A small herding dog breed from Scotland, the Shetland sheepdog, or Sheltie, has a long, straight, thick coat that comes in a range of colors. Shelties resemble a more delicate form of the rough-coated collie. They feature attentive facial expressions, upright ears that slant slightly, low tails, and nimble bodies. Shelties are quite bright and athletic dogs that were bred to herd animals. They are also capable of being devoted and caring companions.
Shelties typically have a cheerful and attentive attitude. They frequently have a strong sense of place. Their personalities are also shaped by their high level of energy and love of play. Although they can be apprehensive of strangers, they like being active with their family.
Care as a Pet/ In Captivity
A Sheltie’s care should include plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, prepare to devote some effort each week to maintaining its long coat. You should make an effort to begin socialization and training early.
Exercise
Shelties need at least one to two hours of exercise every day. The best activities to help them burn off energy include long walks, jogging, trekking, and energetic fetch games. Additionally, puzzle games can test their sharp intellect. Shelties are also excellent in agility and herding, two dog sports. They also respond well to training to become service and therapy dogs. Just be cautious that if you let them off leash outside, their herding nature may urge them to chase moving objects, such as cars. It’s preferable to confine them to a secure area or keep them on a leash.
Grooming
To eliminate stray fur and avoid matting, brush your Sheltie’s long, thick coat at least a few times per week. The fur around the legs, tail, and area behind the ears, which is prone to matting, should receive extra attention. Expect increased shedding at certain times of the year, typically in the spring and fall. You should brush more frequently to maintain the loose fur. Avoid shaving a Sheltie’s coat because it keeps the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer and guards against sunburn.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, aim for a bath every one to two months. About once a month, examine your dog’s nails to see whether they require trimming. And inspect its ears at least once every week for wax accumulation, dirt, and irritation. Additionally, attempt to daily brush your dog’s teeth.
Nutrition and Diet
Give your Sheltie fresh water at all times. And feed your dog a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced meal. Two measured meals per day are typical. But be sure you go through the meal kind and quantity with your vet. For instance, based on age and/or activity level, your veterinarian may suggest several diets. To avoid overeating, stay wary of snacks and other excess food.
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