Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, regular activity, good hygiene and preventive veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Despite its small size and refined appearance, the Shetland Sheepdog has a sturdy constitution. Its double coat protects it effectively from bad weather, while well-balanced activity maintains its musculature and overall balance.
Watch points
What to watch for
Special monitoring of the eyes, hips, patellas, skin, thyroid, hearing and coagulation makes it possible to detect early the main disorders observed in the breed.
Cataract : An opacification of the lens can gradually reduce vision and requires ophthalmologic monitoring.
Collie Eye Anomaly : This hereditary disorder of ocular development can vary in severity, hence the value of screening.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Progressive degeneration of the retina leads to vision loss and can progress to blindness.
Hip dysplasia : Poor congruence of the joint can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation : Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap can lead to lameness and locomotor discomfort.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease : Damage to the head of the femur can cause pain and lameness in young dogs.
von Willebrand disease : This hereditary clotting disorder increases the risk of abnormally prolonged bleeding.
Dermatomyositis : This hereditary inflammatory condition mainly affects the skin and sometimes the muscles.
Hypothyroidism : Insufficient production of thyroid hormones can cause fatigue, weight gain, and skin disorders.
Deafness : A congenital or acquired decrease in hearing can be detected by a specialized examination.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense undercoat ensures good tolerance to cold and bad weather. It tolerates high heat less well: outings must then be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and without intense effort. Complete clipping is not recommended, because the double coat contributes to its protection.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its activity level often limits weight gain, but portions must remain adapted to age, weight and actual energy expenditure. The silhouette, ribs and changes in weight must be monitored regularly, incorporating treats into the daily ration.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes examined regularly and monitor any decrease in vision.
- Check the hips and joints during growth.
- Brush the coat weekly and daily during shedding.
- Check the ears, eyes, teeth and claws weekly.
- Keep vaccines, antiparasitics and veterinary check-ups up to date.
Vaccination
Shetland Sheepdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Shetland Sheepdog? Like all cats, the Shetland Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Shetland Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Shetland Sheepdog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Shetland Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Shetland Sheepdog
Before breeding, it is recommended to have the hips and eyes checked, notably for Collie Eye Anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy. Depending on the lines, the veterinarian may also advise tests concerning von Willebrand disease, dermatomyositis or other known hereditary conditions.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
