Sheltie: description of the breed. Owner reviews, photo, price

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Often this cute miniature dog is called a pygmy collie. However, this is a completely independent breed of shepherd dogs, which was bred in the Shetland Islands. Most likely, a collie was brought to the islands a very long time ago, and in the course of selection work, by crossing with local dogs and selecting miniature individuals, a sheltie dog was obtained.

From the history of the breed

The breed appeared on the Shetland Islands in the ancient times of the Vikings (IX - X centuries). True, it received official recognition in the 19th century. Prior to this, sheepdogs from the Shetland Islands performed modest shepherd work. The appearance of these animals suggests its relationship with the Great Collie, but at the same time, the official history of the breed claims that they were bred from the Border Collie. Work on crossing with long-haired counterparts began to be carried out only in the 20th century.

Shepherds bred these small dogs so that they would show working qualities as much as possible. Their expectations were not in vain. ForShepherds became indispensable to Shelties. The description of the breed suggests that these dogs took great care of the sheep and brightened up the life of the shepherds.

Probably, such close, and sometimes isolated communication between a dog and a person influenced the development of high intellectual abilities of breeds.

Sheltie - breed description

These are medium-sized animals - the ideal height of the male at the withers is 36.5 cm, slightly smaller than the female - 35 cm. Any excess of growth by more than 2.5 cm is a serious defect. Weight from 6 to 10 kg.

External signs

At first glance at the animal, it seems that in front of you is a miniature collie, harmoniously built, active dog.

Head

Wedge-shaped, long. The skull is flat, with a slightly pronounced occiput. Smooth, rather soft transition from forehead to muzzle. Eyes of medium size, almond-shaped, set obliquely. Usually dark brown in color. Grey-blue dogs start with blue eyes.

Ears

High, close set, small in size. Standing ¾ length. Ends facing forward.

Jaws

Powerful. The lower jaw is more developed. Lips are dry. Teeth are straight and strong. Scissor bite, correct.

Case

Long, beautifully curved neck. The body is slightly stretched in length, muscular. The chest is deep with prominent ribs. The back is completely straight.

Limbs

Strong-boned, dry. Paws, arched,oval, rather compact, fingers closed, pads firm.

Tail

Has a beautiful dewlap of long hair, reaching the hock in length. When the dog is calm, it is lowered down, when excited it rises above the line of the back, but at the same time it does not tilt back.

Wool

Has a long guard hair, straight and rather hard to the touch. The thick and short undercoat is rather soft. Luxurious long mane and elegant jabot give the animal a majestic look. The hair on the hind legs is very thick, forming trousers.

Shelties can be tricolor (black and tan, legs, chest and tip of tail white), merle blue, black sable with tan and white markings.

Character

This is a very gentle and friendly dog. She is extremely attached to the owner, but does not tolerate a rude attitude towards herself. According to the breeders, the Sheltie is an excellent, and perhaps the best companion. Description of the breed convince us that it becomes a true friend for all family members. In dealing with strangers, she is restrained, but at the same time does not show any nervousness.

Sheltie (owner reviews confirm these words) has an innate sense of self-worth, she is independent and very delicate. She will not annoy the owner when he is busy with business, but is always ready to quit "her business" and join the game.

Sheltie (whose photo you see in this article), according to cynologists, is considered one of the most easily trainedbreeds. She has a quick reaction and the ability to deliberate actions. She always looks very carefully into the eyes, waiting for the command. She always strives to fulfill the master's command and always absorbs his best qualities.

This is a sensitive and brave watchman. He warns of the appearance of a stranger with a growl. It is very easy to get along with pets. Infinitely loves and tenderly cares for children, especially if they belong to the owner's family. Suitable for both single people and large families.

Features of behavior

Amazing Sheltie dog. The description of the breed is striking in the presence of unique features that you will not find in other dogs.

The "language" of these animals is diverse. They can squeal plaintively, moan, grumble, howl uneasily, and purr peacefully. Their voice is sonorous, with numerous overflows. An attentive owner can always determine from him what the dog wants to tell him. If desired, it is easy to wean her from barking.

