Shetland Sheepdog (detailed introduction)

Shetland Sheepdogs are also a breed with quite high intelligence. They not only possess outstanding intellect but also have a gorgeous appearance, which makes them popular among many people. The dog raised by the swimming champion Sun Yang is also a Shetland Sheepdog. Seeing his dog running, he took photos and added the caption "Run, brother," showing great affection. However, during the process of raising dogs, some problems are inevitable, and the troubles encountered differ with each dog.

First, let's look at the personality of Shetland Sheepdogs. Basically, they are loyal and enthusiastic towards their owners and are very easy to train. This is because they are naturally eager to be with their owners and are quite sensitive emotionally, requiring little effort to train. Shelties tend to be reserved toward strangers or other animals at first, and their emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness are very sensitive. Additionally, they possess the typical small dog defensive instincts and alertness, so these dogs may not appear very affectionate towards strangers. Therefore, if friends do not visit often, it may make them nervous and reluctant to come out. In such cases, it is best to bring the dog close to you first and soothe their emotions to help them relax. Then let the friends interact with them in a friendly manner so the dog feels no hostility. Only by gradually familiarizing them can this issue be overcome; otherwise, the dog will always be timid and unable to change.

If you want to raise a Shetland Sheepdog, this is quite an interesting and important issue. No dog is born perfect; all breeds have their disadvantages and advantages, so every owner should be mentally prepared and keep some tolerance, correcting their shortcomings during training.

Firstly, Coat: Shelties have a double-layered coat, so grooming their fur indeed requires more time than some other dogs. You should brush them at least once or twice a week, and each session needs sufficient time to thoroughly groom the dog's entire coat. For dogs in the shedding season, daily grooming is best to effectively reduce shedding and help with the molting process. However, those who have owned Shelties generally find their coats relatively easy to maintain; even without visiting a groomer, you can keep your dog well-groomed yourself.

Regularly Groom Your Dog

Barking: Shelties are a breed that tends to bark quite a bit, but this problem can be improved through owner training. The dog may bark when it wants food or sees strangers, sometimes just to attract the owner's attention. As long as the owner stops them at appropriate times while barking, the barking will decrease. If that does not work, there is a more definitive method — debarking surgery — which is not recommended and should be considered carefully before proceeding.

Exercise: Because Shelties are herding dogs and working dogs, a fixed daily amount of exercise is necessary. Owners can schedule a time each day to take the dog out for a walk and some exercise. Running and jumping will keep them energetic and healthy, and also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog. However, it is very important not to forget to bring a leash when going out to avoid accidents. If an accident happens because the dog was not properly leashed, you often bear major or full responsibility.