Is a Shetland Sheepdog Hypoallergenic?

Is a Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic? What does this dog breed look like in the first place? Where did it come from? How big does it get? What is its coat’s color? What is its overall mood for most of the time? Is it a healthy breed? How do you take care of it? What are the appropriate foods for such breed? How much exercise does it need to maintain its overall health? What about its behavior with children? How is it with other pets?

Those are some of the basic questions that you are definitely asking if you are considering getting a Shetland Sheepdog as a pet as well as any dog in general. Moreover, asking such questions already proves one thing: you are certainly a responsible pet owner. Obviously, you are trying to research first on the dog breed that you have an eye on which is, indeed, the best first step to take. So good job on that part! This blog post contains all the necessary information about the Shetland Sheepdog as well as some fun trivia about this dog breed. So make sure to stick around.

A Shetland Sheepdog is a breed of dog that was created to herd as well as protect the farmers’ Shetland Sheeps back in the old days. Nowadays, this dog is one of the loved indoor companion dogs that has also a sweet side for playing and fun!

Shetland Sheepdog: Appearance

A Shetland Sheepdog has a refined head with a shape that is a long, blunt edge tapering slightly from the ears to the nose, either from the top or side view. Its skull is also flat on the top and of equal length with the muzzle. Also, their eyes are of medium sized with dark, almond-shaped rims. Additionally, its ears are erect with their tips pushed forward. Moreover, their overall facial expression is gentle as well as inquisitive, especially towards strangers. Furthermore, its neck is both muscular and arched. At the same time, its tail is long.

Shetland Sheepdog: Origin

A Shetland Sheepdog’s history can be traced back in Shetland Islands that is between Scotland and Norway. It was first developed by farmers who crossed the Border Collie with smaller dog breeds. The purpose of the breeding was to create a dog breed that will herd as well as protect their flock of Shetland Sheep.

The first of this breed came from a Spitz-type dog that definitely resembles a modern Icelandic Sheepdog. It was soon crossed with mainland working collies that were brought to the islands. Time passed until it was brought to England in the early 1800s where it was further crossed with the Rough Collie, King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, Border Collie, and the extinct breed of the Greenland Yakki. These too much crossbreeding caused a havoc among the breeders since the original look of the dog has been lost.

In 1909, the English Kennel Club recognized this dog breed which is also called a Sheltie. Moreover, the first registered dog was a female named Badenock Rose. Years passed and on 1911, the American Kennel Club registered its first Sheltie named Lord Scott.

Shetland Sheepdog: Size

A male Shetland Sheepdog can stand as tall as 16 inches as well as weigh from around 14 to 20 pounds. On the other hand, a female Shetland Sheepdog can stand as tall as 14 inches as well as weigh from around 14 to 20 pounds too like the male.

Shetland Sheepdog: Coat

A Shetland Sheepdog’s coat has an outercoat with long, straight, as well as harsh hair. On the other hand, its undercoat is short, furry, and dense. The coat’s color ranges from black, blue merle, as well as sable. The sable, on the other hand, is a hue ranging from golden to mahogany. At the same time, its coat has white and tan markings.

For the main question which is “Is a Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic?” the answer is certainly a big fat no. This dog breed sheds considerably as well as most excessively during the fall and spring. So for pet owners and dog lovers with allergies who have the Shetland Sheepdog on their list of dreams pets, just take the dog off of that list and move on to another dog. Take note that excess hair on ears, feet, as well as on hocks may be trimmed. Shaving isn’t recommended since the coat protects against sunburn, heat, and also cold. Also, the coat needs brushing for at least twice a week.

Shetland Sheepdog: Personality/ Temperament

A Shetland Sheepdog is known to be extremely loyal and affectionate, most especially towards its owners. On the other hand, it can certainly be shy, timid, and nervous with strangers. Also, from time to time, its ill-temper shows up. Moreover, this really active dog also loves barking a lot, so it’s more suitable in a suburban lifestyle than in any noisy surrounding.

Shetland Sheepdog: Health

Every dog breed is more prone to specific diseases or health condition than the other breeds.

For the Shetland Sheepdog with a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years, the health conditions that you should look out for are the following: canine hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, collie eye anomaly, dermatomyositis, and epilepsy.

  • Canine Hip Dysplasia

This is a hereditary problem characterized by the thighbone not fitting perfectly into the hip joint. Furthermore, this may lead to arthritis as time passes by. This can be dealt with using supplements, medications, as well as surgery.

  • Von Willebrand Disease

This hereditary condition is a bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency in a protein called von Willebrand Factor (vWF) which allows the blood to clot. It has to be dealt with or treated as soon as possible because it may cause excessive bleeding and eventually death. In addition to this, there is an available drug called DDAVP that may raise the dog’s vWF as well as other medications that can aid in the treatment of this disease. Of course, controlling the spontaneous bleeding is the main agenda of treatments. Moreover, avoiding situations where your dog can bleed will be of great help too.

