Sheltie - breed description and dog character

Representatives of Sheltie dogs are also called Scottish Shepherds. They belong to shepherd breeds, which gained their fame in the 18th century. Some identify it with a dwarf count, which is not entirely correct. Shetland Islands are her homeland. The formation of the breed was greatly influenced by huskies, which were imported to the islands by fishermen from Greenland.

The shepherds needed small dogs, in anticipation of which an element of working qualities was invested. Dogs looked after the sheep, not allowing them to leave the flocks, and the shepherds themselves were not bored with them. Most likely, such dogs acquired high intellectual abilities as a result of close communication with a person in conditions of isolation from other dogs.

Historical reference

Dogs are somewhat reminiscent of foxes, although they have never been friends with them. But they could undoubtedly protect the chicken coop from this guest. At first glance, Shelty may seem like a miniature copy of Collie. Of course, there is a certain share of truth in this, but this is far from the case. The blood of a Scottish shepherd dog in Sheltie's veins may well flow, but this became possible only closer to the end of the 19th century. The breed itself appeared much earlier.

Where the North Sea borders the Atlantic Ocean, one archipelago is located. All its banks are completely strewn with formations that represent deep gorges. The trees on the islands are practically absent due to the fact that the constant presence of strong winds does not give them strength. But the hilly plain is completely covered with hard grass. Such places are expanse for chubby sheep and shaggy ponies.

For more than half a year, the sky is covered with clouds, and fog and humidity are eternal companions of the local climate. Once these islands were the bottom of the ocean. Subsequently, they rose, and they began to rise above sea level. Animals in these places were almost completely absent. Then they appeared here simply because they were imported from the mainland. For the same reason, the ancestors of the Scottish shepherds began to appear in these harsh places.

Tuni
Sheltie was entrusted with an honorable duty. They were supposed to guard the home and chicken coops. Sensing danger, they began to bark loudly, thereby warning that uninvited guests had come. The owners did not place these dogs in kennels, but in the house. However, they awarded them another honorary title. They began to call them “Tuni,” which in translation sounds like a kennel.

Four-legged friend in the role of manager
For many centuries, local residents were engaged in raising goats, sheep, and some other animals. There was no need to protect the herd, since various predators were present on the island in only a small amount. But help in looking after the herd, of course, was required. It is clear that the sheep themselves could easily fight off the herd. Shepherds acquired such a reliable assistant in the person of Sheltie. I must say that the dogs perfectly performed the task assigned to them.

Dogs were small in stature and did an excellent job with herd management. It was not difficult for them to run between the sheep. In order to warn the sheep of imminent danger, they began to click their teeth loudly. If grazing was delayed for an indefinite number of days, they could independently provide themselves with food. Their prey became rodents and representatives of the bird kingdom.

Then the existing situation underwent significant changes. Huge farms for keeping sheep began to appear. Such small dogs were no longer able to keep track of a large number of sheep.Then they were replaced by large shepherd dogs and Sheltie remained out of work. This breed generally stopped working. There was even such a moment when representatives of this breed were on the verge of extinction.

As the saying goes, the world is not without good people. This breed managed to gain a large number of fans. They were not professionals, but were active Shelty propagandists. Their efforts were reinforced by the sincere belief that such dogs are ideally suited for keeping the home. The ancestors of this breed are represented by dogs from Iceland in the countries of Scandinavia. Fans crossed these pets with many other breeds. Towards the end of the last century, Shelley was somewhat reminiscent of the Scottish Collie.
In 1914, the breed gained its standard. In it, according to the external characteristics, Shelley was equated with Collie. But by the middle of the century, the difference had become pronounced and the term “Scottish Shepherd” altogether disappeared from the description.

The harsh climate in the Shetland Islands has led to a limited supply of food. Naturally, it was much easier to feed a small dog. This fully applies to Shelty. And the world saw another beautiful representatives from these places. This is a charming Scottish pony. These horses are short and look very attractive. The entourage is complemented by a magnificent shaggy mane.

Breed characteristics

1. Sheltie can not be considered a dwarf breed. Dogs can reach a height of 38 cm, and in weight - almost 10 kg. Some representatives can reach larger sizes. This possibility is present due to the fact that rather large breeds also took part in the crossing. But the standard does not allow deviation from the approved parameters by more than 2.5 cm.
2. The amygdala shape of the eyes is incredibly expressive. They have brown, sometimes blue color.
3. The ears and head have a look that creates the impression of constant alertness of the dog. But at the same time, the pet has a gentle, soft and intelligent look.
4. The tail is slightly raised during movement.
5. The body is covered with long, stiff and straight hair. But on the face is not long hair. The updated standard (in its description) contains many flattering epithets regarding these dogs. Despite the fact that this document was adopted at the end of the 19th century, it is valid today.

Representatives of this breed are owners of a three-color color. Under the wool is a short and soft undercoat. In the past, it was not just a decoration, but served as a protection against cold winds. The presence of a long mane helps to give the dog a special charm. The image nicely complements the presence of a fluffy tail and lowered forepaws. The dog is covered with a luxurious fur coat, and this, combined with a smart muzzle in the shape of a wedge, will impress any dog ​​lover. But sometimes a dog can take a rather formidable look. This is a legacy of the past when Sheltie grazed sheep. It is easy to guess what would happen to the sheep at the sight of a good-natured dog. They would just run away.

When moving the dog is graceful and flexible. Sheltie can run fast and jump great. With a general perception, the dog looks beautiful, with elements of intelligence and the presence of high intelligence.

