At first glance, the Shetland Sheepdog resembles a smaller version of the Rough Collie. However, these small herding dogs are a distinct and special breed in their own right. Learn everything about the history, character, and care of Shelties in this profile.

History of the Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog originally hails from the Shetland Islands in the North Atlantic off the coast of Scotland. Scottish shepherds used these small sheepdogs to herd their flocks. It’s clear at first sight that the Sheltie is related to the Collie. Roughly speaking, it’s simply a Collie in miniature. Originally, it was even called the “Shetland Collie.” The exact breeds involved in its breeding are still debated today. The shepherds needed a small dog with long fur adapted to the extremely harsh and cold climate.

These dogs didn’t need to protect their sheep from predators, allowing the shepherds to focus on agility and speed. Often, the dogs were alone with the sheep for long periods and had to act independently and survive on minimal food. The breed was officially recognized in 1954. It was classified in FCI Group 1, in the first section, thus belonging to the herding dogs. Nowadays, Shelties are rarely used for herding and are popular family pets in many places. Some Shetland Sheepdogs work as rescue and avalanche search dogs.

Traits and Characteristics

The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent and spirited dog with a sensitive and friendly nature. This gentle and affectionate dog is always cheerful and ready to brighten its owner’s day. Shelties tend to be reserved but never nervous around strangers. Because they are very sensitive to aggression and loud behavior, Shelties require loving and gentle treatment.

With this, they become wonderful lifelong companions who can anticipate their owner’s every wish. However, Sheltie owners should be aware that these small dogs are quite vocal and tend to bark a lot. They will bark even when a stranger approaches the property, making them good watchdogs.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquiring a Shetland Sheepdog

What should I consider when buying one?

A Shetland Sheepdog is an uncomplicated dog that is suitable even for beginners. Due to its small size, you can keep it in a smaller apartment as long as it gets enough exercise. Before purchasing a puppy, make sure that the Sheltie fits into your lifestyle. Over the next 12 to 14 years, this little dog will demand your attention every day, and you should leave it alone as little as possible. The Shetland Sheepdog is a true outdoorsman who doesn’t mind daily walks in any weather and enjoys being out and about.

If you’ve decided to purchase a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, you should find a reputable breeder locally. Ideally, they should be affiliated with the AKC (American Kennel Club) and have some experience in breeding.

You can expect to pay around $1000 for a purebred and healthy Sheltie puppy. If you don’t want to spend that much, never get a puppy from a pet store. Instead, consider checking out your local animal shelter and giving a needy Sheltie a chance. While you may find older dogs there, they are incredibly grateful for any kind of attention.

Development and Training of the Puppy

The sensitive Shetland Sheepdog requires fair and gentle training. With plenty of praise, you can quickly achieve your goals and gain a loyal companion for life. Not only does it have a strong “will to please,” but it’s also extremely intelligent. Its high intelligence and joy in learning make it a great companion even for beginners. Nevertheless, you should take it slow at the beginning and give the little dog plenty of time. After all, Shelties aren’t fully grown until they’re 3 to 5 years old.

How to Care for a Shetland Sheepdog?

Activities with the Shetland Sheepdog:

Boredom will be a thing of the past with a Sheltie. This little bundle of energy needs a lot of exercise and stimulation to be happy. Daily walks in nature are absolutely essential. The active dog is also ideal for any type of dog sport such as flyball, obedience, and especially agility. In competitive sports, the Shetland Sheepdog can achieve top performances. Generally, there’s nothing wrong with giving the dog specialized training as a rescue or therapy dog. Moreover, these lively four-legged friends also appreciate learning new tricks or being given a small task.

Grooming the Shetland Sheepdog’s Coat

The lush, long coat is the absolute eye-catcher of every Sheltie. The grooming effort is usually not very high, and brushing the coat once a week is sufficient. This way, you can remove dead and loose hair. However, during shedding season, the Shetland Sheepdog needs your support daily. During this time, it sheds clumps of hair, and you should make sure it doesn’t get tangled. Pay special attention to the armpits, ears, and hindquarters of the dog.

Interesting and Fun Facts

Did you know?

Shetland Sheepdogs on Social Media:

The beautiful Shetland Sheepdog is a great subject for photos, which is why many representatives of the breed even have their own Instagram accounts with numerous followers. The two most famous Insta-Shelties are @lucathesheltie from Norway with over 35,000 followers and @littleblueheart_ from Germany with over 52,000 followers. The Sheltie is also very popular among celebrities. Singer Miley Cyrus even got a tattoo of her dog Emu on her arm.

Are you also big fans of the Shetland Sheepdog? What makes the Sheltie so special in your opinion? Tell me more in the comments!