Shetland Sheepdog
Overview
A small, brainy herding dog — the "Sheltie" is devoted, highly trainable and excels at agility and obedience.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Shetland Sheepdog is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Shetland Sheepdog typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is high. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Shetland Sheepdog should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Very intelligent, gentle and easy to train
- +Loyal and great with considerate families
Things to consider
- –Thick double coat sheds and needs regular grooming
- –Tends to bark and can be sensitive/reserved with strangers
Is a Shetland Sheepdog right for you?
On space, a Shetland Sheepdog is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are good for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Shetland Sheepdog
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Shetland Sheepdogs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Shetland Sheepdog need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Shetland Sheepdog needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Shetland Sheepdogs are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Shetland Sheepdog is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.