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Scotland•herding
Shetland Sheepdog
popularApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Bright, playful, and energetic. Often called 'Shelties,' they resemble a miniature Rough Collie. Excel at agility and obedience due to high intelligence.
Weight7-11 kg15.5-24.5 lbs
Height33-41 cm13-16"
Lifespan12-14 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
BrightPlayfulEnergeticLoyalAffectionate
Height
33-41 cm13-16"
Weight
7-11 kg15.5-24.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Shetland33-41 cm13-16"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Shetland Sheepdog
high energy60-90 min/day
The Shetland Sheepdog is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1 hour daily of active exercise and mental stimulation
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Shetland Sheepdog
Moderate Carefur coat
Shetland Sheepdogs need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Shetland Sheepdog
Eager to Please
The Shetland Sheepdog is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Shetland Sheepdog
Small Breed2-3 meals$19-46/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Shetland Sheepdog
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Shetland Sheepdog
Monthly costs
Food
$19-46
Insurance
$30-69
Supplies
$13-26
Monthly total
$62-141
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Shetland Sheepdog's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Shetland Sheepdog
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Shetland Sheepdog
Health·OFA-CHIC
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research