Shetland Sheepdog
Moderate Maintenance: Regular and thorough brushing and combing is a must for this double-coat breed, because the undercoat can mat into a layer of uncomfortable felt while the long outer coat still looks normal. Ask your Sheltie’s breeder to show you how to brush him so you get all the way down to the skin. Shelties are good at keeping themselves clean, especially if you do your part by brushing regularly. Give your Sheltie a bath once every month or two. He shouldn’t need one more often than that. Ranking: #6 Full Ranking ListShelties have a high level of intelligence. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence, the Shetland sheepdog is one of the brightest dogs, ranking 6th out of 132 breeds tested. His research found that an average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it was given 95% of the time or better. The Shetland Sheepdog is a medium, agile dog, longer than it is tall. Its gait is smooth, effortless and ground-covering, imparting good agility, speed and endurance essential in a herding dog. It has a double coat, with a short, dense undercoat and a long, straight, harsh outer coat. The hair of the mane, frill and tail is abundant. Its expression is gentle, intelligent and questioning. Although it resembles a rough collie in miniature, subtle differences distinguish the breeds. The Shetland sheepdog is extremely bright, sensitive and willing to please. This combination makes for a dog that is very obedient, quick to learn and utterly devoted to its family. It is not only gentle, playful, amiable and companionable, but also excellent with children, although it can nip at heels in play. It is reserved and often timid toward strangers. It barks a lot.
| 10: | Zeus |
| Cat Friendly: | 5 stars The Shelties generally get along with other dogs, typically seem to enjoy cats, and are fine with other household pets. |
| Height: | 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) |
| Other names: | Miniature Collie, Shetland Collie (obsolete), Dwarf Scotch Shepherd (obsolete), Toonie Dog (obsolete), Sheltie |
| Dog Friendly: | 4 stars |
| Popularity: | 2022: #28 2021: #28 2020: #27 2019: #25 2018: #25 2017: #24 2016: #24 2015: #23 |
| Rank: | Boy Names |
| 03: | Buddy |
| Apartment Friendly: | 2 stars The Sheltie will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. |
| Intelligence: | 5 stars More + Less - Ranking: #6 Full Ranking ListShelties have a high level of intelligence. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence, the Shetland sheepdog is one of the brightest dogs, ranking 6th out of 132 breeds tested. His research found that an average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it was given 95% of the time or better. |
| Temperament: | Affectionate Friendly Gentle Intelligent Lively Playful Responsive |
| Name: | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Child Friendly: | 4 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Colors: | Black & White Black White & Tan Blue Merle & White Blue Merle White & Tan Sable & White Sable Merle & White |
| Exercise Needs: | 3 stars This active, graceful dog needs lots of exercise, which includes a daily walk or jog. They will also enjoy running free, but be sure the dog is in a safe area. |
| 01: | Max |
| 02: | Charlie |
| 05: | Cooper |
| 08: | Toby |
| Adaptability: | 5 stars |
| Size: | Small to Medium |
| Watchdog Ability: | 4 stars Great Watchdog Ability: This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present. It is not considered to be a very protective breed. Therefore, it is unlikely to scare off intruders. |
| Stranger Friendly: | 2 stars |
| Trainability: | 3 stars Easy Training: Training will be enjoyable. This dog is inclined to listen to commands and obey its owner. This breed will require fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results. |
| Weight: | 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) |
| 09: | Marley |
| Grooming: | 5 stars More + Less - Moderate Maintenance: Regular and thorough brushing and combing is a must for this double-coat breed, because the undercoat can mat into a layer of uncomfortable felt while the long outer coat still looks normal. Ask your Sheltie’s breeder to show you how to brush him so you get all the way down to the skin. Shelties are good at keeping themselves clean, especially if you do your part by brushing regularly. Give your Sheltie a bath once every month or two. He shouldn’t need one more often than that. |
| Health Issues: | 3 stars Hypoallergenic: No |
| Life span: | 12-14 years |
| Shedding Level: | 3 stars Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| 04: | Jack |
| 07: | Oliver |
| Litter Size: | 4-6 puppies |
| Puppy Prices: | Average $1000 - $2000 USD Usually, the average price of a Shetland Sheepdog puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $2,000, while a top-quality Shetland Sheepdog puppy can cost as high as $3,000 and upward. Their price depends upon the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location. |
| 06: | Dexter |
| Barking Tendencies: | 5 stars Frequent |
| Breed Group: | Herding (AKC:1911 & UKC) |
| Playfulness: | 3 stars |
| Type: | Purebred |