The Shetland is a small, majestic dog with a height at the withers of 37 cm for males and 35,5 cm for females on average. The hair on the face is short, but it is long and straight on the rest of the body and especially on the mane, crop and legs. The undercoat is soft, short and tight. The coat can be sable, intense black, merle blue, black and white or even black and tan.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies him among Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattlemen, Section 1 Sheepdogs. (1)

The Shetland or, by its full name, the Shetland Sheepdog, was previously known as the Shetland Collie. In order to avoid confusion with its cousin the Long-haired Collie, the name was changed in 1909, when the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.

This sheepdog is native to the northern islands of the British archipelago, the Shetland Islands. This archipelago in the North Atlantic is constantly blown by the winds. Perhaps this explains why few trees grow there and why the two endemic species, the best known, the pony and the sheepdog, are both small in size. (2, 3)

Before being crossed with the ancestors of the modern Collie, the Shetland probably finds its origins among the Viking dogs of the Spitz type. Among its precursors are also the cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Loulou de Pomeranie. (3)

The standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes the Shetland as an alert, gentle, intelligent, strong and active dog. He is also an affectionate dog and like many sheepdogs, he listens to his master. All of these qualities make them easy to train and a good guardian.

He can be reserved towards strangers, but is never fearful or aggressive. (1)

Shetlands are athletic and generally healthy dogs. On the other hand, like their cousin, the Collie, they have a tendency to develop ophthalmic diseases and in particular an inherited form of malformation due to Merle syndrome. Some dogs can also be prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, skin disease or hypothyroidism. According to the 2014 Kennel Club Purebred Dog Health Survey in the UK, the average life expectancy of a Shetland Shepherd is around 11 years. (4)

Collie eye abnormality

Collie’s eye anomaly is an inherited condition of the fundus that can sometimes lead to blindness. More precisely, it is a more or less total disappearance of retinal pigments accompanied by a vascular anomaly in the choroid. It usually affects both eyes, but the stages can be different between the two eyes. The abnormality may be associated with a coloboma of the optic nerve head, retinal detachment, or intraocular bleeding. Depending on the severity of the anomaly and associated diseases, there are four stages (I, II, III and IV).

The diagnosis of this pathology is based on an eye examination called, indirect ophthalmoscopy. The veterinarian finds either chorio-retinal dysplasia or coloboma, or both. The exam is ideally done around four or five weeks.

There is no treatment for this disease, but stages I and II have a good prognosis and the condition may remain stable throughout the life of the animal. However, stages III and IV are more serious and the risk of blindness is high.

Merle syndrome

Merle Syndrome is caused by the presence of the gene Merle. The main damage is a defect in pigmentation, developmental abnormalities, hearing disorders (which can go as far as complete deafness) and microphthalmia (malformation causing an abnormally small eyeball)

The formal diagnosis is made by genetic testing and is accompanied by the identification of associated abnormalities. There is no treatment and the prognosis is rather reserved for dogs with deafness and / or severe blindness.

Coxofemoral dysplasia

Coxofemoral dysplasia is an inherited condition of the hip in which the bone in the dog’s paw is malformed and moves through the joint. The joint is loose and the movements of the bone cause painful wear, tearing, inflammation and osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and assessment of the stage of dysplasia is done by x-ray.

It is a hereditary disease, but which develops with age, which can risk complicating the management.

The first line of treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce osteoarthritis. Surgical interventions, or even the fitting of a hip prosthesis can be considered in the most serious cases. With proper drug management, dogs’ quality of life can be good for several years after diagnosis.

Persistence of the ductus arteriosus

The most common cardiac abnormality in dogs is the persistence of the ductus arteriosus. The ductus arteriosus (which connects the pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta) is blocked at birth. In particular, it causes dilation of the left heart.

The diagnosis is made on the clinical signs, in particular the fatigability with the effort of the dog, as well as the cardiac auscultation and finally an ultrasound. Treatment is based on closing the canal by surgery and has a good prognosis in the majority of cases.

Like many sheepdog breeds, the Shetland has a natural tendency to lead the herd and may seek to herd anything that moves, from small children, to cars. So be careful to keep your dog in your garden with a closed enclosure. Also be careful to educate him well so that he does not become stubborn.

In short, the Shetland is a pleasant and healthy companion dog. Like all dogs with long hair, they will require regular brushing. It adapts well to the family environment and to the presence of children. His intelligence makes him an easy dog ​​to train and he excels in many dog ​​training disciplines.