Shetland Sheepdog

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Shelties can consume at least 3/4 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food a day, divided into two meals. While the Shetland Sheepdog isn't picky about what it eats and still has a small appetite, it does require a high-quality, easily digestible diet. They will gain weight whether they are overfed or underexercised.

In the fall and spring, the coat sheds a lot. Shelties have a double coat and shed a lot, no matter what season it is. They don't shed as much as dogs like the German Shepherd or the Newfoundland Dog. Mostly because Shelties are more miniature than bigger dogs and therefore don't have too much hair to shed, they do, though, spill a lot of blood. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Shetland Sheepdog is not the best choice if you have pet allergies. This is because their coat contains much dander, and because they shed too much, this dander tends to scatter around the house.

Shelties' thick hair needs grooming at least twice a week. Shelties, with their thick double coats, need weekly grooming to avoid matting. The undercoat is dense and furry and sits next to the skin, while the outer coat is harsh and straight.

Brushing the dog regularly is helpful during moulting. Once or twice a month, trim its nails. They're too long if you can hear them tapping on the cement. Short, perfectly clipped nails keep your Sheltie's paws in excellent shape and shield your shins from being bruised as he jumps up to greet you.

It's also essential to keep your teeth clean. Brush the Sheltie's teeth at least twice to three days a week to avoid tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Brushing regularly is much easier.

On the other hand, Shelters can thrive in tiny homes or apartments if played in a fenced-in yard or walked on a leash.
Shelties are athletic and competitive, and although they require moderate exercise, they are still very adaptable to their owners' lifestyles. As long as their trainers have enough exercise, they perform well as city dogs. They love going on trips with their friends and family that can challenge both their minds and bodies. Shelties compete in various dog sports, including obedience, agility, herding, and tracking, and they make excellent service dogs.

Shelties are a breed of dog. Since there is a tendency for genetic malformation and illness of the eyes, a visit to a veterinarian at least once a month may be essential. Few lines are vulnerable to hypothyroidism and patella (kneecap) displacement, which is believed to be hereditary. Don't overeat; they'll add weight quickly. Epilepsy, von Willebrand disease, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and deafness are all possible in this breed.

It is recommended that you have its eyes, hips, DNA, and thyroid tested. Ivermectin can be intolerable to certain people. Since homozygous merle is dangerous to health and can be fatal, one merle should not be bred with another merle.

Shetland sheepdogs are noted for having a gentle, soft, and appealing demeanour. They're both playful and affectionate, which has helped them become ordinary family pets. They are frequently excellent with children. They have a low-hanging tail that is just raised when they are warning and never borne over the shoulder. They are a fiercely loyal breed that can be reserved around outsiders but should not be shy or timid. Because of their small scale, they are less frightening to young children, and they have become familiar family friend with a reputation for gentle play.

The excitable Shetland Sheepdog, though mostly patient, can be too much for younger children to manage. An adult should supervise playtime, and the child should be encouraged to love the animal.

Shelties are among the most sophisticated pedigree dogs, and they pick up new commands quickly. They have a great urge to please, so praise and words of affirmation are normally all that's needed when teaching them.

Basic obedience and even tricks can have no obstacle or excitement for these intelligent canines, who rely on finding a work to do or a competition to play in. They excel at flyball and athleticism for these reasons, whether competitively or just for fun. These activities offer both physical and emotional stimulation, and are highly recommended for all but the most frail Shelties.

Another factor to remember when raising Shetland Sheepdogs is their proclivity for repetitive barking. They make excellent guard dogs because they are still alert to strange smells and noises, but they can become annoying barkers if left alone for long periods of time. Training Sheltie puppies to ''alk'' and ''cease'' on order is also a smart thing, as it will allow the trainer more influence of the dog's vocalization patterns later in life.

Even if they don't work with other dogs, Shelties have a strong affinity for their breed when it comes to other breeds. They tend to consider other Shelties as kindred spirits upon first meeting and are generally polite and eager to play. New dogs of different breeds, on the other hand, appear to be wary of them. They get along with cats until the cat scolds Sheltie for wanting to herd them.