Are you a Shetland Sheepdog lover? Do you find yourself constantly scrolling through pictures and videos of these adorable and intelligent dogs?
Then you won’t want to miss out on International Sheltie Day – a day dedicated to celebrating this beloved breed when Sheltie owners and enthusiasts from around the world come together to honor these loyal and affectionate dogs.
But International Sheltie Day is more than just a fun excuse to share cute photos of your furry friend on social media – it’s a day to raise awareness about the Shetland Sheepdog breed and their unique qualities.
Let’s dive deeper into the significance of International Sheltie Day and why it’s relevant to you as a Sheltie lover.
From the breed’s history and personality traits to the impact they have on our lives, we’ll explore all of the reasons why Shelties are such a special and important part of our world.
So grab your favorite Sheltie and get ready to celebrate.
When is International Sheltie Day?
International Sheltie Day is celebrated each year on June 1st.
It’s a mystery to us who started this holiday, but we’re very happy they did. This beautiful breed deserves all the love and recognition.
So, what makes International Sheltie Day so special?
It’s a chance for us to share photos, videos, and stories of our furry friends, and connect with other Sheltie lovers.
It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the breed and encourage adoption of Shelties in need of loving homes.
By learning more about the history and distinct characteristics of Shelties, we can deepen our appreciation and understanding of these amazing pups.
Understanding the personality traits and temperament of Shelties can help us be better owners and provide the best possible care for our furry friends.
And let’s not forget about the joy and happiness that Shelties bring to our lives!
By celebrating International Sheltie Day, we can take a moment to appreciate the special bond we share with our pets, and the positive impact they have on our lives.
How to Celebrate International Sheltie Day
Are you ready to celebrate International Sheltie Day in style?
Grab your pup and gather the family for some of these fun activities.
Go for a Swim
Shelties generally enjoy swimming. If you have already trained your Sheltie how to swim, then this holiday is a great day to go for a swim.
Check out some dog swimming gear that will keep your Sheltie safe in the water.
Go for a Hike
Shelties enjoy hiking since they are highly active and energetic canines.
They were bred to herd animals and have a lot of energy to burn, so getting outside and going on walks or treks can be a terrific way for them to burn it off.
However, make sure your Sheltie is physically strong and healthy enough for hiking, and always watch them while on the route to guarantee their safety.
Slowly introduce your Sheltie to this activity and train them in basic obedience and trail manners before taking them out for a trek.
Spend Quality Time with Your Sheltie
This holiday is also a great excuse to give your Sheltie more love and attention. As if you need a reason for that.
Take your Sheltie on a walk, play with them, or simply cuddle on the couch to show your love and attention. They’ll appreciate it.
Here’s a list of fun games you can play with your dog indoors.
Host a Sheltie Playdate
Plan a day of fun and socializing for your Sheltie by inviting the owners of other Shelties and their dogs to a nearby park or beach.
You can also invite other dogs that your Sheltie’s friends with. This will be a great way for them to burn off their excess energy and have some fun.
Join Sheltie-themed Events
Look for Sheltie-themed events in your area, such as agility trials, obedience competitions, or parades, and either take part in the activity or watch it from the sidelines.
Or, you can host a Sheltie-themed party in your home. Either way, your Sheltie will surely enjoy it.
Volunteer at a Local Shelter
Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter and spending time with the Shelties and other dogs that are housed there.
Bake Sheltie-themed Snacks
Sheltie-themed baked goods can be made by baking dog-friendly snacks in the shape of Shelties or decorated with Sheltie themes.
These can then be shared with your Sheltie as well as with other people who own Shelties. Check out these cool Sheltie-shaped cookie cutters for your special treats.
Go on a Picnic
Organize a picnic in a nearby park or another open place where Shelties and their owners may get together, play, and enjoy spending the day together.
Unique Gifts for Sheltie Dog Lovers
This holiday can also be a great excuse to give yourself, and other Sheltie dog lovers some unique gifts.
Sheltie Art Print
This lovely Sheltie art print is the ideal gift for yourself or any Sheltie dog lover. It shows a realistic watercolor illustration of a Sheltie in stunning detail and brilliant colors.
Because of the high-quality paper and printing method, each print is a true work of art that will last for years.
The Metal Peddler Sheltie Shetland Sheepdog Dog Key Holder
Useful and beautiful, the Metal Peddler Sheltie key holder is a great gift for yourself, or any Sheltie dog lover.
