Scotland
Herding Group
Medium
13-16 in
Standard: 15-25 lbs
12 - 15 years
Meet the Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)
Shelties are sensitive, eager-to-please dogs with a lot of love to give. They are quick learners and thrive on mental stimulation and companionship. Their beautiful coat and expressive eyes make them as stunning as they are smart.
Where It All Began
The Shetland Sheepdog originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland in the early 1800s. They were bred to herd sheep in harsh island conditions and later became beloved family companions and show dogs worldwide.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Shelties love daily exercise and mental challenges to stay happy and healthy.
- ✓ 60-90 min of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys herding, agility, & obedience
- ✓ Loves fetch and interactive games
- ✓ Needs mental stimulation
✂ Grooming Needs
They have a beautiful double coat that requires regular grooming.
- ✓ Brush 3-4 times per week
- ✓ Bath every 6-8 weeks
- ✓ Expect moderate shedding
- ✓ Trim nails every 3-4 weeks
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy but prone to certain conditions. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and exercise are key to their well-being.
- • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- • Hip Dysplasia
- • Dermatitis
- • Dental Disease
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Shetland Sheepdog is a moderate investment.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500+
Monthly Cost: $60 - $130
First Year Cost: $1,200 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $7,000 - $12,000
👍 Pros
- Adapts well to apartment or condo living
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Highly trainable and eager to please
👎 Cons
- Requires regular grooming and coat maintenance
- Sheds noticeably — more cleaning required at home
- Can be vocal and prone to barking
💡 Did You Know?
The Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) originally comes from Scotland and belongs to the Herding Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as intelligent.
Compare Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)
See how the Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
