Sheltie: description of dogs, color variations and features of the content

Sheltie or Shetland Sheepdog is a popular miniature dog breed in England and Scotland.... Its representatives differ from their relatives in small stature, bright and multifaceted colors, as well as an incredibly active and cheerful character, which together makes the dog ideal for keeping at home.

It is hard to imagine, but the homeland of these extraordinary dogs, which can sometimes be found on Russian streets, is distant Scotland. It was to the Shetland Islands that the distant ancestors of these dogs came from the mainland on ships of immigrants several hundred years ago. These animals were used to help shepherds, guard and walk the animals. The abundant Scottish vegetation and spacious mountain valleys have become ideal pastures for raising small ruminants such as sheep and goats.

For example, with Spitz, from which these dogs got a soft and fluffy coat, as well as a variety of colors. Over time, these shepherd dogs have been deliberately crossed with representatives of other breeds to inherit certain external or physical qualities. According to some reports: the following dog breeds participated in the formation of the Sheltie breed: Border Collie, King Charles Spaniel, Schipperke, Icelandic and Greenlandic shepherd dogs.

Initially, the ancestors of the Sheltie were used exclusively for herding - their small size allowed these dogs to freely and quickly manage medium flocks of sheep.Shelties not only watched the stray sheep, but also helped drive the entire flock at the end of the working day from the grazing area to the corral, with loud barks informed the shepherds about the arrival of the flock.

The Shelties were the ideal herding dog for the Scottish lands - they had a light but strong body and strong legs that allowed them to move quickly even through the most difficult terrains. In addition, the long coat of these dogs allowed them to successfully cope with the humid Scottish climate and significant changes in temperature.

The turning point in the formation of this breed of shepherd dogs was the beginning of the 19th century, when, with the help of selection, larger and stronger breeds of sheep were bred. New breeds found a real sensation among British farmers: these individuals were more hardy, large and healthy. However, this has an extremely negative impact on the distribution of Shetland Sheepdog dogs.

The fact is that the new individuals were more wayward and strong than the previous breeds, and therefore many sheep simply refused to obey and obey the little Shelties. This led to the almost complete disappearance of the Sheltie in Scotland. Very soon, instead of these dogs, the herds began to be guarded by stronger and larger dogs - specially bred shepherd dogs.

It was precisely British breeders. The first club of this breed was founded back in 1908 by the British breeder James Loggy in the capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick. Loggy not only opened a Sheltie breed club, but also sought to standardize the breed.

Initially, these dogs were supposed to be named "Scottish Collies", but this name has been negatively criticized by owners of purebred collies. In the future, these dogs were given a different name. - "Shetland Sheepdogs", which is still used today.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the first Sheltie individuals came to North America, where they became widespread among American dog handlers and breeders of decorative dog breeds. Unfortunately, identity and official status did not come to these dogs until after World War II (1948). Prior to that, not a single American or British cynological association dared to give these dogs an official status due to the too great external similarity of these dogs with the collie breed. Despite the later recognition, the standard for these dogs was finally formed by 1914.

On the territory of Russia, these dogs appeared only in the 90s of the XX century. Despite the unusual exterior and attractive appearance, the Sheltie did not gain much popularity, as did the collie.

It is easy for an inexperienced breeder to confuse Sheltie and Scottish Collie - these dogs are almost identical at first glance: both breeds have the same long hair, a pointed muzzle and small, erect ears. This similarity of breeds has developed thanks to numerous selection experiments to unify the breed qualities of the Sheltie. In the course of these experiments, individuals of many other breeds of dogs were used, but the basis for the creation of the breed was the genetic material of the Spitz and Scottish Collie.

Unlike tall and stately collies, Shelties are not so impressive in size.

As mentioned above, the first standard of this breed was formed back in 1914, after that it did not undergo significant changes.

