Shetland Sheepdog
About the Shetland Sheepdog
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 13-16" |
| Weight | 15-25 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,300/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Shetland Sheepdog
The story behind the Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog developed on the Shetland Islands off northern Scotland, where crofters kept small, hardy dogs to herd and guard diminutive island sheep and to keep livestock out of garden plots; harsh conditions favored small size, as with the islands' ponies. The foundation stock likely blended local working dogs of spitz and collie type with mainland Collies and possibly small companion breeds brought by visiting ships. Islanders sold appealing puppies to tourists and sailors, and the breed reached British show rings in the early twentieth century, with recognition following in the 1910s; breeders then refined it toward the miniature Collie appearance seen today. It became a widely loved companion, obedience, and agility dog.
Originally bred for: Sheep herding, Farm watchdog, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Shetland Sheepdog
A small, bright herder with a heavy coat and a genuine tendency to gain, so measured meals matter more than any special formula. Adequate fats support the dense double coat, while training rewards come out of the daily ration.
Watch for: Shelties are sometimes reported to have delicate digestion, tolerating rich or fatty foods poorly, and some show itchy skin. None of this is proven across the breed. Dietary experiments should be veterinarian-supervised.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Shetland Sheepdog
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.