Different breeds of dogs.

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

by Dennis Fisher.

This article is one of a great many articles written by Dennis Fisher about a very wide variety of subjects concerning different  dogs, such as obedience training, breeding, showing, health matters, training problems and other subjects.  All these articles appear on Dennis Fisher's websites.   Visit  http://www.allaboutgermanshepherddogs.com the site that has been set up specifically for German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, or http://www.freedogadvice.com  if you interested in a breed   other than German Shepherd Dogs

This fairly small dog, about 15 inches high, closely resembles the large rough-haired Scotch Collie.

Very much the same as the larger breed there are also a great variety of colors, black, rich tan, gold and a  silvery blue.

The coat is a double coat with a long, straight  outercoat and a soft, short undercoat.   There is an attractive mane that is full and profuse.    The hind legs  also have abundant hair.

In spite of its profuse coat the Shetland is not difficult to groom. All that is required  is fairly regular  brushing in order for the coat to retain its sheen and signs of obvious good health.

A well-groomed Shetland Sheepdog is certainly a very handsome animal.

This is a very active, intelligent breed, loyal and affectionate, known to be friendly and also good with children, but it does require firm handling. 

Although I personally have never owned a Shetland Sheepdog  I have had some contact with this breed.

 A very good friend, who happened to be an excellent, experienced trainer, owned a Sheltie bitch.  Although I visited my friend fairly often, the animal never accepted me, was slightly timid and inclined to snap. 

My friend would  correct  the animal quite sharply but it remained very wary and I would always hesitate to pat it.

Although this may have been a completely isolated instance, and the Shelties are generally known to be quite confident little animals,  it is an  indication that  firm handling and early socialization is necessary.

The head of the Sheltie is wedge-shaped, long, with a flat skull and definite stop.   The eyes are almond-shaped, usually brown, but in the case of the merle, sometimes blue.

The body is somewhat long and  the chest deep.

There is no question that the Shetland Sheepdog is one of the attractive breeds of dog, especially when the coat is abundant and well care for. 

 If someone is able to spend the time in training and is willing to go regularly  to obedience classes, so that the animal is well socialized at a an early age, there is no reason why the Shetland Sheepdog  should not turn out to be a delightful, well-behaved, loyal companion.