Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) Breed Information: Facts, Pictures, and More

The Shetland Sheepdog is a sprightly little pup who brightens up the days of all those he meets. He is happy, energetic, and fun but also versatile and hardworking. Affectionately known as the Sheltie, he is a popular dog who makes a fantastic family pet. But, with high energy, he must match with the right family. If you’re thinking of adopting a Shetland Sheepdog, I’ve got everything you need to know about this lively breed. Sit back, relax, and let me introduce you to this wee Scottish pup.

Sheltie Breed History

The Sheltie’s official name is the Shetland Sheepdog. This is because the breed originates from the Shetland Islands, the uppermost northern point of Scotland. Contrary to popular opinion, this pup is not a direct descendant of the Rough Collie. Instead, he is more closely related to the Scottish Collie and the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

It’s challenging to place the Sheltie’s history simply because the Shetland Islands are so remote. Much debate exists about the actual breeds used in the Shetland Sheepdog’s development. Due to significant Scandinavian influence in the area, Shelties may come from mixing the original Norse dogs brought there by their owners. Some of these dogs are thought to be Scandinavian herding dogs, probably Spitzes. From there, they are said to have been crossbred with mainland Collies. This might be where the Sheltie gets its resemblance to the Rough Collie; it’s often erroneously thought that Shelties are just Rough Collies selectively bred to be smaller.

The breed’s history goes back to at least 1844 when a visitor to the Shetland Islands described a Collie-like dog very similar to the Sheltie as we know them today. Four years before that, in 1840, an engraving for the town of Lerwick depicts a Sheltie in the foreground. From this, we surmise that the dog had enjoyed popularity on the island for a century or even longer.

It’s worth noting that the Sheltie’s small size has much to do with the isolated nature of the archipelago. As the Shetland Islands are 130 miles north of the Scottish mainland, obtaining supplies from more populated areas was difficult. In addition, food on the islands was often scarce due to the rough terrain. Because of this, Shelties were bred as small dogs that wouldn’t eat as much food. (This is the same reason why Shetland Ponies are so tiny!) They weren’t made too tiny to ensure they could still herd farm animals like cattle, sheep, and ponies.

Breeding the Sheltie with other small dogs like the Pomeranian, making them smaller and fluffier, proved to be a good source of income for Scottish farmers who would sell the tiny, fluffy dogs to tourists. By the end of the 19th Century, the frequent cross-breeding for smaller sizes made it more of a mongrel than a purebred dog. Breed fanciers stepped in to save the breed, but there were still three “types” of Sheltie breeder: those that bred Shelties with Shelties, those that bred Shelties with Collies, and those that continued to crossbreed indiscriminately.

In 1930, English and Scottish dog clubs got together and agreed that a Sheltie should look like a mini Rough Collie, with no more indiscriminate breeding. Shetland Sheepdogs became very popular in America, and in the 1980s, they were consistently found in America’s top 10 breeds.

Initially kept as a farmhand, the Shetland Sheepdog was used to herd and keep chickens and other pests out of his master’s yard to protect the vegetable patch. He was also useful as a canine-sounding alarm against intruders and those wishing to steal produce or animals. The Sheltie still works as a ranch hand, but he is more commonly found in the family home, enjoying the life of a pampered pet. In 2023, the Sheltie was ranked as the 26th most popular breed by the AKC.

What Is The Sheltie’s Temperament?

Unlike most other dog breeds, the Sheltie has a wide variety of personality traits. Some are super confident and extravagant, but others are reserved and sensitive. This is due to the various dog breeds found in their bloodline. This means that you need to be open-minded when it comes to the Sheltie.

Some Shelties are shy and reserved around strangers. They are also super vocal dogs who will bark at anything and everything. Together, these traits make him a superb watchdog. If your living arrangements are confined by noise restrictions, such as an apartment or shared living space, the Shetland Sheepdog might not be the best option because they are LOUD.

When it comes to their family, they are anything but reserved. They wear their heart on their sleeve and have limitless love and cuddles to give. As ex-farm dogs, they have lots of intelligent working energy. Combining that with Collie’s blood, you can also be sure that they are very intelligent. According to the famous dog intelligence tests conducted by Dr. Stanley Coren, the Sheltie was ranked as the sixth most intelligent dog breed in the world.

This has both its benefits and negatives, but you can make it work for you. Don’t underestimate his cute little face because he can be demonic when bored and left to his own devices. Shelties are often described as too clever for their own good.

The sensitive Sheltie doesn’t like to be left alone for too long. If left alone for more than a few hours, he will start to feel anxious and can develop separation anxiety.

