Shetland Sheepdog vs Mixed - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Mixed is originated from United States but Shetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom. Mixed may grow 69 cm / 28 inches higher than Shetland Sheepdog. Mixed may weigh 100 kg / 221 pounds more than Shetland Sheepdog. Mixed may live 6 years more than Shetland Sheepdog. Mixed may have more litter size than Shetland Sheepdog. Both Mixed and Shetland Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
9 - 110 cm
3 - 44 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Height Female:
9 - 110 cm
3 - 44 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 112 kg
4 - 247 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 112 kg
4 - 247 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 20 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Cross breed, mutt, cur, mongrel
Sheltie
Colors Available:
cream, tri-colored, Brown, tan, black, white, bi-colored, liver, chocolate
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Coat:
Short to long, single or double-coat
Long and thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

Many people are inclined to think that mixed breed or cross-breed dogs, also known as mutts or mongrels or designer dogs are just pavement specials. They think they look nothing much better than junkyard mutts.

This may be so, but not always, and these mixed breed dogs always seem to have hearts of gold. A Mixed breed is a dog that has parent’s who aren’t registered and who come from different breeds. In other words the parents aren’t of the same breed.

Guessing a cross breed’s ancestry can be difficult as these mixed-breeds have more genetic variation than pure breeds. They've been around since ancient times. The dogs originate in different countries and they all have different coats, different sizes and different temperaments.

It is sad but true – there are literally millions of mixed dogs worldwide, some of which never know what it is to live with- and be lovingly cared for by a human being.

shetland sheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

Description

Sometimes Mixed dog breeds come about from two dogs meeting on the streets and mating or it could be two pure-breeds accidentally mating, resulting in a mixed breed.

The mixed breed dog puppy could inherit looks from just the one purebred parent so that he grows up looking like a pure-breed. With a cross breed the standard for breeding isn’t the same for purebreds where the appearance and temperament is more or less the same.

A mixed breed dog doesn’t have these standards to conform to and they are as varied and unique as the colors in the rainbow. It’s not possible to know what a mixed breed dog’s puppies will look like. A typical example of a mixed breed is a Labradoodle. People love the temperament of the Labrador but they want the low shedding qualities of the Poodle as well.

Mixed breed dogs can be small or large and that means different litter sizes. If you don’t want your Mixed dog breed becoming a parent, you can spay or neuter your dog.

Temperament:

There are many people who avoid choosing a ridiculously high priced pure breed puppy and they prefer to choose a mixed breed. This is partly because these mixed breed dogs are healthy, resilient and nearly always a good match for you and your family.

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

Characteristics

Doesn’t matter what your Mixed breed dog looks like – he is a unique individual and you can never really predict what kind of a character he will turn out to be.

He might inherit a bit of placid behavior from one parent and a bit of clownish behavior from the other. It’s what makes them so special.

Ask most dog lovers who have owned a mixed breed and you will usually hear them say that they wouldn’t trade their amazing loyal and devoted pet for all the money in the world.

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

Health Problems

All dogs, whether pure breeds or mixed breeds, need to be excellently cared for. When you consider the unconditional love your dog gives you, you want to ensure that you’re kind and loving towards him.

Every dog can be prone to common dog illnesses and there are some genetic predispositions for dogs with certain breeds within them.

Dental Disease:

All dogs can battle with problem teeth, but it appears to be more rife with smaller dogs. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up and when it isn’t removed from the teeth it progresses towards infection of the gums and teeth.

What you need to know is that not caring for the teeth can mean your pet losing his teeth but also putting your dog in danger of joint disease and problems with the kidneys and heart.

Obesity:

Obesity is a huge factor in small- and large dogs and can pave the way for other diseases with your pet. Being obese can shorten the life of your pet because it contributes to heart disease, digestive disorders, back pain and joint problems.

Parasites:

Fleas, ticks, mites and worms can play havoc with the health of your pet. Some of these parasites can then be transmitted from your pet to you. Parasites can cause pain, weight loss and even death for your pet so it is important to be vigilant in these matters.

Bloat, when the stomach twists and fills with gas as well as cancer and heart disease are just some of the more common diseases to look out for.

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

Caring The Pet

Good nutritious food, exercise, grooming, a dry place to sleep, taking your pet to the vet when he is sick as well as plenty of love and attention will ensure your Mixed dog breed’s health and happiness.

  • Brush his coat twice a week.
  • Check the ears and eyes for infection.
  • Check his teeth and be careful what you give your pet to chew on.

Keep die diet of your pet simple and consistent to avoid digestive problems. Quality commercially manufactured food is a good choice. Boiled chicken, brown rice and cooked or raw vegetables will be excellent added into your dog’s kibble from time to time. Add in some raw meat occasionally as it is good for warding off skin diseases.

Exercise your pet regularly, but don’t overdo it with young dogs as it can lead to joint problems later on in life.

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Shetland Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Shetland Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shetland Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Shetland Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shetland Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shetland Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Shetland Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Shetland Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Shetland Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Shetland Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Shetland Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Shetland Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Shetland Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Shetland Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Shetland Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Shetland Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Shetland Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Shetland Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Shetland Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Shetland Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Shetland Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Mixed vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mixed vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Mixed vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Mixed vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Mixed vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Mixed vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mixed vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Mixed vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Mixed vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Mixed vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mixed vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Mixed vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mixed vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Mixed vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Mixed vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Mixed vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mixed vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Mixed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Mixed vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Mixed vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mixed vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Mixed vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison