Among the vast diversity of herding dog breeds that are out there we find the gorgeous, unique and definitely charming Shetland Sheepdog. This dog is certainly among the most popular herding dogs. Its history makes us travel to the beautiful Scottish land where it was originally created. Even though this dog accompanied humans for centuries, it wasn't until the eighteenth century that it finally acquired its current features. They were fabulous herding dogs always ready to guard and protect cattle from possible predators. Their efficiency and stamina made them become incredible companions and this is why today the Shetland Sheepdog is chosen as a marvelous family pet. This breed is officially recognized by the AKC, the CKC, the FCI, the UKC and many other dog associations.
We can begin by telling you the accepted measurements for a dog like this. While the Shetland Sheepdog features a height of around 13 to 16 inches, its weight is usually between 14 and 27 pounds. This is a mid sized dog that features a square shaped body with short legs and a longer than taller complection. The Shetland Sheepdog features strong legs and a broad chest. The head is triangular and quite similar to the one of the Collie breed. The muzzle is narrow but powerful while the ears are V shaped and carried erected. The eyes are dark and small (sometimes you can not even see them due to the abundant coat). Finally, the coat of this animal is long and dense, soft and it covers the entire body of the animal. It becomes especially dense in regions such as the chest, the neck, the back of the legs and the tail. Colors for this coat are varied although they are always among the gray and blue tones.
The temperament of the Shetland Sheepdog is that of any herding dog: a devoted companion with the strenght to fullfill tons of activities and the bravery to protect its loved ones at anytime. The Shetland Sheepdog loves human company and will not enjoy being left alone for quite a long time. These dogs are also gentle and sociable towards children but small pets should be early socialized when the dog is still a puppy in order to prevent any possible complication. Thanks to their intelligence, the Shetland Sheepdogs are easy to train and fabulous companion dogs. They require firm leaders simply because they feel more comfortable when they have something to obbey or someone to follow.
Usually, the Shetland Sheepdog displays a life expectancy of around twelve to fifteen years. They are healthy dogs but some inherited complications may appear and this is why prevention is always recommended. These dogs will do just fine in an apartment but it is truly important that you provide them with a daily routine of exercise since they are naturally made to run, jump and dig. If you leave them alone for a long time, they will become anxious and somewhat destructive. The Shetland Sheepdog also requires constant grooming due to the length and abundance of its coat.
