Shetland Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

6-12 kg

Height

30-41 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Shetland Sheepdog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

Have you recently been thinking about adding a smart and playful furry friend to your family? If you enjoy spending lots of time outdoors and are relatively active then the Shetland Sheepdog might be the canine for you.

These dogs are very affectionate and kid-friendly, making them ideal for large families. They enjoy the company of all kinds of people and don’t like being left for long periods.

Once you have had a good look through this Shetland Sheepdog breed guide, you will have all the information you would need to decide if this is the right dog for you.

What is the history & origin of the Shetland Sheepdog?

Tracing their lineage to the remote Shetland Islands near Scotland and Norway, Shetland sheepdogs, affectionately termed “toonies” from the local word for farm, were pivotal to island life, herding sheep and keeping birds at bay. By the late 19th century, these smaller relatives of the Rough Collie captured the hearts of visitors to the islands. As demand grew, Shetland farmers bred for their petite size and plush coat. The early 20th century saw the breed’s characteristics blur due to crossbreeding, leading enthusiasts to reintroduce classic Sheltie traits.

Recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1909 and the American Kennel Club in 1911, the Sheltie saw a U.S. popularity boom in the 1970s.

What is a Shetland Sheepdog breed?

The Shetland sheepdog is often described as being a smaller rough-coated collie, although they are separate and unique breed. They are agile little dogs but still have a good amount of strength required for herding. They have relatively small ears that stand up with the ends falling forward somewhat.

They have a double coat that is thick and perfect for combating bad weather. This makes sense for a place like Shetland which is rather exposed to the elements. The outer coat is straight and drapes down the body. The inner coat is denser and helps to keep the heat in on cold days out on the farms.

The colour of the coats can range from blue merle to black or sable, often with some type of white or tan markings. Shelties are gentle creatures that enjoy playing with their loved ones and are quite affectionate.

Who is a Shetland Sheepdog best for?

Shelties 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 excited.

Shetland Sheepdog Grooming & Shedding

An adult Sheltie will need their coat brushed at least once a week. Unlike some other herding breeds, the Shetland sheepdog only really requires a bath if they are exceptionally dirty. Nails should be trimmed as needed.

Dental hygiene is also extremely important to keep on top of, especially in this breed. You should brush daily if possible to help prevent the build-up of plaque and reduce the chance of gum disease developing.

Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Shetland Sheepdog?

On average this small to medium breeds weighs somewhere between 6 and 12 kg and can stand between 30-41cm tall.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train?

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 socialize and train them when they are young, using positive reinforcement techniques.

How do Shetland Sheepdogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Shetland Sheepdog have any common health issues?

There are a few health conditions that the Shetland sheepdog is susceptible to developing.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): A hereditary condition affecting the eyes, CEA can range from minor to severe and may result in blindness.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic malformation of the hip joint, this condition can cause arthritis and pain.
Dermatomyositis: A hereditary disease affecting skin, muscles, and blood vessles, this condition causes skin lesions, ulceration, and inflammation. It’s more common in young Shelties.
Thyroid Disease: Shelties can be prone to thyroid disorders, which can lead to symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, or lethargy.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood-clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of genetic diseases causing the retina’s gradual deterioration, leading to impaired vision and potential blindness.
Epilepsy: Shelties may be susceptible to epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures. These seizures can vary in severity and frequency.

Regular veterinary check-ups and being aware of these potential issues can help ensure early detection and treatment.

What is the lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog?

The Sheltie has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

How much does a Shetland Sheepdog need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Boutique diets such as raw or grain-free food should be avoided due to risk of infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. Fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Shetland Sheepdog in Australia?

The price for a Sheltie in Australia ranges between around $1000 to $2000. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Shetland Sheepdog FAQs

What is the difference between a Rough Collie and a Shetland Sheepdog?

The main difference between the two dogs is their size. On average, the size of a Rough Collie is somewhere between 22-26 inches. Compare this to the Shetland sheepdog who stands somewhere between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulders.

How do you make a Shetland Sheepdog happy?

There are several things you can do to make sure your Sheltie stays happy. These include daily physical and mental stimulation. lots of love and affection, less alone time, and positive reinforcement for good behaviour.

Can Shetland Sheepdogs be left alone?

The Sheltie doesn’t like to be left alone at home for long periods. You can of course nip out to the shop, you just wouldn’t want to be leaving them alone all day.

Can Shetland Sheepdogs swim?

Like other dogs, the Shetland sheepdog can swim and they are pretty good at it as well. Swimming is a great way for your furry friend to get plenty of exercise and also cool off on a hot summer’s day. As with all breeds, there will be individual variation. Always introduce a dog gradually to the water to ensure their safety.