Scotland (Shetland Islands)
Herding
Small
13 - 16 in
15 - 25 lbs
12 - 14 years
Meet the Shetland Sheepdog
Few breeds combine loyal and playful quite like the Shetland Sheepdog. This small herding dog brings a energetic, gentle presence to any home willing to meet its needs.
Where It All Began
The Shetland Sheepdog traces its roots back to Scotland (Shetland Islands), where the breed was originally developed within the herding group. Over generations, breeders refined its herding instinct and stamina, shaping the dog we recognize today.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
The Shetland Sheepdog does best with an hour or more of vigorous exercise every day. Matching its activity needs to your own routine is the key to a happy, well-balanced dog.
- ✓ Needs 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys mental enrichment like puzzle toys or training games
- ✓ Adapts well to apartment or small-home living
✂ Grooming Needs
With a long/double coat, the Shetland Sheepdog needs weekly brushing and occasional trims. Staying consistent with a grooming routine keeps the coat and skin healthy.
- ✓ Long/Double coat: weekly brushing recommended
- ✓ Regular nail trims and ear checks
- ✓ Occasional bath as needed
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like most purebred and mixed dogs, the Shetland Sheepdog can be prone to a handful of hereditary conditions. Routine vet checkups and a good diet go a long way toward a long, healthy life.
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Collie eye anomaly
- • Hypothyroidism
$ Cost of Ownership
Budgeting for a Shetland Sheepdog means planning beyond the initial purchase. Food, grooming, vet visits, and supplies all add up over the dog's lifetime.
Purchase Price: $600 - $2,000
Monthly Cost: $50 - $90
First Year Cost: $1,500 - $2,600
Lifetime Cost: $17,000 - $24,000
👍 Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Gentle and patient with children
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
👎 Cons
- Needs significant daily exercise
- Prone to frequent barking
- Sheds heavily, especially seasonally
💡 Did You Know?
Despite its popularity today, the Shetland Sheepdog was originally bred for a very different purpose — a reminder of how much working dog breeds have adapted to modern family life.
Compare Shetland Sheepdog
See how the Shetland Sheepdog stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