This wall decoration is a versatile holder with 5 rounded hooks suitable for hanging a variety of small items like keys, leashes, and collars.
It is made in the USA using state-of-the-art laser cutting and handcrafted finishing with 16-gauge American steel. The matte black finish is scratch and rust-resistant.
Shetland Sheepdog Blanket
The Shetland Sheepdog Blanket will keep you warm and cozy while also adding a stylish touch.
This soft and cozy blanket has a lovely design that shows off your love for Shelties.
This blanket is made of high-quality microfiber and is ultra-soft and warm, making it ideal for snuggling up on the couch or in bed.
The Sheltie design is printed on one side of the blanket, with a complementing solid color on the other, making this blanket adaptable and elegant.
These gifts are an incredible way to show your appreciation for the Sheltie dog lover in your life.
The History and Origins of the Sheltie Dog Breed
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland in the early 1800s.
The breed was developed by crossing the native Spitz-type dogs with larger working breeds like the Collie, which were brought to the islands by visiting sailors.
At first, the breed was known as the Shetland Collie and was often used for herding sheep and cattle on the small, rocky islands.
However, Rough Collie breeders objected to the use of the word “Collie” and the breed was officially renamed the Shetland Sheepdog. It was recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1909 and by the American Kennel Club in 1911.
Shelties were initially bred for herding small sheep, hence the name. However, they also gained a reputation for guarding livestock from raiders and keeping sheep out of vegetable gardens.
Today, the Sheltie remains a popular breed around the world, both as a working dog and a beloved companion.
Characteristics of a Sheltie
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, energetic, and agile dog that stands between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
They are similar in size to their larger cousin, the Collie. With a thick undercoat and colors ranging from black, blue merle, and sable with white markings, their long, rough coat is stunning.
Shelties resemble a little rough-coated Collie with their long, wedge-shaped heads, small, perky ears, and powerful, level-backed torsos.
These intelligent pups also enjoy training and perform well in obedience, agility, and herding competitions. However, they are all ultimately about love and affection.
They have a moderate energy level and enjoy regular exercise, such as daily walks or playtime in a fenced yard.
Overall, Shelties are simply great dogs. But how are they as family pets?
Let’s find out.
The Sheltie as a Family Pet
Shelties are intelligent and trainable, making them great family pets. They are loyal to their owners and can be protective of their families. They are also known for being good with children.
They are ideal family dogs since they are highly sensitive to the vibe at home. They can easily sense everyone’s mood.
Their compact size is ideal for apartment living, small homes, and large homes. Shelties can easily adapt to any environment.
It doesn’t matter if you live in the city, or live in a rural area. As long as they get the right amount of exercise, Shelties can adapt.
Shelties are easy to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training, agility training, and other dog sports.
Shelties are also known for being loyal and protective of their families. As a breed that was originally developed as a herding dog, Shelties have a strong instinct to protect their flock, which in the case of a family dog, would be their human family.
While they may not be as large or intimidating as some other breeds, they can be quite vocal when they perceive a threat. They will often bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity in the home.
It’s important to note that while Shelties may be protective of their families, they are not typically aggressive towards strangers. Proper socialization and training can help ensure that your Sheltie is friendly and well-behaved around others.
Like with any pet, owning a Sheltie is a responsibility.
We have a few tips to help you with a new Sheltie:
- Plenty of exercise – Shelties are an active breed and require regular exercise. Aim to give your Sheltie at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as walks, runs, or playtime in the backyard.
- Train with positive reinforcement – Shelties respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, so use rewards like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or harsh methods, as this can cause your Sheltie to become fearful or anxious.
- Socialize early and often – Shelties can be prone to shyness and anxiety, so it’s important to socialize them early on. Introduce your Sheltie to new people, dogs, and environments to help them feel comfortable and confident in new situations.
- Provide mental stimulation – Shelties are intelligent dogs and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Provide your Sheltie with toys and puzzles to keep their mind engaged, and consider enrolling them in obedience or agility classes to give them a mental challenge.
- Groom regularly – Shelties have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Brush your Sheltie’s coat several times a week to prevent matting and tangles, and bathe them when needed to keep their coat clean.
Once you are done celebrating with your Sheltie, here are all the other pet holidays you can celebrate throughout the year.