Shetland Sheepdog
Quick Summary
Intelligent, loyal herding dogs ideal for active families. Excel in training and dog sports. Need consistent grooming and exercise. Best suited for experienced owners who can manage barking tendencies.
Contents
Weight Range
15-25 lbs
♂ Male: 15-25 lbs
♀ Female: 15-25 lbs
Height Range
33-41 inches
♂ Male: 13-16"
♀ Female: 13-16"
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #85
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Herding Group
Originally bred for Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources
Popularity
#25
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 13"-16" |
| Female Height | 13"-16" |
| Male Weight | 15-25 lbs |
| Female Weight | 15-25 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $800-$1500 for purchase, plus vaccination and supplies. Monthly expenses average $100-150 for food, grooming, and preventive care. Annual veterinary costs typically range from $500-800.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Shetland Sheepdogs exhibit intelligent, alert, and gentle personalities. Their herding instincts manifest in a tendency to bark and chase, while their loyal nature makes them excellent watchdogs. They balance energy with gentleness.
Social Needs
Shelties form strong bonds with their families and need regular interaction. They get along well with other dogs but may be reserved with strangers. Can handle alone time if properly trained and exercised.
Breed Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Highly intelligent
- ✓ Excellent family dog
- ✓ Low maintenance cost
- ✓ Good with children
Cons
- ✗ Excessive barking tendency
- ✗ Heavy shedding
- ✗ Can be shy with strangers
- ✗ Requires extensive grooming
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Grooming Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Shelties require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise through activities like herding, agility training, and brisk walks. Their moderate-to-high energy level demands mental stimulation alongside physical activity to prevent boredom and maintain optimal health.
Diet & Nutrition
Adult Shelties need 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention to weight management is essential as they can be prone to obesity. Consider supplements for coat health.
Feed 1-1.5 cups of premium dry dog food split into two daily meals. Adjust portions based on age, activity level, and weight. Include omega fatty acids for coat health. Monitor calorie intake to prevent weight gain.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartments or houses with secure yards, Shelties need moderate space and thrive in cooler climates. They do well in suburban or rural settings with room for activity.
Minimum space of 500 square feet with access to a secure yard is ideal. Shelties adapt well to various living situations but need room for exercise and play. Fenced areas are essential due to herding instincts.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Hailing from the rugged Shetland Islands of Scotland, these diminutive herders were developed by crossing Collies with smaller local working dogs. Farmers needed compact, intelligent dogs capable of herding sheep while consuming minimal resources.
Historical Purpose
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.