing symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and weakness. This usually crops up between 2 and 6 years of age, and the severity can vary. The key to managing this is early diagnosis via routine urine screening, followed by prompt treatment.

Gut Check: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Shelties

Last but not least, let’s talk about hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), a severe and sometimes fatal condition that can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It’s more common in small breeds like Shelties and requires immediate vet attention. The causes can be diverse, so it’s crucial to consult a vet if you notice any symptoms.

Shetland Sheepdogs