• Average weight... These dogs are considered miniature dog breeds - as a rule, they weigh at least 5 and no more than 10 kilograms.Occasionally there are Sheltie specimens with minor deviations from the norm, but this is not considered a severe violation of the standard.
• Medium height. Unsurprisingly, some have labeled this dog breed as the "mini collie". If any variety of collies can reach a height of 70 centimeters at the withers, then the optimal height for dwarf Shelties will be 35-37 centimeters (adult females and males, respectively). In terms of height, deviations of no more than 2.5 centimeters from the standard are allowed.
• Head and muzzle. Small elongated type, wedge-shaped. The muzzle tapers strongly towards the nose. The skull is flat, there is no pronounced tubercle on the back of the head. The stop is not very pronounced. Flat cheekbones at the muzzle are clearly visible.
• Nose. The lobe is small but well developed with large nostrils. The color is exclusively black.
• Teeth and oral cavity. The jaws are slender and firm, well developed. Scissor bite. A special plus in the exterior is an even dentition of 42 teeth.
• Ears... Not particularly large, spaced a short distance from each other. In a calm state, they are laid back, in a state of excitement, they stand upright, the auricles look forward.
• Eyes. Sheltie eyes are small, oval, set slightly obliquely. The eyelids fit tightly to the eyeball, black in color. In breeds with a dark color, the iris is brown; in light specimens (for example, marbled color), the presence of a blue color with chocolate splashes is possible.
• Neck. Not particularly long, but strong, covered with a layer of developed muscles. The slight bend is almost invisible under the thick coat.
• Body... The back is straight, there is a beautiful bend in the lumbar region, the croup is strongly pronounced, of a rounded type. The chest is deep, but not particularly wide.
• Limbs and paws. The forelimbs are straight, set parallel, the shoulders are laid back. The hind legs also stand straight, the hips and knees are well expressed due to the developed muscles. The hock joint is low enough to provide a high primary speed. The paws of the Sheltie are medium in size, collected in an oval ball. The fingers should fit snugly together.
• Movement... These dogs move quickly, but easily, gracefully and smoothly. Each step is like sliding on ice.
• Tail. The tail is of medium size and is covered with a thick layer of hair, also of medium length. Set on low, lowered when relaxed, tip reaches hock level. The structure of the Sheltie's tail is straight, without a curled tip. Slightly raised when excited, but does not rise above the level of the back. Colored Sheltie's tail tips are usually light or white in color.
• Wool. There are two levels: a long and coarse guard hair that retains moisture and cold; dense, dense and soft undercoat. When stroking, the wool is slightly springy. The chest, back of the head and neck are covered with a longer coat, forming a kind of "lion's mane" that hides the ribs and elbows.

Among all modern breeders, Sheltie dogs are considered an exceptionally friendly, companionable and active breed. It is worth considering the key features of the behavior of these dogs in different conditions of detention.

• Independence... Despite their boundless loyalty to their owner and their family members, these dogs are also extremely independent. This is not the breed of dog that will follow you on your heels every minute and wait for any encouragement or initiative from the owner. They won't grovel for a treat, and adult Shelties cannot be re-educated. Shelties will not bother their family members if they see that they are not up to it now, but they will gladly join any hints of games and adventures.
• Attitude towards the owner. Some consider these dogs to be family breeds, which is not entirely correct.The Shelties will truly be loyal and loyal only to their master, only his commands will they always obey and obey. With the owner, these dogs feel a kinship - they always know perfectly well what he wants. They will be ready to console him in difficult times and have fun in his moments of joy. Some breeders note that these dogs tend to copy the qualities and behavior of their owner, which is why constant contact and the correct training plan are so important in raising these pets. Such devotion should be treated with extreme caution. If you once tamed the Sheltie, then she will no longer be able to find another owner.
• Attitude towards strangers. In relation to strangers, these dogs are extremely restrained. If the owner communicates with a stranger on a positive note, who has a positive attitude towards the dog itself, the Sheltie may well allow itself to be stroked or scratched behind the ear. As for the rest of the actions - the trust of these dogs must be earned. If the Shelties notice obvious aggression from a stranger, these dogs will first show warning fangs and whine. If the warning does not work, they may well rush to the offender to protect their master. If the Sheltie is quietly resting somewhere in the corner or napping, the approach of any stranger will be regarded by this dog as a threat to its personal space.

• Relationship to other pets. Shelties are incredibly sociable dogs that try to find a companion in every member of their family. If it is another pet, such as a cat or another dog, the Sheltie will make every effort to express a desire to be friends. These dogs are absolutely non-aggressive and not jealous, and therefore, thanks to their perseverance, they will be able to make friends with even the most stubborn pets.
• Attitude towards children. Non-aggressive, active and sociable Shelties feel great with small family members. Sheltie children are seen as companions for active games, entertainment and adventures. They are not vindictive and do not remember the harassment of babies, they like to protect their sleep, and often even become real pillows for little members of their family.
• Vocal qualities. A feature of these dogs is the versatility of their language. They are able to whine, squeal, grumble and even purr in a state of blissful rest. Given these data, Shelties resemble domestic chanterelles, which adore affection and attention to their person. The experienced Sheltie owner learns over time to recognize the dog's desires by the tone of the dog's sounds. In childhood, the excessive "talkativeness" of these dogs can cause a lot of inconvenience - it is advised to wean off excessive manifestations of feelings from the very first days of the dog's appearance in the house.
• Intelligence... All individuals, be they males or females, are equally intelligent and trainable dogs. Sheltie is considered one of the most easily trained breeds - they have an incredibly quick reaction and are able to easily recognize all the commands of the owner. To make sure your dog is listening, you just need to make sure he is watching your movements and eyes closely. Sheltie badly treat manifestations of any aggression - moral or physical, and therefore in training them you need to be extremely careful and tactful.
• Loneliness. Despite their excellent watchdog qualities, these dogs are not able to sit out all day long to guard someone's property. They require constant communication and do not tolerate when the owner does not even have half an hour of time for them every day. That is why it is not recommended to choose these dogs for people with a busy daily schedule.

