Information About The Dog Breed - Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are a breed of small to medium-sized dogs that were originally developed as working dogs on the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding instincts, and are often described as being similar to Collies in miniature.

Shetland Sheepdogs have a thick, double-layered coat that comes in a variety of colors, including sable, black, blue merle, and white. They are active and energetic, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Shelties are generally good with children and other animals, and they are known for being easy to train and very responsive to their owners.

If you're considering getting a Shetland Sheepdog, it's important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide the care and training they need. As with any breed, it's also important to get your Sheltie from a reputable breeder who has the health and welfare of the dogs in mind.

Read more: Separation Anxiety in Dogs | Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Health, Grooming, Exercise, Training & Nutrition Sheltie

Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.

#1 Health of A Shetland Sheepdog / Sheltie

Shetland Sheepdogs, like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. Some potential health concerns to be aware of include:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a common issue in dogs where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to pain and difficulty moving.

• Eye problems: Shelties can be prone to certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

• Allergies: Shelties can be prone to allergies, which can cause symptoms such as itchy skin, excessive scratching, and hot spots.

• Hypothyroidism: Shelties can develop problems with their thyroid gland, which can cause weight gain, hair loss, and other issues.

It's important to work with your veterinarian to monitor for any potential health issues and to provide your Sheltie with regular preventive care, including vaccinations and screenings. This can help catch any potential problems early and ensure that your dog stays healthy throughout their life.

#2 Grooming of a Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs have a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and keep them healthy. Here are some tips for grooming your Sheltie:

• Brush your Sheltie regularly: Shelties have a thick, double-layered coat, with a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Brush your Sheltie at least once a week to remove tangles and mats and to distribute natural oils throughout their coat.

• Bathe your Sheltie as needed: Shelties generally only need to be bathed every few months, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils. When you do bathe your Sheltie, use a mild dog shampoo and make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.

• Trim your Sheltie's nails: It's important to keep your Sheltie's nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long and causing problems with their feet. If you're not comfortable trimming your Sheltie's nails yourself, you can have a veterinarian or a professional groomer do it for you.

• Brush your Sheltie's teeth: It's important to brush your Sheltie's teeth at least once a week to prevent dental problems. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, and be gentle to avoid causing any discomfort.

By following these grooming tips, you can help keep your Sheltie looking and feeling their best.

#3 Exercise of a Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some ways you can provide your Sheltie with the exercise they need:

• Take your Sheltie on daily walks: Daily walks are a great way to provide your Sheltie with the physical and mental stimulation they need. Aim for at least one 30-minute walk per day, and vary the routes you take to keep things interesting.

• Play fetch: Shelties love to play fetch, and it's a great way to provide them with both physical and mental exercise.

• Go on hikes: If you live in an area with trails, consider taking your Sheltie on a hike. Hiking is a great way to provide them with a lot of exercise in a natural setting.

• Enroll your Sheltie in a canine sport: Canine sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball can provide your Sheltie with a lot of physical and mental exercise.

It's important to provide your Sheltie with the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. This will also help prevent behaviors such as destructive chewing and excessive barking, which can result from boredom or pent-up energy.

#4 Training of a Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with the right approach. Here are some tips for training your Sheltie:

• Start training early: It's important to start training your Sheltie as soon as you bring them home, as they are quick learners and will benefit from early socialization and training.

• Use positive reinforcement: Shelties respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats, praise, and other rewards to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can damage the trust between you and your Sheltie.

• Set clear rules and boundaries: Shelties thrive on structure and consistency, so it's important to set clear rules and boundaries for your dog. This will help them understand what is expected of them and will make training easier.

• Keep training sessions short and fun: Shelties have short attention spans, so it's important to keep training sessions short and fun. Use a variety of training methods and mix things up to keep your Sheltie engaged and interested.

• Be patient: Shelties can be stubborn at times, so it's important to be patient and consistent with your training. Don't get frustrated if your Sheltie doesn't catch on right away – they will eventually get the hang of it.

By following these tips, you can effectively train your Sheltie and help them become a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family.

#5 Nutrition of Shetland Sheepdog

Proper nutrition is important for all dogs, including Shetland Sheepdogs. Here are some tips for feeding your Sheltie:

• Choose a high-quality dog food: It's important to choose a high-quality dog food for your Sheltie, as this will provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Look for a food that is appropriate for your Sheltie's age, size, and activity level, and make sure it is made with high-quality ingredients.

• Follow the feeding guidelines: Each dog food brand has its own feeding guidelines, which will provide recommendations on how much to feed your Sheltie based on their age, size, and activity level. Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure your Sheltie is getting the right amount of food.

• Avoid giving your Sheltie table scraps: It's generally not a good idea to give your Sheltie table scraps, as many human foods can be harmful to dogs. Stick to a high-quality dog food to ensure your Sheltie is getting the nutrients they need.

• Keep your Sheltie hydrated: It's important to make sure your Sheltie has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will help prevent dehydration and keep them healthy.

