The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a smart, active, and intelligent dog. The breed was first registered in 1908 in Lewrick. Even though they look like smaller versions of Collies, it is believed that Shelties originate from Spitz-type dogs brought to Scotland from Scandinavian countries. Either way, they are excellent in all kinds of events, from obedience to agility. Shetland Sheepdogs also make great family pets for all active families. 

1. Size

Both male and female Shetland Sheepdogs are roughly the same size, with males usually being slightly bigger than females. The exact measurements are:

• Height: 13 to 16 inches (33 to 40 cm)
• Weight: 15 to 25 pounds (6 to 11 kg)

As you can see, Shelties don’t weigh a lot, and the owners often joke that it’s a perfect solution when you need to act quickly – just lift them like a bag under your arm. Joke aside, these dogs might be small, but they are agile, fast, and energetic. Their bodies are symmetrical and well-developed to do the job they were bred for – herding. 

2. Color

The Shetland Sheepdog has a double and long coat. There are 6 breed standard colors:

• Black and White
• Sable and White
• Black White and Tan
• Sable Merle and White
• Blue Merle and White
• Blue Merle White and Tan

Apart from these breed standard colors, there are also white, white and black, black and tan, and other variations. The breed doesn’t have any markings or masks. 

3. Social Traits

Shelties are great family pets. If you can provide them with enough daily exercise, they will thrive in any environment, from houses to apartments. They go great with children of all ages and they are naturally friendly to dogs. However, to make sure a dog is well-developed and stays calm no matter the situation, they should be properly socialized from an early age.

The Shetland Sheepdog also goes well with other animals, but as with any other dog, it is advised to introduce them to other animals while they are puppies. They have a herding instinct which can come out making them herd other animals if left with nothing to do.

Good with children: yes

Good with other dogs: yes

Good with other animals: yes, needs socialization

Shelties are also great watchdogs. They are usually suspicious of strangers and will bark when they sense something strange. This is what makes them such good watchdogs.

4. Trainability

The Shetland Sheepdog is a highly trainable dog. They are eager to please and love to work, a wonderful combination when it comes to training. They are quick to learn basic obedience training, such as heel or potty training.

The key to training Shelties is to give them a job and reward them each time they do it correctly. They love the attention so a pat is also a good reward. A job doesn’t have to be herding. A job can be something you do together, such as exploring the backyard or a local park, going on an adventure, and other things.

5. Activity Needs

Shetland Sheepdog is an active dog. They will need at least 2 hours of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. If you can’t provide enough exercise for a Shetland Sheepdog, they will soon become bored, depressed, or will start misbehaving. 

The best activity is the one where a dog can explore the world around him. Take them on a hike or a long walk. Don’t forget to use a proper dog leash when walking outside of safe areas. Shelties can be taught a good recall, but other dogs or animals might be a problem. 

There are also a lot of indoor games you can play with your dog if you can’t give them enough exercise every day. Sometimes we have job or family obligations. That’s when dog toys come in handy.

6. Feeding

Generally speaking, an adult Shetland Sheepdog will need from 1 to 2 cups of kibble a day. The amount depends on several factors, such as age, activity levels, and health. We have to monitor our dogs and pay attention to possible weight gain.

We want our dogs to be normal weight, not overweight or underweight. Of course, your Sheltie can weigh more than the mentioned 25 pounds. But, as long as you see a dog is healthy with no trouble playing, running, getting up, or doing other activities, everything is alright.

When in doubt, the best option is to ask a vet. They can examine your dog and determine which food and how much of it is appropriate for your dog. 

7. Grooming

With all of the positive things about Shelties, there has to be at least one negative. Well, it is the grooming part. They have long coats and they shed quite a lot. You will have to brush them daily to keep the loose hair to a minimum.

The best combination of brushes is a pin and slicker brush. Both are great for long-coated dogs and for removing hair. Shelties will also need an occasional bath and regular nail trimming (approximately once a month).

You can always hire a professional groomer to do all the job, but grooming is a nice way to bond with your dog and to check if there are any changes. If you are grooming your dog at home on your own, don’t forget to dry the fur thoroughly, especially the ears. Wet ears can lead to secondary infections if left moist for too long. 

8. Possible Problems

Even though Shetland Sheepdogs are generally healthy dogs, some health issues can occur. The most common are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Dermatomyositis (Sheltie skin syndrome)
• Thyroid disease
• Epilepsy 

Many of the health issues mentioned are hereditary diseases. By screening breeding dogs and following responsible breeding programs, we can reduce the likelihood of a dog developing these issues. Their usual lifespan is from 12 to 14 years.

Summary

If you are looking for an active, smaller, energetic, smart dog that loves to cuddle and is affectionate, the Shetland Sheepdog might be the right choice for you. They are excellent as family pets and can serve as good watchdogs too.

The con is their shedding and the time you’ll spend brushing their long fur. But, if that’s not a problem, but you see it as a chance to bond even more with your dog, then it’s settled. Just a reminder for anyone thinking about getting a Sheltie, they are active dogs and will need mental and physical stimulation every day. A quick walk in the morning and the evening is not enough. They need at least 2 hours of daily activities. 

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