Character traits

The dog has a friendly and gentle disposition. Marked attachment to his master is noted. At the same time, she is not devoid of self-esteem and will not tolerate when she is treated rudely. In the family, she acts as an excellent companion. To strangers shows a pronounced restraint, but at the same time does not show nervousness.

Self-esteem is her innate sense. She is also characterized by the presence of a sense of independence and delicacy. If the owner is busy, she will show tact, and will not bother him.She does not have to be persuaded to play. She is at any time ready to join the gaming action. Prefers to participate in collective games. Only one owner will obey the dog. Characteristically, Shelty is able to coexist peacefully even with cats.

Sheltie refers to breeds that are easy to train. If there are any other animals in the house, she will easily get along with them. In relation to children shows affection and care. Such a dog can be easily bred by both a lonely and a family man. Representatives of this breed have an amazing variety of their language. His arsenal includes many versions of the canine "colloquial genre" - from whining to barking. If necessary, it can be easily weaned from barking.

They hate strangers approaching them, but they themselves can easily approach a stranger if they see a friendly attitude. It is impossible to carry out hard training with such dogs. It is enough for her if they show the difference between how to behave correctly and how not to do it.

Note! In no case should physical methods be applied to dogs. This can lead to character corruption. In this case, the animal becomes angry and stubborn. The other side of this moment is that the dog becomes clogged, showing severe cowardice.

In the past, Shelters were excellent farm guards. But they were able to cope only with a small beast. Large animals were beyond their power. They informed the owners of their approach only with a loud bark. Despite the fact that such a dog shows a pronounced wariness in relation to a stranger, a full-fledged defender will not come out of him. The social adaptation of the representative of this breed should be given due attention.

Such dogs love to "talk". You can often hear barking or growling. The persistence of this habit is due to the fact that in the past they grazed sheep. If necessary, excessive talkativeness is limited. It is enough for the dog to give the appropriate command, as the causeless barking stops immediately.

Sheltie currently does not graze sheep and does not serve as a guard. But it can be kept without problems in the apartment. Even rock mobility allows this. This is facilitated by her good learning ability. The dog is quite easy to train.

Important! The presence of sporting events, long walks are a prerequisite for the maintenance of dogs of this breed. The natural constitution of the dog suggests the need for physical exertion.

Since Shelty was constantly surrounded by people and animals, she clearly did not welcome loneliness. When she is left alone, she becomes, to put it mildly, uncomfortable. If the owner is at work a lot of time, then it is better for him not to start Sheltie at all. If a dog is not endowed with human attention, presence in games, then it becomes such that it is very difficult to manage.

Content Tips

Since the dog has a long coat, this circumstance leaves a certain imprint on the conditions for its content.

1. It is good if a real arsenal of different combs is prepared. The set must have a massage hygiene tool and a metal comb, bristle brushes. Every 10 days you need to thoroughly comb the dog. This will prevent or minimize the formation of tangles.
2. Bathing is carried out once a month. This should not be done more often. This becomes most relevant when the dog begins to molt. With the help of water, the process of changing hair of a hair is accelerated. At the time when the dog is bathed, in no case should you pour shampoo directly onto the dog's skin. It is pre-bred in the pelvis.
3. When molting occurs, the pet requires daily combing.But you can’t cut such dogs, because this can cause hormonal imbalance.

For those who like dogs without a strong aggression, but with a high degree of vigilance, this breed is well suited. It is suitable for those who do not like large dogs.

Fact! The pet loves the space when walking, loves those places where you can run around enough. When walking, she will not bother the owner and herself will find something for herself to exercise.

Such dogs are distinguished by good sociability in relation to adults and children. The dog feels quite comfortable if the family is friendly and there are no constant conflicts.

Health

Dogs of this breed have good health. This was facilitated by the harsh Scottish climate. He allowed the dogs to temper well. This explains the fact that such dogs have a fairly strong immunity. Some representatives live even up to 20 years. A characteristic feature is that the liveliness of character does not lose over the years as it grows.

Despite the fact that these dogs are in good health, they still inherited some diseases and eye defects. In dogs of this breed, the patella often moves and hypothyroidism occurs.

Nutrition

You can feed the dog with dry feed and natural products. The right of choice rests with the owner. If the choice falls on dry feed, then they should only be of high quality. You should not buy cheap samples, while saving on the health of the dog. You should always remember that such additives may include various additives. This is done to make them more attractive, but they are far from always useful for the health of the dog.

Sheltie should not be overfed in any case, since animals are prone to obesity and gain weight quickly enough. If the dog is sick and certain medications are prescribed, it is necessary to check the sensitivity of the animal to them. The fact is that many dogs do not show any reactions when using medications, and they act on Shelty in a completely different way. In some cases, they can even be fatal.

Tips for first time puppies

1. Optimal for buying a puppy is the age of 1.5 to 4 months. At too young a baby is not worth buying. The puppy is not yet psychologically prepared for the fact that mom will not be around.
2. A cozy, quiet place will stand out for the puppy. There he will feel comfortable. It should be prepared for the fact that the puppy at first will be unnecessarily “crying”. This will be most intense on the first night after appearing in a new place.
3. Up to 4 months, a character is formed, the appearance of certain habits is observed. Great attention needs to be paid to this time range. In the future, it will be very difficult to fix anything. It is necessary that communication with the animal be confidential.

If a puppy who first appears in the house is more than 16 weeks old, then he will have to be prepared for the fact that he will have to face certain difficulties. It will take a puppy much more time to adapt to new conditions.

Video: Sheltie dog breed