Often this cute miniature dog is called a dwarf collie. However, this is a completely independent breed of shepherd dogs, which was bred on the Shetland Islands. Most likely, a very long time ago the collies were brought to the islands, and in the course of breeding, by breeding 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 old days of the Vikings (IX - X centuries). True, she received official recognition in the 19th century. Prior to this, shepherd dogs from the Shetland Islands modestly performed shepherd work. The appearance of these animals suggests an idea of her kinship with a large collie, but at the same time, the official history of the breed claims that they were bred from a border collie. Work on crossing with long-haired brothers began to be carried out only in the XX century.
The shepherds bred these small dogs in order to maximize their working qualities. Their expectations were not in vain. Shepherds became irreplaceable for shepherds. The description of the breed suggests that these dogs took great care of the sheep and also brightened the life of the shepherds.
Probably, such a close and sometimes isolated communication between a dog and a person influenced the development of high intellectual abilities of the breeds.
Sheltie - breed description
These are medium-sized animals - the ideal growth of a male at the withers is 36.5 cm, slightly less than a 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 folded, active dog.
Head
Wedge-shaped, long. The skull is flat, with a weakly pronounced occipital protuberance. Smooth, rather soft transition from forehead to muzzle. Medium-sized eyes, almond- shaped, obliquely set. Usually dark brown color. Dogs gray-blue color start allows blue eyes.
The ears
High, close set, small size. Standing for ¾ length. The ends are directed forward.
Jaws
Powerful. The lower jaw is more developed . Lips are dry. The teeth are smooth and strong. Scissor bite, correct.
Housing
A long, beautifully curved neck. The body is a little stretched in length, muscular. The chest is deep with convex ribs. The back is completely flat.
Limbs
Strong boned, dry. Paws, arched, oval, fairly compact, fingers closed, pads firm.
Tail
Has a beautiful suspension of long wool, reaches the hock length. When the dog is calm, he is lowered down, when excited, rises above the line of the back, but does not tilt over it.
Wool
Has a long outer hair, straight and quite hard to the touch. Thick and short undercoat is quite soft. Luxurious long mane and elegant frill give the animal a majestic look. On the hind legs, the coat is very thick, forming pants.
A Sheltie dog can have a three-color color (black with red tan, legs, chest and tip of the tail - white), marble blue, black sable with a tan and white markings.
Character
This is a very soft and friendly dog. She is extremely attached to the owner, but does not tolerate rude relationships. According to the breeders - a wonderful, and maybe the best companion is sheltie. The description of the breed convinces us that it becomes a true friend for all family members. In communication with strangers, she is restrained, but she does not show any nervousness.
Sheltie (owner reviews confirm these words) has an innate self-esteem, she is independent and very delicate. She will not bother the owner when he is busy with business, but she is always ready to give up “her affairs” and join the game.
Sheltie (whose photo you see in this article), according to dog handlers, is considered one of the most easily trained breeds. She has a quick reaction and the ability to deliberate action. She always looks very carefully in the eye, waiting for a command. She always seeks to fulfill the owner’s command and always absorbs his best qualities.
This is a sensitive and brave watchman. He warns of the appearance of an outsider with a growl. Getting along with pets is very easy. He loves and cares for children infinitely, especially if they belong to the host family. Suitable for keeping both single people and for a large family.
Behavior features
Amazing Sheltie dog. The description of the breed is striking in the presence of its unique features that are not found in other dogs.
The "language" of these animals is diverse. They can plaintively squeal, moan, grumble, howl uneasily and grunt peacefully. Their voice is sonorous, with numerous overflows. An attentive owner can always determine what the dog wants to tell him. If desired, it is easy to wean her bark.
Shelties are not very fond of when a stranger approaches them, but at the same time they themselves are happy to come when they see a friendly attitude towards themselves.
Maintenance and care
As already mentioned, a very intelligent, affectionate and kind sheltie dog. Owner reviews suggest that it is suitable for everyone who needs a small, aggressive, but alert four-legged friend.
This charming creature gets along well in a city apartment and on the street, loves outdoor games. For her walking you need space and the ability to run around freely.
Shelty needs physical activity, while it does not require increased attention from the owner and is quite capable (with sufficient space) to occupy itself.
If we talk about the health of these animals, it should be noted a tendency to inherit diseases and eye defects. Infrequently, there is a displacement of the patella, hypothyroidism. In addition, these dogs must not be overfed, as they easily gain excess weight. On average, they live up to 15 years. If there is a need for treatment, you should check the animal’s sensitivity to certain drugs that are completely safe for other breeds, and can become fatal for sheltie.
Training and training
Sheltie (the description of the breed leaves no doubt about it) is an intellectual dog. They strive in every way to please the owner and happily carry out his commands. Their skill with which they serve the security of home is admirable.
At the initial stage of training, most dogs of this breed use a mild method - the owner chooses the option depending on the training objectives and the specific skills of the animal. In any case, sheltie should work joyfully and cheerfully.
In parallel, the dog must be accustomed to extraneous irritants, without requiring the implementation 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) of the leader "microstoys". In the case of this breed, this should not be achieved through psychological pressure. It is better to take advantage of the hierarchical laws of the pack.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the short list of “rights and obligations” of the pack leader:
- the leader must eat first, he is allowed to take food from the members of the pack;
- the leader for sleep is given the best place in which no one else sleeps;
- he always comes first, the pack follows him;
- makes sure that the pack is held in a group;
- only the leader is allowed to decide whether the pack will enter the battle.
Compliance with certain rules will allow the owner to become a "leader of the pack" and thus subordinate his pet:
- the dog should always eat only after the owner;
- the trainer should specially drop pieces of his favorite treat on the floor and immediately pick them up, not allowing him to pick up the dog;
- the animal should never be above the trainer (owner). This refers not only to the figurative meaning of this word. If the owner lay down on the sofa, then place the dog on the floor;
- the trainer, but by no means a dog, is the first to go through the door;
- the dog should allow its owner to do with it everything that is necessary - to feel it, examine the bite, measure the temperature, etc. Calm behavior is encouraged by a delicacy; with resistance, the trainer should not retreat, but you should not hurry. With the help of food incentives, it is necessary to systematically achieve submission.
It is often difficult for sheltie owners to realize that they need to dominate such a charming creature. Undoubtedly, even the 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 fulfill the trainer's commands.
Sheltie puppies
In our articles about animals, we always talk about the fact that they should be purchased only in nurseries or from breeders, having previously visually assessed the baby's parents. It is advisable to inspect several litters so that you have the opportunity to compare them.
It should be borne in mind that in Sheltie, the price of which can be quite high, “giants” and “dwarfs” may appear in one litter, that is, babies that differ from the standard sizes. For a pet, this is not a significant drawback, although the seller must drastically reduce the cost of the animal. And for the dog, which the owners are going to represent at the shows or use in breeding, this drawback will be decisive.
Toddlers of this breed easily adapt to the orders of a new home and become friends of all households.
In any case, Sheltie puppies should be purchased from breeders who value their name, who are not profitable to sell low-quality animals.
Reviews
These are cute, kind and very smart dogs - sheltie. The feedback of those who raise these animals suggests that they can become indispensable members of the family. The breed is very plastic. They are hardy and gentle, considerate and friendly. These dogs have an inquiring mind, it is easy to be friends with them, while being the main thing in a relationship! In a word - a companion dog with a capital letter. If you need a good and cheerful friend, then you need shelti. The price of these dogs ranges from 15 to 35 thousand rubles.