Shetland Sheepdog

Dog Breed Group

Herding Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Scotland 

Life Expectancy

12 - 14 Years 

Color

Sable, tricolor, blue merle, black and white and black and tan. 

Coat

Outer coat of long, straight, harsh-textured hair; soft, short-haired close undercoat. 

Exercise Needs

Needs plenty of active exercise. 

Temperament

Active, intelligent, loyal, affectionate. 

Good with Children

Is good with children, as long as they are not too rowdy Gets along well with other dogs, cats and small animals. 

Grooming Needs

Regular brushing is important. Mist the coat lightly with water before you begin and tease out mates. Check behind the ears, hin 

Average Size - Male (in)

13 - 16 

Average Size - Female (in)

13 - 16 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

14 - 16 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

14 - 16 

Health Issues

Generally healthy, may suffer from cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.v

Living Conditions

He will adapt to small living quarters if given daily sufficient exercise making him good in a suburban home or an apartment. 

Breed Description

The Shetland Sheepdog bears resemblance to the Rough Collie. Strong, nimble and lightly built the Sheltie is a fast runner and can jump well. Shetland Sheepdog puppies are beguiling and exhibit a desire to please from a very young age. Intuitive and responsive to his owner's wishes, he makes a charming family pet. Take care that he is not startled teased, or left alone as he can be barky when excited or lonely. Claiming ancestry from the Collies of Scotland the Shetland Sheepdog arrived from the Shetland Islands to mainland England before World War I. The Sheltie has been bred true in the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland for more than 135 years.

Breed Infobits

The Shetland Sheepdog closely resembles the Rough Collie but is in fact a breed in its own right.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a very intelligent dog that can be trained to the highest levels.