Medium breed
Shetland Sheepdog Puppies
Smart, affectionate, and always ready to play
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- Adult weight 20–40 lbs
- Height 13–16 in
- Lifespan 12–14 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, hails from the rugged landscapes of Scotland, where they were bred for herding sheep. This medium-sized breed combines intelligence with a lovable demeanor, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. With roots that trace back to the 19th century, Shelties have become increasingly popular for their affectionate nature, boundless energy, and keen ability to bond with humans of all ages, including young children.
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Known for their spirited yet gentle temperament, Shetland Sheepdogs make fantastic family pets. Their high trainability and intelligence enable them to excel in various activities, from agility competitions to obedience training. They thrive in an environment filled with love and companionship, and they are typically good with other dogs and even cats. This social nature, combined with an affectionate personality, ensures that they create lasting relationships with every member of the family.
Shelties come with a moderate energy level, requiring regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, or even a game of fetch will help keep them happy and healthy. Though they have a beautiful double coat that sheds moderately, they require weekly grooming to maintain their fluffy appearance and minimize loose fur around the home. This makes them a suitable option for many lifestyles, even those in apartment settings, where a little care goes a long way.
If you are looking for a intelligent, energetic, and affectionate companion, the Shetland Sheepdog might just be the perfect fit for your family. With their loyal hearts and playful spirits, these wonderful dogs create a joyful atmosphere and undoubtedly bring delight to your everyday life. If you are in Furrylicious® and eager to meet your new best friend, consider welcoming a Sheltie into your home.
Shetland Sheepdog breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Warms up
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Territorial Relaxed
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Prey drive Moderate
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats With introductions
Energy & exercise
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Energy High
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Eager to please
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Intelligence Exceptional
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Stubbornness Biddable
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Heavy
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Good
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Comfortable
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Warm weather Needs shade
A good match for
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First-time owners Good first dog
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Senior owners Good
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Running partner Moderate
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Hiking Good
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Shetland Sheepdog
Temperament & Family Fit
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a loving and gentle breed that thrives in family settings. Their friendly demeanor makes them excellent companions for children, and they usually get along well with other dogs and even cats. With their affectionate nature, a Sheltie can easily become a beloved family member in any household.
Energy & Exercise
This breed has a moderate energy level and enjoys a mix of playtime and relaxation. Daily walks and some play sessions in the backyard are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. In Furrylicious®, families will find their Shelties can adapt well to both active outdoor adventures and cozy couch time.
Care & Grooming
Shetland Sheepdogs require weekly grooming to keep their beautiful coats in tip-top shape, as they do shed quite a bit. Regular brushing helps reduce loose fur and keeps their fur looking its best. Taking care of your Sheltie's grooming needs is a great way to bond and show them how much you care.
Training Notes
<p. Known for their intelligence, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience training. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work wonders with this eager-to-please breed. With their strong desire to learn and please their owners, training sessions can be a fun and rewarding experience for both dog and owner.
Caring for a Shetland Sheepdog
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Shetland Sheepdog Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the energy level of a Shetland Sheepdog?
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate energy level, typically rated around 4 out of 5. They enjoy regular exercise and playtime, making them great companions for active families. Daily walks and engaging activities will keep them happy and healthy.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good with kids and other pets?
Absolutely! Shetland Sheepdogs are known for being good with young kids and other dogs, both rated at 4 out of 5. They are generally friendly and sociable, but always supervise interactions with small children to ensure everyone's safety.
How often do I need to groom a Shetland Sheepdog?
You can expect to groom your Shetland Sheepdog on a weekly basis. Their beautiful double coat requires regular brushing to keep it healthy and free from tangles. This grooming routine can also help manage their moderate shedding.
Can Shetland Sheepdogs live comfortably in an apartment?
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can adapt quite well to apartment living, especially if they get plenty of exercise. With a rating of 4 for apartment friendliness, they enjoy being part of family life and will thrive with daily walks and playtime, even in smaller spaces.
How trainable is a Shetland Sheepdog?
Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their excellent trainability, scoring a 5 out of 5 in this area. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed.