Shelties do not really like it when a stranger approaches them, but at the same time, they themselves are happy to approach when they see a friendly attitude towards themselves.

Maintenance and Care

As already mentioned, a very smart, affectionate and kind Sheltie dog. Owner reviews suggest that it is suitable for anyone who needs a non-aggressive, but alert, small four-legged friend.

This charming creature gets along well in a city apartment and on the street, loves outdoor games. For her walking, she needs space and the opportunity to run.plenty.

Shelties need physical activity, while it does not require increased attention from the owner and is quite capable (with sufficient space) to take care of itself.

If we talk about the he alth of these animals, we should note the tendency to inherit diseases and eye defects. Infrequently, but there is a displacement of the patella, hypothyroidism. In addition, these dogs should not be overfed as they easily become overweight. On average, they live up to 15 years. If there is a need for treatment, the sensitivity of the animal to certain drugs should be checked, which are completely safe for other breeds, and can be fatal for Shelties.

Education and training

Sheltie (the description of the breed leaves no doubt about this) is an intellectual dog. They strive in every possible way to please the owner and gladly fulfill his commands. Their ability to guard the house is admirable.

At the initial stage of training, most dogs of this breed are suitable for the soft method - the owner chooses the option depending on the goals of training and the specific skills of the animal. In any case, the Sheltie should work happily and cheerfully.

In parallel, the dog must be accustomed to extraneous stimuli, without requiring the performance of skills. It is necessary to accustom the animal to the complete dominance of the trainer.

The dog is obliged to recognize in the trainer (owner) the leader of the "microflock". In the case of this breed, this should not be achieved by psychological pressure. Betteruse the hierarchical laws of the pack.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with a short list of the "rights and duties" of the leader of the pack:

• the leader must eat first, he is allowed to take food from members of the pack;
• the leader is given the best place to sleep, where no one else sleeps;
• he always goes first, the pack follows him;
• makes sure the pack stays as a group;
• only the leader is allowed to decide whether the pack will join the fight.

Compliance with certain rules will allow the owner to become the "leader of the pack" and thus subdue his pet:

• a dog should always eat only after the owner;
• the trainer should deliberately drop pieces of his favorite treat on the floor and immediately pick them up, not allowing the dog to pick them up;
• the animal should never be higher than the trainer (owner). This refers not only to the figurative meaning of the word. If the owner lay down on the sofa, then the dog's place on the floor;
• trainer, but never a dog, walks through the door first;
• a dog should allow its owner to do whatever is necessary with him - to feel him, examine his bite, take his temperature, etc. Calm behavior is encouraged with a treat, with resistance, the trainer should not retreat, but you should not rush either. With the help of food incentives, it is necessary to systematically achieve obedience.

It is often difficult for Sheltie owners to realize that they need to dominate such a charming creature. Undoubtedly, eventhe dominant dog of this breed does not pose any threat to the life of its owner. Just a representative of this breed, who will be sure that he is the leader, will not consistently follow the commands of the trainer.

Sheltie puppies

In our articles about animals, we always say that they should be purchased only in nurseries or from breeders, after visually evaluating the parents of the baby. It is advisable to look at several litters so that you have the opportunity to compare them.

It should be taken into account that the Sheltie, the price of which can be quite high, may have “giants” and “dwarfs” in one litter, that is, babies that differ from standard sizes. For a pet, this is not a significant drawback, although the seller must drastically reduce the cost of the animal. And for a dog that the owners are going to present at shows or use in breeding, this shortcoming will be decisive.

Kids of this breed easily adapt to the order of the new home and become friends with all households.

In any case, Sheltie puppies should be purchased from breeders who value their name, which is not profitable to sell low-quality animals.

Reviews

These are cute, kind and very smart dogs - Shelties. Feedback from those who raise these animals suggests that they can become irreplaceable members of the family. The breed is very plastic. They are hardy and gentle, tactful and friendly. These dogs have an inquisitive mind, it is easy to be friends with them, and at the same time be the main thing in a relationship! In a word, dogcompanion with a capital letter. If you need a kind and cheerful friend, then you need a Sheltie. The price of these dogs ranges from 15 to 35 thousand rubles.