Your Sheltie may retain many herding behaviors even if they’re family dogs. For instance, they may attempt to herd people within the home by circling them. Unfortunately, this often means that they also nip, which could hurt you and other members of your family– especially kids. This is easily trained out of them if done early.

Shetland Sheepdog Size & Appearance

The Sheltie breeding standard states that he should always look like a miniature Collie. They should measure between 13 and 16 inches tall, from paw to shoulder. Weighing between 14 and 27 pounds, the Sheltie is a small-sized dog. Under his coat, his body is athletic and powerful. His body is in proportion, and his thick neck carries his head proudly.

He has a long and narrow muzzle, and his skull appears slender when looking at him against other dog breeds. His breed standard describes his face as a blunt wedge. The Sheltie’s ears are three-quarters erect, with the tips breaking forward. His eyes are almond-shaped and always dark in color. Except for blue merle-coated Shelties, who sometimes have blue eyes. Shetland Sheepdogs are often mistaken for Border Collies and other smaller fluffy dog breeds.

Shelties are graceful, poised dogs; their elegant form allows them to perform tremendous feats of athleticism. Sheltie’s legs must be strong and muscular enough to support their stocky frame and give an overall feeling of balance and stability to Sheltie’s body. Their tails are long and bushy and never curl up over the back, even when excited. You can see some of our favorite curly-tailed dog breeds here.

Sheltie Coat & Colors

As a traditional working dog from the harsh islands of Shetland, the Sheltie has a thick and double-layered coat. His fluffy coat is designed to protect his body from the elements and keep him warm. The underlayer is soft and dense, and the outer layer is straight and much thicker. He has a medium-length coat that sheds moderately throughout the year.

This double coat sheds dirt without bathing, and the natural oils make it water-resistant. The hair around his muzzle is short, so you can see his gorgeous face, but the rest is thick and luscious. His nose is black, as are his lips and other features.

Shetland Sheepdogs have coats in a variety of color combinations. The white on his coat should not make up for more than 50% of his jacket. You’ll most often see a Sheltie with a sable coat, with the mid-tones ranging from tan to gold to mahogany. You may or may not see flashes of black in a Sheltie with a sable coat. Shetland Sheepdogs with this coloration may be born with a subtler coat; this intensifies in color as they age. The AKC faults sable-coated Shelties when they have too much white in their coloration. Brindle Shelties are disqualified.

You can also see Shelties with bi-color and tri-color coats. Bi-colored Shelties are often black-and-white or white-and-blue. Tri-color coats are solid blocks of white, black, and tan. White fur marks the chest and legs in what is known as the Irish patterning.

The AKC allows blue merle Shetland Sheepdogs. The merle pattern in Shelties is striking. The regular tri-color coat is modified; the black parts of the coat are diluted into varying shades of gray-blue. This is the only color of Sheltie that is allowed to have blue eyes, as per AKC standards.

Exercise & Living Conditions

The Sheltie is an active canine who needs 60 minutes of intense exercise every day. Despite his small and pretty stature, this guy is full of big dog energy, and he needs to burn it off. He needs more than just a stroll around the block or park. Think of how much energy he would expel on a Shetland farm—you must match that during your exercises with him.

He loves to chase things, so invest in a ball launcher and play fetch for 45 minutes. Your arm might get a little tired, but he will love it. Despite his lush coat, he is not scared of getting it wet. He’ll want to go out whether it’s blissfully sunny or raining cats and dogs. If you fail to take him out, he will become restless and take it out on your favorite belongings.

As the sixth most intelligent dog breed, you must mix up his activity schedule to keep him on his paws. You need to mentally stimulate him, too. As one of the best excelling dogs in agility classes and competitions, you should take him to your local doggy park and test his agility skills. You can also try barn hunting to keep them mentally and physically engaged.

Shelties do best in homes with a large, fenced-in yard where they can happily play to expend their extra energy. They prefer temperate climates that are neither too hot nor too cold. Ensure your yard is secure; the Sheltie is small enough to escape, and he will try repeatedly. Shelties also love to chase things, including squirrels, birds, and your neighbor’s cat.

The Sheltie can live with other household pets, but this depends on what type of pets you have. Other dogs are tolerable, but cats can be tricky. Shelties can get along with smaller pets when raised with them as puppies. That said, you should always proceed with caution when bringing an older pup into a home with smaller pets like cats or free-roaming bunnies, guinea pigs, etc. They may seem fair game to a high-spirited Sheltie.

Training Your Sheltie

The Sheltie is a smart dog who should take to training well. His high-ranking intelligence means that he shouldn’t take too long to pick up basic commands and obedience training. This is great news for first-time dog owners who want to adopt a dog that is easier to raise and manage. However, he is known to have an independent streak. This means you need to make training sessions short and sweet and ensure they are fun.

Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train this guy, and he loves yummy training treats and balls as rewards. Make it a positive experience; he will want to do it repeatedly. A good Sheltie breeder will start basic training with him as soon as he can walk, increasing your chances of having an obedient Sheltie in his later years.

This includes socializing with other dogs and humans when he is a pup. This process is particularly important for the Sheltie, who is known to be sensitive and reserved. This will build his confidence and ensure he doesn’t become overly shy.

Shelties are incredible barkers, and that’s in their DNA. They were bred to be alert to predators preying on their flock; they are incredibly vocal as a result. While you can discourage barking in your Shetland Sheepdog, it’s a good idea to live somewhere that isn’t densely populated. Take the time to learn how to prevent excessive barking. The sooner you implement this training, the more effective it will be.

Shetland Sheepdog Health Concerns

The Sheltie is a healthy purebred dog with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. To keep your Sheltie with you for as long as possible, keep him up to date with his regular veterinary checkups. High-quality nutrition and regular exercise will also help keep him in tip-top condition.

Like all dog breeds, the Sheltie is prone to certain health concerns more than others. It’s important to understand which health concerns are more likely to affect the Sheltie and be aware of the associated symptoms to know what to look out for.

Hip Dysplasia

While dogs with hip dysplasia should never be bred, it is still an illness that Shelties are prone to. Hip dysplasia occurs when the dog’s thigh bone does not snugly fit into their hip socket. This often leads to limping, strange posture, or hindered gait. This is a very painful condition, especially for Shetland Sheepdogs who carry their relatively large bodies on shorter legs. Good breeders always assure you that their puppies have been screened for hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

A variety of eye concerns affect the Sheltie breed. The most common conditions are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), collie eyes, and cataracts. PRA is an inherited disease that causes progressive blindness. It degenerates the cells in the retina, slowly taking away an affected dog’s vision. Shelties are genetically predisposed to PRA. Sadly, there is no treatment; you must adjust your lifestyle and your dog’s environment to avoid vision loss.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Shetland Sheepdogs can also develop Collie eye anomalies. You normally see this condition in Shelties around two years of age. A veterinary ophthalmologist must diagnose it. Shelties affected by this disease may have it more severely in one eye or the other; usually, both eyes are affected. In severe cases, this can lead to blindness, though milder cases should not affect your Sheltie too much. Collie eye anomaly is a genetic ailment; your breeder should inform you if your Shetland Sheepdog is prone to this disease.

Dermatomyositis

This is an inherited disease that primarily affects Shelties and Collies. In dermatomyositis, skin lesions form on the head, front legs, and ears; scarring and hair loss may also occur. This can end up affecting the muscles in more severe cases. Shelties are known to carry this, though they may go their whole lives without symptoms ever showing. They can pass the illness onto their offspring, so it’s important to screen even healthy Shelties where possible. Dermatomyositis is diagnosed through a skin punch biopsy.

MDR1 Gene Mutation

Many herding breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs included, are predisposed to a mutation of their MDR1 gene. Around 15% of dogs in this classification are affected, including cross-breeds. This can make them intolerant of many different medications, and adverse reactions are expected. Testing is available for this mutation, and responsible breeders can tell if your pup has it. You can also test for this gene mutation with an at-home DNA test like Embark.

Nutrition

The Sheltie will consume between one and two cups of kibble every day. If he is a working Sheltie, he may need to eat more than this, depending on his energy usage. A high-quality kibble will provide him with everything that he needs to stay healthy. A well-balanced diet includes top-quality meat protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy omega fats, vitamins, and minerals.

As a small-sized canine with a narrow muzzle, he may prefer kibble designed and shaped for smaller breed dogs. There are many ‘small breed’ kibbles out there, so if he struggles with regular-sized kibble pieces, be sure to give these a try. It’s rare for Shelties to become overweight simply because they are so active. But if you notice that he is piling on one too many pounds, consider switching him to a weight management kibble.

You may also consider adding fresh dog food to your pup’s bowl. This can be as a topper for kibble, an occasional treat, or their main nutrition. Fresh foods add a pop of flavor and nutrition and support your pup’s overall health. Learn more about the best fresh dog foods and human-grade options.

Giving your dog the right amount of calories is imperative to avoiding obesity, which causes many preventable illnesses and shortens their lifespan. The average Shetland Sheepdog needs around one and a half cups of food in a day, divided into two meals. Giving your Sheltie scheduled meal times helps them establish a healthy eating routine. When in doubt about how much you need to feed your dog, it’s always best to ask a veterinarian.