Many even experienced breeders sometimes confuse representatives of Sheltie and Collie breeds. Indeed, there are dog breeds that have two or more varieties depending on the size and height of the dogs: for example, dachshund and mini-dachshund. However, in this case we will talk about albeit similar, but independent breeds of dogs.

Consider what is common and what is the difference between the external and internal qualities of these two breeds.

One of the main differences between these dogs is the origin of the breed. If the Shelties appeared and were bred exclusively in the Shetland Islands, then the collie was native to the regions of Northern England and Scotland. Both breeds of dogs were originally just herding dogs, but Spitz, Papillon, King Charles Spaniels, Schipperke, Icelandic and Greenlandic shepherd dogs were used to breed Shelties, and the genetic material of Scottish and Irish setters and greyhounds was used to develop collies.

Such an external similarity of these dogs is due to the fact that during the experiments on the Sheltie, the genetic material of the collies themselves was also used. However, the presence of genes from other dogs had its influence, due to which these breeds were still not completely identical, both in appearance and in temperament.

Dogs also differ in appearance.

• Dimensions (edit)... If the standard is adhered to, the maximum height for the Sheltie should not be more than 39 centimeters at the withers (and not less than 33), while for the collie these values ​​can reach 51 to 70 centimeters, depending on the variety.
• Colors... In the standard of the collie breed, only three official colors are allowed, in the Sheltie of these colors there are more - 4.
• Head shape. Collie dogs have a narrow and long head; in the case of the Sheltie it is much shorter and wider. In addition, the feet of the Sheltie are much better expressed.
• Ears... The Sheltie's ears are much wider and very close to each other, unlike the Collie.

Both dog breeds are extremely sociable and friendly, but many owners note that the Sheltie is much more active than the Collie. Sheltie is more suitable for active owners who prefer long and interesting walks with games and fun. Collies are calmer, more judicious and self-sufficient. It is believed that they are more suitable for adults and the elderly as excellent companions.

For example, the Sheltie will almost always follow its owner and will try with all his might to attract attention. In addition, the Shelties simply hate being alone for long. As for collies, these dogs will think a hundred times more before following you. They do not like to waste their energy and it is better to calmly rest in a corner than they will bother you.

The FCI standard allows for 4 official colors in Sheltie dogs.

• Black and black and white colors... A fairly common color variety in Scotland. This variant also allows a small amount of brown markings on the face and limbs. Color peculiarity: black head, black body, white mane on the chest, as well as the limbs at the level of the pasterns and below.
• Sable. One of the most beloved flowers among breeders, it is distinguished by a light mane on the chest and a body on which a whole palette of colors can be located in a different order, from bright red to golden shades. The main difference in color is the complete absence of gray and faded areas.
• Tricolor. In this case, the coat on the dog's chest is white, and brown and red shades are located throughout the body.
• Marble or blue merle. In this case, there is a light or bluish coat with dark blurred specks all over the dog's body, including the muzzle and belly. The chest usually remains white.

Due to the Sheltie's high intelligence and trust in their owner, the upbringing of these dogs is quick and painless. Both the owner and the dog enjoy mental and physical training - these pets adore exactly following commands and seek favor with their owner.

In order for the Sheltie training to be as painless as possible, it is worth considering a number of points.

• Be patient. Remember that each trick requires a lot of repetition for good memorization and reproduction, do not require momentary obedience from the dog. Express your dissatisfaction with your voice, but do not allow situations of open aggression with beatings or insults.
• External stimuli... The main task in the upbringing of these dogs is to get them to react calmly to extraneous sounds and actions that greatly distract them. This includes noise, exposure to other family members or other pets. At first, training should take place in the most quiet place so that the pet can concentrate. After six months of training, it is worth gradually transferring to the street so that your dog does not experience problems with socialization.
• Promotion methods. If your pet follows your instructions correctly, do not forget about banal encouragement and praise. The usual but affectionate "Well done!" sometimes enough to motivate the dog for the entire training session.
• Activity. Shelties are very active, restless and playful - it can be difficult for them to concentrate on performing any one action.

An important element in keeping any dog ​​is a regular healthy diet with vitamins and minerals. The diet of Sheltie dogs should be based on foods high in animal protein. The rest of the menu is made up of plant foods, additives, and treats.

