Shetland Sheepdog
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive, vocal miniature collies who thrive on training and close family bonds. Bred on Scotland's Shetland Islands to herd sheep, these small herding dogs are incredibly responsive to their owners' moods, excel at obedience and agility, but their alert barking and herding instincts can make them nippy with children and reactive to movement.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Herding
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Height
13-16 in
Weight
15-25 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
90 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #29
Herding context: Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Shetland Sheepdog
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Shetland Sheepdogs are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Shetland Sheepdogs in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Shetland Sheepdogs, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 90 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
High
Very High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Shetland Sheepdogs generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
Very High
~6h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Low
Training & Behavior
Very High
Moderate
Very High
High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Very Low
High
High
Moderate
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Shetland Sheepdog originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Shetland Sheepdog lines were developed for herding and farm management. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Herding. Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Shetland Sheepdogs were bred on the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland to herd sheep in isolated, harsh terrain—they're tough little herders, not 'mini Collies.'
The breed's intelligence is so high they can learn a new command in fewer than 5 repetitions, making them one of the top 3 most trainable breeds.
Shelties have an almost preternatural ability to predict human behavior and will often anticipate commands before they're given, making them seem telepathic.
The breed has a distinctive 'shyness gene' that breeders didn't eliminate; many Shelties are naturally reserved with strangers and can suffer from anxiety if not properly socialized.
Shetland Sheepdogs' bodies are so fine-boned that a serious fall or car accident can cause severe fractures, making them surprisingly fragile despite their herding heritage.
Famous Shetland Sheepdog Dogs
Stock-dog legends
Most famous examples come from elite livestock handling and working-dog circles.
Canine sport specialists
This breed frequently gains visibility in agility, obedience, and dog-sport competition.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Shetland Sheepdogs
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Deshedding Tools
Keep shedding under control with the right deshedding brush or grooming tool.
Shop Deshedding →Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Is Shetland Sheepdog right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Shetland Sheepdog are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shetland-sheepdog/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shetland-sheepdog/