  • Hypothyroidism

This is a health condition where this a direct destruction of the thyroid gland. Moreover, rare cases of this condition can lead to cancer as well as congenital defects. On the other hand, this is treatable with medication like thyroxine which is a replacement hormone compound.

  • Collie Eye Anomaly

This is a genetic abnormality that may eventually lead to blindness. It usually occurs when a dog becomes two years old. At the same time, both eyes can be affected. Furthermore, for mild cases of this condition, dogs won’t lose their eyesight. On the other hand, for severe cases, dogs may lose their eyesight within a few years of diagnosis. When this happens, there is no treatment for it.

  • Dermatomyositis

This is an inherited disorder characterized by skin lesions on the head, ears, and front legs. It usually occurs in dog breeds such as Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Moreover, extensive hair loss as well as scarring can indeed happen.

  • Epilepsy

This is a neurological disorder which is a heterogeneous disease. A dog with an epilepsy will have recurrent as well as unprovoked seizures because of an abnormality in the brain. Moreover, this can be inherited, resulting from structural problems in the brain, or can also be because of an unknown cause. There are anti-epileptic drugs which can help with this such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. 

For these reasons, you should certainly be in regular contact with your pet dog’s veterinarian in order to track your dog’s overall health as well as to detect any bad health condition in advance.

Shetland Sheepdog: Care/ Grooming

Caring for a Shetland Sheepdog includes occasional bathing such as only when it gets really dirty which is not highly possible because of its coat that puts off dirt and repels water. In terms of its nails, trim them once or twice a month. Moreover, brushing its teeth for two to three times a week is recommended, but you can still opt for daily if you really want to ensure that your dog has the best dental hygiene ever!

Shetland Sheepdog: Feeding

A Shetland Sheepdog must be given a high-quality dog food that is divided into two main meals a day. In addition to this, the food can either be commercially-manufactured or home-prepared. Furthermore, make sure that the ingredients of the dog food you are giving are jam-packed of essential nutrients that the dog needs.

Shetland Sheepdog: Exercise

A Shetland Sheepdog is a fun-loving and very energetic dog breed which needs a moderate amount of exercise that lasts for around 20 to 40 minutes a day. However, take note that this dog gets bored easily. For this reason, try to incorporate a variety of activities which can definitely stimulate the dog physically and mentally. It truly loves fetching, especially playing it with little kids.

At the same time, Shetland Sheepdogs can be trained to compete in herding trials, especially if the dog shows basic herding instincts. Just remember that during its training, you have to avoid shouting at it or anything that tells that you are mad. It’s because this dog breed gets hurt fast. The best way to act during a training session is to utilize positive reinforcements which are commonly in the form of praise and food rewards or treats.

Shetland Sheepdog: Behavior with Kids and Other Pets

A Shetland Sheepdog is certainly adorable together with kids, especially those who are older. On the other hand, with regards to other pets, it’s also okay with other animals. They just need a bit more time to adjust and socialize. Moreover, they can be a bit reserved towards other dogs. Although, they are so friendly with dogs of their own kind.

Other Fun Trivia About the Shetland Sheepdog

  • They love to be in a spot where they have a bigger view of the surrounding since herding and protecting flocks was really the main purpose of their breeding. For this reason, it’s definitely natural for them to want everything to be in the right order.
  • The Shetland Sheepdog is one of the most intelligent dogs among the herding group of dogs. Moreover, it’s ranked by the American Kennel Club as the 6th most intelligent dog breed overall.
  • The Shetland Sheepdog can certainly win at competitions in agility, flyball, tracking and herding, as well as performing tricks and stunts. Indeed, they can make the other dogs eat dirt with these activities, literally and figuratively.
  • This dog has a soft spot for squirrels and rabbits. When they see one of these animals, they won’t be able to resist the urge to herd or bring them together.
  • This dog is frequently mistaken for a Lassie which is a collie dog that is actually twice its size.

Final Words

“Is a Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic?” Surely, this main question and the others have already been answered by this comprehensive Shetland Sheepdog guideline that we provided.

The Shetland Sheepdogs are dogs with a balance temperament for they can be happily chilling inside the home, but can also love roaming around as well as basking in the wonders of the outside. Furthermore, these are indeed canine friends who are gentle, sweet, loyal, and intelligent.

If you are an aspiring pet owner and you are looking for the most charming watchdog ever, pick this breed. Also, choose this dog if it’s certainly complementary to your personality and lifestyle in general. Well, without a doubt, it’s easy if you can just pick an adorable Shetland Sheepdog without even thinking, but you really have to ponder hard about the dog that you will choose to be your life companion. Indeed, that is a hard task because all dogs are extremely lovable, especially a Shetland Sheepdog. But regardless of your final choice, happy fur parenting!

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