Shetland Sheepdog vs Phalene - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Phalène is a toy breed, and in fact the Papillon and Phalène differ only by their ears, but are exactly the same in all other ways.

Thought to have developed in Western Europe, its exact origin isn’t clear but it is an ancient breed, as paintings seem to indicate that it has been around since the 16th century.

It is essentially a companion dog today. The dog is classified as a variety of the Papillon by the AKC, with the FCI classifying it as a separate breed.

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.

This toy breed stands at between 20 – 28cm in height and weighs around 4 – 5kg. He has floppy, silky ears and is a Papillon dog, and a Papillon with dropped ears is known as a Phalène.

The dome of the head is rounded and the Phalene has a slim muzzle with bright, alert brown eyes and a black nose. The tail is well plumed and is carried over the back. The coat isn’t a double coat like many other dogs, but it is lustrous, being straight, long and smooth. The coat is available in a number of coat colors, essentially being a blend of white, tan, black and orange or fawn.

Temperament:

The Phalène is an intelligent dog, and they will be able to learn quickly and easily when you teach them how to sit, lie down or stay. Training and socialization is always excellent for dogs, even small ones like this as it teaches them to be obedient and well mannered.

The Phalene is a sociable, friendly dog but is inclined to be reserved around strangers. Phalènes are essentially lap dogs and they make great companions for all kinds of people as well as being great playmates for disciplined, kind children. Because he is small and calm, he makes a great pet for country- or city dwellers.

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.

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.

The Phalene is such a sweet little dog, and you can definitely count him as as ‘man’s best friend’. He just loves to be wherever his human family is, lapping up their attention indoors but also loving being with them outdoors. When well trained and socialized, these dogs make splendid playmates for children too.

Small though he is, he makes a good watch dog too and he will bark to warn his human family of danger. Give him the love and care he so rightly deserves, and he promises to make you a splendid pet and 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.

Your jaunty little Phalene can live to be up to 12 or 15 years of age if well cared for. Even so, there are always some of the more common dog illnesses worth knowing about, and we look at a few -

Epilepsy:

Any dog can get epilepsy – when your pet suddenly has a seizure or fit for no apparent reason. It can be disturbing to see, but with medication your pet can live a normal life.

Eye Diseases:

Always keep a check on your pet’s eyes because there are a few eye diseases that can affect your pet and these are cataracts, progressive retina atrophy and entropion. Thankfully a veterinary ophthalmologist can help with the best treatment.

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.

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.

Exercise:

These are energetic little dogs and will require getting a regular dose of exercise. He loves a walk and being allowed off his leash for a good run. He also loves ball games. Exercise is important for small dogs like this to ward off obesity.

Grooming:

These little dogs will need to have their ears checked and cleaned if you want to avoid ear infections. If you’re not sure how to clean the inside of the ears, rather leave it to an expert who can show you how its done. Small dogs always need to have their teeth checked regularly. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

To maintain the long, silky coat, brush your dog at least twice a week. Some Phalene dog owners take their pet to the vet to have the coat professionally groomed and trimmed.

Exercise:

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.

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.