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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Shetland Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Shetland Sheepdog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Shetland Sheepdog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Shetland Sheepdog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