• Main dish. First of all, this is raw meat with a small proportion of fat - veal, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, rabbit. In addition to meat, offal in the form of spleens, liver and hearts can be used. Boiled sea fish (always with a small amount of bones) will also be an excellent substitute for meat. Before the pet reaches 2 months of age, the meat should be served grated. Remember that meat products should make up at least 50% of your dog's daily diet.
• Herbal Supplements... The following cereals can be used as hearty plant foods: pearl barley, rice, buckwheat, oatmeal. To make the porridge tastier for the dog, it is recommended to boil them in broths with offal or meat. You can also add chopped greens to cereals - parsley, dill, lettuce (dandelion leaves or young nettle soaked in salt can be used as a substitute). Sheltie should be given quail or chicken yolks (raw) at least once every 2-3 days, whites should only be boiled.
• Treats... Vegetable purees, berries (raspberries, strawberries) can serve as a good addition to the main dish, but you should not overdo it with delicacies. Vegetables must be fresh and juicy. You should consult your veterinarian before using any fruit or vegetable to avoid the possibility of allergies. Dried fruits can be used as a substitute for fresh fruit - sheltie dogs simply adore them.
• Ready feed... Naturally, these dogs can be fed with both natural food and commercial prepared foods. In this case, experts recommend choosing premium food and higher (for small dogs).

Shelties have a healthy stomach that allows them to digest almost all types of food. Only products that are equally harmful to all dogs remain harmful here:

1. any kind of confectionery sweets;
2. tubular bones (hinder digestion, get stuck in the pharynx);
3. any baked goods or any other wheat flour products (such as pasta);
4. potatoes, legumes and fruits with a high level of acidity and fat content;
5. human food (spicy, smoked, salted, pickled, spicy foods);
6. any dairy products, only fermented milk (cottage cheese, cheese, whey) are allowed.

Initially, the Sheltie was used precisely as a herding dog breed with a rather long coat and strong immunity to survive in the harsh conditions of rainy Scotland. Thanks to their strong immunity, these dogs have become immune to most common diseases. That's why The main part of taking care of these pets comes down to regular walks and caring for their beautiful and lush coat.

As already mentioned, these dogs do not tolerate being in one place for a long time. They need fresh air, regular walks and exercise. Shelties simply adore chasing a frisbee or a ball across spacious fields, often looking for insects or small animals in the grass. At the same time, the Shelties try to involve the owner in their entertainment and games, without which their walk will be simply impossible. That is why these dogs should not be kept outdoors or in an enclosure. The ideal option would be two meals. walking with a total time of 2-3 hours, for males this figure is slightly higher.

The frequency and duration of walks may vary depending on the season or the age of the dog. So, if we are talking about a still young individual Sheltie or about puppies, then they need to be walked at least 2-3 times a day, no longer than half an hour. In winter, the duration of walks is reduced - young individuals have not yet fully developed immunity to fight serious diseases. In addition, ice paths are characteristic of winter, from which the limbs of a young dog can malformed.

The main problem in caring for these dogs is precisely their thick and long coat, the presence of which for many future breeders is a reason to abandon the dog. Many people believe that such a coat is a guarantee that there will always be dirt and a huge amount of wool in the apartment at every step. Experienced breeders claim that such a problem occurs only in lazy owners who are dishonest about combing and combing these dogs.

To protect yourself and your apartment during the Sheltie shedding, you need to thoroughly comb your pet at least twice a week with a thick brush or a comb in the form of a glove. In addition to removing dead guard hair, these devices will provide your dog's skin with a pleasant and healing massage. Combing is carried out in two stages - first, the top coat is treated, and then the top layer of the undercoat.

Despite such a thick and long coat, the Sheltie does not need regular and thorough bathing. Thorough washing of wool with shampoo and lotions should be carried out no more than 1 time in 2 months. Do not be afraid to walk with these dogs in the rain - this breed does not have a characteristic doggy smell.

At least once a week, you should clean your ears, rinse your eyes and brush your teeth. Don't forget to adjust the length of the claws. You should not neglect the usual preventive examinations to find out the condition of any part of the dog's body.

Do not neglect monitoring your pet's health - keep track of activity, appetite, mood and excrement. Before sending the Sheltie on their first outdoor walk, be sure to ask your veterinarian for the necessary vaccinations.

This is not to say that for this breed of dogs their owners select some specific nicknames, characteristic only of the Sheltie. Most often, these are completely different names, designed to beat a certain quality of the pet: beauty, color, activity or thoroughbredness.

Nicknames popular for Sheltie boys: Agate, Wolf, Gray, Jacques, Lure, Marseille, Marble, Nero, Oscar, Rudolph, Fred, Charlie, Yasher.

Sheltie girls are often called: Ira, Betty, Hera, Zara, Ilda, Christa, Linda, Mira, Polly, Setty, Ula, Holly, Shetty, Helen.

See the next video for the most interesting facts about the Sheltie breed.