Shelties 101

Herding group

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is not a "miniature Collie," despite some obvious similarities, including coat type and markings. Shelties are lively, active companions who learn new things at great speed and seem proud to show off what they know. They love children and are good with other family pets, and but are rarely welcoming to people they do not know.

What we love about Shelties

Flashy little charmers with lots of personality

Energy level
Bark level
  • Very vocal
Size
13 to 16 inches tall
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
15 to 25 lbs

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Mature adult Sheltie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Gallbladder disease

Hypothyroid disease

Dental disease

Senior Sheltie

9+ years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Kidney failure

Liver and gallbladder cancer

Valvular heart disease

Sheltie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Gastroenteritis

Dental disease

Trauma

Young adult Sheltie

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Urinary tract infection

Mature adult Sheltie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Gallbladder disease

Hypothyroid disease

Dental disease

Senior Sheltie

9+ years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Kidney failure

Liver and gallbladder cancer

Valvular heart disease

Sheltie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Gastroenteritis

Dental disease

Trauma

Young adult Sheltie

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Urinary tract infection

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Shetland Sheepdog introduction

Shelties excel in the sport of canine agility, blasting through and over obstacles at high speed.

Shetland Sheepdog coat care and colors

The Shetland Sheepdog was developed on the Shetland Isles of Scotland, where a dog needs a lot of coat to handle the elements. While Shelties shed throughout the year, they “blow” coat in spring and fall, dropping fur in astonishing volume. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding to a decent degree, and doing it outdoors makes for easier clean-up. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

Shelties come in a variety of color combinations, with the "Lassie" look – brown or tan with a white ruff and markings – the most common. Some Shelties have blue eyes!

Sheltie exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

Shelties are active dogs who like to be busy. They love a lot of exercise for both their bodies and their minds. They'll happily do almost anything you want to do, from daily walks to long hikes to all manner of canine competition. The one exercise they're typically not thrilled to do? Swim.

Class star

Trainability

As with their larger cousin, the Border Collie, Shelties learn quickly and love showing off their training. Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive and cannot handle harsh training methods. Use praise and small treats and your Sheltie will do anything for you!

Sheltie fun facts

Top girl names for Shelties

100%

of Shelties are female

0%

of Shelties are male

Top boy names for Shelties

Nationwide loves Shetland Sheepdogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

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