Shetland Sheepdog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Shetland Sheepdog?

The Shetland sheepdog originated from Shetland which is located around 50 miles off the north coast of Scotland and is closer to Norway. Shetland ponies and Shetland collies are some of the other animals that came from these islands.

Another name for the Shetland sheepdog was "toonie" which means farm in Norwegian. They were most likely given this nickname due to being used to herd sheep flocks on farms. It is also thought that they were trained to chase birds away from the small sheep which might explain their modern instinct to chase everything and anything.

It wasn't until around the 1800s that the Sheltie puppy was first introduced to Scotland and England where it was described as a miniature Collie. Back in Shetland, farmers began breeding the sheltie be a smaller and fluffier dog as they were easier to sell to people visiting the island.

Fast forward to the start of the 20th century and there had so much crossbreeding of the Shetland sheepdog that the sheltie which was originally bred by farmers on the Shetland islands began disappearing. Those breeding dogs tried to regain the original characteristics of the Sheltie by crossbreeding them with the border collie and other breeds that were similar to the first shetland Sheepdogs.

At the beginning of the 20th century, many different types of shelties were entered into dog sports and dog shows. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1909 however it wasn't until 1911 that the first Sheltie was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The breed blew up in America, especially in the 1970s when it became part of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the US. The popularity didn't fade quickly and the Sheltie remained on this list for 12 out of the next 15 years. Nowadays, the Sheltie ranks in 20th place out of 155 dog breeds. Surprisingly, the Sheltie isn't as common as you might expect back in the rugged Shetland islands.

Who are Shetland Sheepdog dogs best for?

They are perfect family dogs, full of affection, and enjoy playing for hours at a time. They have a strong herding instinct and need daily mental stimulation and sufficient exercise to be happy and healthy family pets.

Even though the Sheltie loves being active outdoors, you don't necessarily need a huge house with acres of space in your backyard. As long as you take them out for walks each day they will be just as happy to live in smaller spaces.

It should also be noted that the Sheltie does have a tendency to bark if they become agitated or even too excited. Of course, you can train them to bark less often but things that might set them off include being left alone for too long or strange sounds outside.

How much grooming does a Shetland Sheepdog need?

There are 3 types of coat colours which are sable, black, and blue merle. The colour of the coat doesn't affect the grooming requirements of the dog. An adult dog will need its coat brushed at least once a week using a pin brush. To reduce the chance of damaging the hair, use a water spray to soften the coat.

Unlike some other herding breeds, the Shetland sheepdog only really requires a bath if they are exceptionally dirty. Nails should be trimmed between 1 to 2 times a month to prevent injury when your Sheltie gets too excited and jumps up on you.

Dental hygiene is also extremely important to keep on top of. You should brush their teeth around 2 to 3 times a week. This will help prevent the build-up of plaque and reduce the chance of gum disease developing.

Do Shetland Sheepdog bark much?

Shetland sheepdogs do have a tendency to bark if they notice something unusual or are just very excited. They will bark at birds in the fields, people walking past your house, and just about anything that alarms them.

Do Shetland Sheepdog bite?

Shelties aren't naturally aggressive dogs but they are natural herders. They will try to herd just about anything including children so this is where caution has to be taken. Herding can lead to biting so it's important to discourage any form of herding unless they are being trained specifically to do so.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shetland Sheepdog?

The Shetland sheepdog has a kind, loving and gentle character. They love to run about and are very loyal and affectionate to the people they consider family in their life. This means lots of cuddles and playtime to stimulate this clever dog's brain.

What is the weight & size of a Shetland Sheepdog?

On average, the Sheltie weighs somewhere between 6 and 12kg and can stand somewhere between 33-41cm tall.

How much training does a Shetland Sheepdog need?

Training a Sheltie is extremely rewarding as they respond well to obedience training. They love having something to do and following orders. It is important to train them when they are young using positive reinforcement and remember to be patient.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shetland Sheepdog?

There are a few health conditions that the Shetland sheepdog is susceptible to developing. This is still the case for purebred dogs from a highly regarded breed club. Some of the health conditions that can arise are known as collie eye anomaly and hip dysplasia.

Most of the conditions will appear by the time the dog reaches age 2. The most important thing to do is to look out for the early warning signs and seek medical help as soon as possible.

What is the lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog?

The Sheltie has an average lifespan of somewhere between 12 and 13 years. This is the average and they can live a lot longer if looked after properly and their health is maintained.

How much should you feed a Shetland Sheepdog?

The recommended amount of food to give your Shetland sheepdog is somewhere between 1 and 2 cups of dog food. This should be of high quality and separated between two meal times.

What is the price of a Shetland Sheepdog in Australia?

The price for a Sheltie in Australia ranges between around $600 and $800. The important thing to remember is to find responsible breeders before making any purchases.