Read more: Rules & Requirements of Travelling with Dogs - in Europe

How To Transport A Shetland Sheepdog in The Car?

Whether your Shetland Sheepdog is 6 months, 1 year or 5 years old, you will have to transport him by car one way or another. Indeed, for a visit to the veterinarian, for a trip on vacation or for a walk in the woods, your Shetland Sheepdog will have to be transported by car.

So you’re probably wondering how to do it? Where to put your Shetland Sheepdog: on a seat, in the box, attached, in a cage? This blog will help you to know the different modes of transport of a Shetland Sheepdog by car and the equipments that guarantees your safety as well as his.

How To Ensure Comfort in The Car For A Sheltie?

Travelling in a vehicle can be distressing for your pet along with the motion causing them to be sick. To help your Sheltie getting used to being in the car, it’s best to introduce them to this as early as possible as part of their socialisation training. Exposing them at a young age to this environment will desensitise their uncertainty and get them used to the motion. It’s best for your dog to be able to see out of a window when travelling, or if your pet is prone to motion sickness, allow them to face forward.

Travel socialisation can be built up, starting with short distances and extending to longer distance car journeys. Treats can help make these new experiences positive and reinforce your pet that they have behaved well.

Read more: Depression in Dogs| Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Travelling With A Shetland Sheepdog in The Car

How to travel with a dog in the car? In order to ensure a successfull car ride you need to be well-prepared. We have gathered the best must-follow tips to create the best preparation for your dog.

The most common dog problems that many dogs experience in the car:

• Motion sickness: to avoid car sickness, it's important to not feed your dog a few hours before leaving the house;
• Stress: be familiar with dog stress in the car. Read our blog to learn more about stress in dogs;
• Anxiety: anxiety by dogs in car rides are very common. Read more about this problem to prevent it.

What are the best tips to travel with a dog?

• Law rules & Requirements - of how to travel with a dog in Europe;
• 29 Must-Follow Tips - How to transport a dog in the car?;

Tips:

• If you’re staying in a hotel, call the management in advance and know their policies when it comes to pets;
• Bring your dog’s medical certificates, vaccination documents, and other similar records just in case they are required;
• When traveling by land, take a break every 2-3 hours. Bring your dog out of the crate and let him get some fresh air to stretch a little bit. Bathroom breaks would also be important for your pet;
• If all else fails, you can consider using medication or sedative as prescribed by your vet;
• Make sure your dog is used to getting into your car regularly from a young age;
• To make sure he doesn't get too stressed, take the time to gradually get him used to the car. You can make several short trips, reward him with a treat so he associates transportation with positive things;
• Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the window open, in the shade or even in winter (risk of excessive heat, injuries ...);
• If you travel by car with your dog, stop every 2 hours for his needs and give him something to drink;
• Make sure the driver is safe;
• Make sure your dog is safe and comfortable by using a dog car seat.

Read more: #10x Tips & Tricks Puppy Car Travelling Every Owner Should Know

Travelling in The Car - Safety For Your Sheltie

One of the most important rules of travelling with your dog: Do not leave your Shetland Sheepdog free in the car. Indeed, he may be injured, fall or receive a shock when braking hard.

1. Dog car seat: The best investment is a dog car seat with safety elements to ensure a safe car ride;
2. Safety elements: always make sure your dog is restraint with a sturdy dog harness and a dog car seat belt;

Travelling in The Car - Safety For The Driver

In a collision at 50 km/h, even a small dog can become a life-threatening projectile for passengers in the car. What is the law on dogs in cars? When in a vehicle make sure dogs or  are suitably restrained to avoid distraction or injuring. In an event of a collision, it could be used as evidence against you if your dog is not properly secured.

Do dogs have to be restrained in cars? When driving with dogs it's important to be familiar with the law rule 57 highway code. A proper dog car seat, dog harness, dog seat belt are the best ways of restraining. Make sure to check out the correct law rules for your own country.

If your pet is found to have caused or contributed to an accident, your car insurance could be invalid, as well as any pet insurance. You could also face a fine of up to £5,000 if you’re taken to court, as well as points on your license.

Extra Tips From Dog Owners:

• Plan breaks, fresh water and a little walk before you go on an adventure. (Thanks for the tip @naturheilpraxisemig
• Some Shelties can have separation anxiety when left alone in the car. That is something you can practise at home before going on a trip. (Thanks for the tip @lucathesheltie)

Luxury Dog Car Seat

L'élianne ® designer dog car seat is original, exclusive & innovative designed for any car-adventure. Our iconic dog travel bed provides the best protection, comfort, and support during dangerous & unsafe situations.

The dog booster seat is a must-have to instantly master anxiety, stress or car sickness. The elevated seat provides a breathtaking view of the outside world. L'élianne ® strives for a future where dogs no longer have to feel such problems.

The luxury dog booster car seat functions as an airbag effect during sharp turns, hard brakes & high bumps. By recreating the comforts of your home for small to medium-sized dogs into the car.

SHARE THIS BLOG

DISCOVER MORE BLOGS