Dog Breed
Shetland Sheepdog

- Full Name
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Alternate Names
- Sheltie
- Your PupScore
- Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
- Life Span
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight
- 22 - 30 pounds
- Description
If you don't like being alone and want a companion that will be affectionate and even protective, let us introduce you to the Shetland Sheepdog.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very smart, lively and loyal. They are often used as medical alert dogs and as service or therapy dogs. They love to train and learn new tricks as it makes them feel fulfilled, almost as being with their family, especially children with who they can play for hours and hours. Although they are very friendly with their family and people they know, they can be a bit reserved with strangers. They have an incredible combination of intelligence and affection.- Origin
- Scotland
- Bred For
- Sheep herding
- Family Considerations
- Child Friendly
- Stranger Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Likes to Cuddle
- Playfulness
- Service Dog Ability
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Ease for Novice
- Training Potential
- Amount of Shedding
- Ease of Grooming
- Exercise Need
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Amount of Barking
- Guard Dog Ability
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Good for Apartment Living
- Size
- Tolerates Heat
- Tolerates Cold
- Potential to Run Away
- Physical Characteristics
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Amount of Drooling
- Prey Drive
- Athleticism
Is the Shetland Sheepdog good with children? Nearly all dogs enjoy playing with small children, but some can play too rough, or be a bit careless. In some cases dogs can get jealous of small children, or try and "herd" them due to their natural instincts.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog friendly with strangers? Getting a dog that is friendly with people really depends on what your lifestyle is. Dogs who are more cautious with strangers oftentimes make good guard dogs, which can be a great fit for some owners. If you are social, live in the city, or frequently have guests over, you may want to consider getting a stranger friendly dog.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog friendly with other dogs? Of course this is particularly important if you already have another dog at home. However, it's an important factor to consider as well if you plan on frequently going to the dog park. Otherwise, even a dog who is not automatically friendly with other dogs can be an excellent fit, as they can still be affectionate with their human family.
Does the Shetland Sheepdog like to cuddle? All dogs want love, but they have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection. If you plan on frequently having a dog on your lap or pushed up against you, then you should consider whether this breed enjoys that.
Does the Shetland Sheepdog like to play? All puppies are playful, but as adults certain dogs are more playful. If you have children, or otherwise want to keep your dog active with plenty of play, there are plenty of options of breeds who will be happy to play all day.
Does the Shetland Sheepdog make a good service dog? When looking to train a service dog it's important to consider how they were historically bred, and if their personality makes a good fit. A service dog must be smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner. Working dogs are a good fits since service dog 'work' gives them a feeling of accomplishment from doing a job.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog good for first time owners? Dogs that are good for first time owners are ones who are easy to train, and are eager to please their owner. Very large dogs, or dogs with very high energy may also not be the best for first time owners since it adds a layer of complexity.
How well can the Shetland Sheepdog be trained? This rating is about the training potential of the Shetland Sheepdog. Dogs with high training potential oftentimes are good service dogs, police dogs, and dog show competition dogs. This does not necessarily mean they are the easiest to train, since many will be very intelligent and demanding.
Does the Shetland Sheepdog shed a lot?
Is the Shetland Sheepdog easy to groom?
Does the Shetland Sheepdog need a lot of exercise?
How smart is the Shetland Sheepdog?
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog bark? Does the Shetland Sheepdog bark too much? It depends on your lifestyle, and where you live. Dogs use barking to communicate, keep guard, and alert. A strong bark can be a good characteristic for guard dogs, or flock guardian dogs who need to be vocal.In apartment living you should consider getting a dog who is less vocal.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog a good guard dog?
Is the Shetland Sheepdog good at staying alone? Is the Shetland Sheepdog independent?
Is the Shetland Sheepdog a good apartment dog? Can the Shetland Sheepdog live in an apartment without becoming frustrated or destructive? Typically people immediately consider the size of the dog, but energy level and historical habitat are also factors.
How big is the Shetland Sheepdog?
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Shetland Sheepdog?
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Shetland Sheepdog?
Does the Shetland Sheepdog try to run away? Some dogs have natural wanderlust and are escape artists... they will do everything to get out and explore.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog a healthy dog? The general health of a Shetland Sheepdog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but how often they have health issues during their lives. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
How energetic is the Shetland Sheepdog? Is the Shetland Sheepdog too energetic for your lifestyle?
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog drool?
Does the Shetland Sheepdog have a large prey drive? Does the Shetland Sheepdog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals? Prey drive can be bothersome at the park, but really an issue at home if you have small animals, since this comes as a natural instinct for dogs with high prey drive, to chase cats, birds, etc.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog atheltic? Is the Shetland Sheepdog fast and strong?
Breed Variations
Sable
Tricolor
Merle
Black and White
- Herding
- Shepherd / Sheepdog
- Shetland Sheepdog
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