Grooming Your Sheltie

The Sheltie’s fluffy double coat requires a fair bit of care, so you need to be sure that you have plenty of time in your schedule. Thankfully, he will love the attention, and it will serve as bonding time for you both, too. He will need brushing two or three times a week throughout the year and most days during the shedding seasons. A pin or a slicker brush is the best type of brush for the Sheltie and a de-shedding tool for when they blow their coats.

He has a thick coat, and he will be a moderate to heavy shedder throughout the year. Expect lots of hair on your outfits, sofa, and floor. An efficient pet hair vacuum will be a wise investment for a Sheltie family.

The Sheltie should be bathed once every 8 to 12 weeks to keep him feeling and looking his best. The best formula for the Sheltie is a gentle shampoo made with natural ingredients. His coat acts as a mop and picks up a lot of dirt. Unless he is super muddy and caked in muck, try to brush it off rather than wash him more than the recommended amount. Otherwise, you risk damaging his coat oils.

His ears should be cleaned weekly, and be sure to check his eyes when grooming him because of his susceptibility to eye conditions. He should wear down his nails when running about, but if you can hear him tip-tapping on the floor, he will need his nails clipped. His small and narrow mouth needs cleaning twice weekly, as his compact teeth are at a higher risk of periodontal diseases. Remember to brush his teeth and use dog toothpaste, as human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

The cost of a Sheltie puppy from a reputable breeder will set you back around $1,000 and up. If you are looking for a show Sheltie, you can expect to pay a little bit more than this. And the same goes for a Sheltie from an award-winning line of hardworking farm dogs.

We have already mentioned a few of the reasons why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Not only do they produce healthier puppies, but they also begin the training and socialization process as soon as possible. This means a happier pup, too. So, it’s important that you research Sheltie breeders and work with the best one for you. Always meet breeders, the pups, and their parents in person before making any commitments.

The initial puppy price is not the only consideration that you need to take. Other costs associated with welcoming a puppy into your life include the costs of setting up. Such as beds, crates, harnesses, toys, etc. Not forgetting ongoing expenses such as food, vet checkups, and medical insurance, to name just a few.

Rescues & Shelters

Buying a Sheltie puppy from a breeder is not the only option that you have. You could also think about rescuing a Sheltie. Not only will you save a bit of money compared to the cost of a puppy from a breeder, but you could also be saving a life. Head over to your local rescue centers to begin your search. If you cannot find a Sheltie, speak to the staff there and ask if it’s possible to be contacted if a Sheltie comes in.

Alternatively, Sheltie Nation is a fantastic website that lists 50+ dedicated Sheltie rescue organizations. If you are thinking about rescuing a Sheltie in need, this is your one-stop Sheltie shop.

If you are already a Sheltie parent or have your heart set on the breed, we’ve got some fun Sheltie dog name ideas to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve answered some of the most often-asked questions about Shetland Sheepdogs below. If I missed yours or you have an experience to share, let me know in the comments.

Do Shelties Shed?

Shelties are magnificently talented at shedding. Males shed less than females, but you should still expect big shedding episodes at least once or twice a year. Expect shedding to be the worst in the late Spring for both sexes and every six to eight months for an unspayed female. Neutering male Shetland Sheepdogs can help reduce shedding. You must brush your Sheltie at least once daily during shedding season to help them lose old fur. Spraying their coats with a fine mist of water makes this easier.

How Often Do Shetland Sheepdogs Need Baths?

The good news is that Shelties don’t often need baths. Their coats naturally shed a lot of the dirt that gets on them when they’re outdoors, and the oils in their coats help keep them clean. They’ll only need a bath on the occasions they get filthy.

Can Shelties Be Left Alone?

Shetland Sheepdogs do not do well when left alone for long periods. This breed needs to be around people due to their high energy and the propensity to bark excessively. They can become a real destructive force when left alone, especially if they are not crate-trained. If you must be away, consider a dog sitter or doggy daycare for your Sheltie.

Other Medium-Sized Dog Breeds To Consider

If you love the idea of a fluffy pup like the Sheltie but need a little less high-energy dog, there are several to consider. The Cocker Spaniel makes a great low-energy family pet. Consider the Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix or American Eskimo Dog if you want a pup with a fluffier coat.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Emma is the mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She is passionate about writing about dogs and sharing her professional knowledge and experience. Her dog knowledge comes from being a dog owner and professional dog walker, traveling around Europe as a dog sitter, and volunteering in her local rescue centers for the last 15 years. Emma works with a dedicated team at Canine Journal to produce the most up-to-date and relevant dog information for their readers.