Did you know that your everyday, common dandelion has one thing in common with the Shetland Sheepdog? They both own a spectacular “blow”-out moment, like the globe of a dandelion puff drifting in the wind. Sure, your Sheltie might not be as easy to clean up after compared to a dandy dandelion, but your fluffy friend’s seasonal shed-fest is truly something to behold.
Of course, the straight answer to your question is – yes, the Shetland Sheepdog does indeed shed. A lot, in fact! But, hold on, before you start seeing yourself imprisoned in a cell of sweeping brushes and vacuum cleaners, it’s not all year round. Just like its garden companion, the Shetland Sheepdog (or “Sheltie,” as we often call these pooches), sheds heavily but seasonally. So, the forecast is lots of fur twice a year, but manageable grooming responsibilities for the rest of the months.
Shelties are equipped with a heavy double coat that can appear quite intimidating to new dog owners. Honestly, it’s not uncommon to look at a Sheltie and worry that your home might soon get buried under a wave of dog hair. However, this canine’s grooming needs, while not to be dismissed, are not as hair-raising as they might initially seem.
Their double coat, generously thick, composed of a harsh outer layer and a soft, thick, and woolly undercoat, is designed to protect these dogs from their native harsh Shetland climate. The outside layer repels water while the fluffy undercoat provides insulation against the cold. And when the time comes (usually spring and fall), they “blow out” their undercoat and replace it with a shiny new one. During these blowouts, the loose hair tends to come out in clumps, quite conveniently, making it easier to collect and manage.
Actually, the shedding schedule of a Sheltie can be seen as a blessing in disguise, as it allows for clear “grooming and vacuuming” periods during the year. Mark your calendars for once in Spring and once in Autumn, ensuring you are geared up for a few weeks for intense grooming sessions.
Between shedding seasons, they’ll only drop a moderate amount of fur – something that can be kept under control with regular and diligent grooming, say, a weekly thorough brush? A good quality brush, like a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake, will be your best mate during these fur-filled times. Weekly brushing helps keep their coat looking its absolute best all year round, and it reduces the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and clothing. Plus, the bonus of all this brushing is the bonding time with your beloved pooch!
But what if you’re not a fan of finding fur on your couch, in your coffee, or even in your cornflakes? Surely there must be a way to minimize at least some of the shedding? There are a few things you can do to provide some relief:
1) Regular Professional Grooming: Have a groomer take care of those hairy hassles. Most groomers are familiar with the grooming needs of a Sheltie and can help keep the shedding under control.
2) Balanced Diet: A healthy diet promotes a healthy coat, which can either decrease shedding or make the hair stronger so it doesn’t break as often. Look for dog food and snacks with Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to improve your Sheltie’s skin and coat.
3) Clean Living Environment: Regular house cleaning can help to limit the amount of hair that circulates around your home. Air filters or purifiers can help to capture any stray hairs before they have a chance to settle.
Certainly, for anyone thinking of adding a Sheltie to their family, it’s crucial to understand and accept the reality of their shedding habit. They’re certainly not a breed that is hypoallergenic or particularly suited to those with allergies. But, remember, they offer so much more than a bit of fur fluff drifting on your wooden floor.
With personalities as big as their coats, Shetland Sheepdogs make wonderful family additions. They’re intelligent, generally easy to train, lovable, and very loyal. So, while they may leave a fair bit of their fur behind them, they’ll also leave a huge loving paw print on your heart.
In conclusion, the question isn’t really whether they shed, it’s whether you are ready to accept that these balls of fluff will leave a bit of themselves behind, literally. If you’re okay with finding a little extra piece of them around the house, a Shetland Sheepdog might be the perfect pet for you. Just remember to stock up on vacuum cleaner bags and lint rollers, put your groomer on speed dial, and shower these lovely dogs with the care and attention they deserve.
