Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Shetland sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small herding dog breed from Scotland with a long, straight, thick coat that comes in a variety of shades. Shelties look like a miniature version of the rough collie. They have upright ears that slightly bend over, an alert expression, a low tail, and an agile build. Bred to herd livestock, Shelties are quite intelligent and athletic. They also can be very loving and loyal companions.

Learn more about the Shetland sheepdog, from their history to their care needs.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding

Height: 13 to 16 inches

Weight: 15 to 25 pounds

Coat: Long double coat

Coat Color: Black and white; black, white, and tan; blue merle and white; blue merle, white, and tan; sable and white; or sable, merle, and tan

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, playful

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: Scotland

Characteristics of the Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs generally have a bright and alert temperament. They tend to be quite in tune with their surroundings.

A high energy level and love of play also help to shape their personality. They enjoy being active with their family but can be wary of strangers.

History of the Shetland Sheepdog

Although these dogs might remind you of the famous TV collie, Lassie, the Shetland sheepdog is not actually a direct descendant of the collie—unlike some miniaturized versions of larger breeds. Instead, this breed more closely related to the Scottish collie and King Charles spaniel.

The actual origin of the Sheltie is unclear. But it’s likely that local dogs of Scotland's Shetland Islands were mixed with collies and other dogs that arrived from the mainland. The result was a dog with a thick coat that could withstand the harsh climate. And their small size was a valued trait because that meant they ate less than larger herding dogs. 

Shelties started to gain popularity outside of their native home in the early 20th century. They were first called the Shetland collie. But after disagreement from collie breeders, they were rebranded as Shetland sheepdogs.

The Kennel Club of England first recognized the breed in 1909, followed by the American Kennel Club in 1911.

Shetland Sheepdog Care

Plan on lots of exercise and mental stimulation for a Sheltie. Also, expect to spend some time each week grooming their long coat. Aim to start training and socialization from an early age.

Exercise

Shetland sheepdogs should receive at least one to two hours per day of exercise. Long walks, jogging, hiking, and active games of fetch all are ideal ways to help them burn energy.

Puzzle toys can challenge their intelligent minds. Shelties also excel in dog sports, including agility and herding. They take well to training as therapy and service dogs, too.

Just be aware that their herding instinct can cause them to chase moving objects, including cars. It’s best to keep them on leash outside or in a securely fenced area.

Grooming

Brush your Shetland sheepdog’s long, thick coat at least a few times a week to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Pay special attention to the fur around the legs and tail, as well as behind the ears, as it can easily get matted.

Expect periods of higher shedding seasonally, often in the spring and fall. Increase how often you brush to keep up with the loose fur.

Avoid shaving a Sheltie’s coat, as the fur insulates the dog from both hot and cold weather and protects them from sunburn.

Plan on a bath roughly once every one to two months, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Check your dog’s nails every month or so to see whether they need a trim. And look in their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and irritation. Also, try to brush your dog’s teeth every day.

Training

Start training and socializing your Shetland sheepdog ideally when they're a puppy. Shelties generally are very smart and eager to please, making them adept at obedience training.

Always use positive training methods. Shetland sheepdogs can be sensitive to your tone, and harsh corrections can cause them to shut down. 

Aim to provide your Sheltie with positive experiences around different people and other dogs. This can help to diffuse the breed’s natural wariness of strangers.

Also, work on teaching this vocal breed to stop barking on command. Shelties not only tend to bark at perceived threats but also to express their emotions and even out of boredom. So teaching them a “quiet” command is a must.

Common Health Problems

The Shetland sheepdog overall is a healthy breed. But it is still prone to some hereditary health issues1, including: 

• Hip dysplasia: This causes problems with the development of the dog’s hip joints, leading to pain and mobility issues.

• Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, and it needs to be treated by a vet.

• Von Willebrand disease: This serious disease affects the blood’s clotting ability, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.

• Dermatomyositis: This genetic disease causes inflammation in the skin, blood vessels, and muscles. Symptoms include hair loss, skin lesions, megaesophagus, muscle atrophy, and muscle weakness.

• Eye problems: This breed can develop eye issues, including collie eye anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy. Because some conditions can lead to blindness, veterinary care is necessary.

• Gallbladder mucocele: : This is a buildup of mucus in the gallbladder. As a result, the gallbladder becomes enlarged.

• Epilepsy: This is a neurological disease that causes seizures. It can be treated by a vet with medications.

Diet and Nutrition

Always provide your Shetland sheepdog with fresh water. And feed a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s common to feed two measured meals per day.

Be sure to discuss both the type of food and amount with your vet. For instance, your vet might recommend different diets based on age and/or activity level.

Also, be mindful of treats and other extra food to prevent overeating.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs are a fairly popular dog breed, so you might be able to find a dog in need of a home at an animal shelter or rescue group. Ask to get your name on a breed wait list if possible.

If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $850 to $2,000 on average.2

For further information to help you find a Sheltie, check out:

• Sheltie Nation

• American Shetland Sheepdog Association

Shetland Sheepdog Overview

The Shetland sheepdog can make a great companion for the right family. These dogs are intelligent, active, and loving. However, they have high exercise and grooming needs, so they require a lot of time and attention. 

Pros of Shetland Sheepdogs

• Intelligent and easy to train

• Good for active people

• Generally friendly and affectionate

Cons of Shetland Sheepdogs

• Likes to chase things, including cars

• Needs regular grooming to prevent matting

• Can be very vocal

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home a Shetland sheepdog, do thorough research to make sure the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to Sheltie owners, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and veterinary professionals to learn more.

If you're interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Collie

• Border Collie

• Australian Shepherd

• Miniature American Shepherd

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!