The Shetland Sheepdog is an active herding dog that needs proper care and maintenance. Only with regular walks and training will it grow up agile, sociable and cheerful.

Not so long ago, this breed was not so popular. It was taken rather for a small collie or even a foxhound, but it is a separate breed of dog, which has its own features and a long history. For many decades, Shetland Sheepdogs have helped the farmers and shepherds of the Shetland Islands, and nowadays they are excellent companions.

Raising

Shetland Sheepdogs quickly learn basic commands, but it can be difficult to manage them. After all, they are very energetic and sociable dogs that always want to be the center of attention. Sheepdogs require constant care from the owner, they try to please him, so with a subtle emotional connection will be very obedient and obedient, but if they feel that they are neglected, they can start to be capricious. That said, Shetland Sheepdogs are very sensitive creatures. They will never bore their owners, but are always ready to socialize.

Dogs of this breed have a very developed sense of dignity, and they do not tolerate rough treatment. If the owner wants to achieve something from the pet, it is better to interest him than to threaten and pressure.

During training, Shetland Sheepdogs listen attentively to the owner. The more frequent the training, the more qualitatively they fulfill the commands. When a mutual understanding is reached, a great deal can be achieved in training.

By the way

Shetland Sheepdogs have a well-developed shepherd instinct. They strive to protect the household and closely monitor their movements during walks. Shelties love to herd everyone from their owners to the ducks in the park. This peculiarity of the pet can be utilized by training it to be a watchdog.

Content and care

Shetland Sheepdogs have a hard time tolerating changes in living conditions, and if you add to that a change in diet, they can even get sick. So, before a puppy of 1 to 3 months of age is brought home, you should check with the breeder to see what the puppy has been fed before. This diet should be followed for 3 to 4 days.

Switch to the new menu should be phased, carefully observing the puppy's reaction. It should be fed 3-4 times a day. The first meal should preferably include dairy products such as semolina or cottage cheese. The last feeding should mainly consist of meat, vegetables and porridge, to which you can add a little vegetable oil.

Throughout their lives, Shetland Sheepdogs need careful care of their coats. They need to be combed out several times a week, and during the shedding period every day.

In addition, general grooming includes eye and ear cleaning, as well as regular nail trimming. The ears of the Sheepdog are very sensitive, so they need special attention. When puppies are 1-3 months old, it is not even recommended to stroke their ears to allow them to develop properly.

There is only one friend

Shetland Sheepdogs usually choose one master. They are friendly to everyone else, but the best friend, for whom the dog is ready to do everything in the world, is only one. The pet can even imitate its owner if it admires him.