MyDogBreeds
Shetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Irish Red and White Setter is originated from Ireland. Shetland Sheepdog may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Irish Red and White Setter. Shetland Sheepdog may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Irish Red and White Setter. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter has same life span. Shetland Sheepdog may have less litter size than Irish Red and White Setter. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter requires Moderate maintenance.
The 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.
Classified as a gun dog in the UK for hunting game birds, and as a sporting dog in the USA, the Irish Red and White Setter was available with his red and white coat. Breeders however, started focusing essentially on the red variety so that the red-and-white setter all but disappeared.
Fortunately, the breed was revived and considered a separate breed from the Irish Setter. He has gained recognition with all the major kennel clubs.
The 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.
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.
The Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog standing at between 56 – 61cm, both male and female, and weighing at around 25 to 34kg.
Always used as a gun dog for its speed and scent, its head is carried high and its long feathery tail is held out level with its back and then it ‘sets’ into a pose, giving its handler a clue where the bird is hiding.
The Irish Red and White Setter has a lean, muscled body which is well proportioned, being slightly more heavily built than the Irish Setter. He also has a broader head.
The coat is shortish but it has those long silky fringes which are known as feathering around the tail, chest and legs. The Irish Red and White Setter is red and white but you may find some freckling around the legs and muzzle. The ears are usually red and they are long, silky and floppy.
As gun dogs, the Irish Red and White Setter is a loyal and devoted family pet who can become a good friend of children too as they love to play. He is a lithe dog and bounding in energy, and he will therefore require a reasonably sized garden.
He will need to be trained and socialized and once trained he makes an obedient and reliable companion.
You’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.
The Irish Red and White Setter is every bit as beautiful as the Red- or Irish Setter even though he may not be as well known.
Setter lovers are thrilled that this beautiful, playful, well tempered dog has been saved from extinction. He has plenty of stamina to be an excellent sporting dog.
He is intelligent too and easily trained. He is an affectionate, loyal, gentle, devoted family dog and he has also got good looks on his side.
Give him the right kind of food, a warm, dry place to sleep, lots of exercise and games and your love and attention, and you’ve got a friend for life.
Every 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs like the Setter can get chronic allergies if they’re exposed to the same food over and over again. Setters are prone to chronic allergies when exposed to a food such as soy. That is why if you’re unsure, rather speak to a dog expert about what to feed a Setter and what to avoid.
Feed your Setter foods rich in taurine to avoid heart disease. Taurine is found in chicken and red meat. You can see how important the right food is for your setter as the wrong food can cause a host of illnesses.
These 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.
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.
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.
Grooming your beautiful Irish Red and White Setter isn’t going to be a difficult task, and a good brush twice a week will ensure he stays looking his best.
Because he has long ears, these should be checked, especially if the dog loves to swim. Water, dust, debris and wax can build up and cause an ear infection.
His nails will also need to be trimmed if they get too long and don’t naturally wear down.
This is a beautiful dog that offers ruggedness and endurance, and essentially he needs to be a country dog or live in a home where there is a good sized garden. He loves being on the go, and is a dog that will gladly join you on your hikes, cycling trips or swimming – you can count him in.
Irish Red and White Setters are an active breed and are naturally lean and lithe, being fast runners. Make sure to give them the right food so that they maintain this muscle mass.
If in any doubt, speak to your vet to find out what is essential for a dog like this. Protein for instance is vitally important as are fats. These dogs need high amounts of energy. Vitamins and minerals are also very important for keeping a dog healthy and strong.
Try and include some nutritious home-made food into his kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. These dogs can develop horrible skin allergies if they don’t get in some raw meat from time to time.
Fresh, cool water should be constantly available to your pet.