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Shetland Sheepdog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Shetland Sheepdog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank24
Reviews6
User Ratings
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Shetland Sheepdog dog profile picture
OriginScotland flagScotland
Other Names
What other names does the Shetland Sheepdog have?
Dwarf Scotch ShepherdSheltieShetland CollieToonie DogMiniature Collie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Shetland Sheepdog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Shetland Sheepdog get?

What is the average size of a Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog weigh? How much should a Shetland Sheepdog weight? What is the normal weight of a Shetland Sheepdog? How much does a full-grown Shetland Sheepdog weight?
14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shetland Sheepdog?
20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shetland Sheepdog? Shetland Sheepdog height:
13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shetland Sheepdog?
14.5 inches (37 cm)

Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Shetland Sheepdog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Shetland Sheepdog in the United States? How much money is a Shetland Sheepdog?

Where to buy a Shetland Sheepdog with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Shetland Sheepdog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shetland Sheepdog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shetland Sheepdog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shetland Sheepdog? How many Shetland Sheepdog are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Shetland Sheepdog? Is the Shetland Sheepdog breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Shetland Sheepdog is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Shetland Sheepdog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Shetland Sheepdog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Shetland Sheepdog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Shetland Sheepdog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Shetland Sheepdog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Shetland Sheepdog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Shetland Sheepdog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveAffectionateLivelyGentle
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shetland Sheepdog sensitivity:
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Shetland Sheepdog a good family dog?
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Dwarf Scotch Shepherd need? Shetland Sheepdog social needs:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Shetland Sheepdog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shetland Sheepdog roam?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shetland Sheepdog have high prey drive?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Dwarf Scotch Shepherd bark?
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Shetland Sheepdog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Shetland Sheepdog in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Shetland Sheepdog indoors by introducing daily routines.

Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Shetland Sheepdog be left alone? How long can you leave a Shetland Sheepdog alone?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Shetland Sheepdog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Shetland Sheepdog? How much bite force does a Shetland Sheepdog have? How strong is a Shetland Sheepdog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Shetland Sheepdog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Shetland Sheepdog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Shetland Sheepdog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Shetland Sheepdog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Shetland Sheepdog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Shetland Sheepdog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Shetland Sheepdog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Shetland Sheepdog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Shetland Sheepdog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Shetland Sheepdog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Shetland Sheepdog do?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shetland Sheepdog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Shetland Sheepdog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Shetland Sheepdog breed? Most common health risks of Shetland Sheepdog:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationCancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseEpilepsyHeart ProblemsDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaCollie Eye AnomalyHaemophiliaTrichiasis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Shetland Sheepdog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Shetland Sheepdog see the vet?
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Shetland Sheepdog dogs live? How old can a Shetland Sheepdog be? What is the age limit of the Shetland Sheepdog? How many years can the oldest Shetland Sheepdog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog?

How long is the lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Shetland Sheepdog have? What is the activity level of the Shetland Sheepdog?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shetland Sheepdog need? How much exercise do Shetland Sheepdog dogs require per day?

Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Shetland Sheepdog breed need?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Shetland Sheepdog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Shetland Sheepdog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Shetland Sheepdog? How much food should I feed my Shetland Sheepdog?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Shetland Sheepdog risk for obesity:
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shetland Sheepdog weight regularly.

Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Shetland Sheepdog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Shetland Sheepdog coats?
BlackTan Blue White SableMerle
Grooming
How to groom the Shetland Sheepdog and how often? How often should I take my Shetland Sheepdog to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Shetland Sheepdog requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Shetland Sheepdog is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed a lot?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Shetland Sheepdog need a bath? How often should you give a Shetland Sheepdog a bath? Can I bathe my Shetland Sheepdog every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Shetland Sheepdog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Shetland Sheepdog drool?
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shetland Sheepdog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Shetland Sheepdog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Shetland Sheepdog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with other pets? Are Shetland Sheepdog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Shetland Sheepdog temperament with other people:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Shetland Sheepdog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Shetland Sheepdog temperament with children:
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Shetland Sheepdog breed live with a cat?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Shetland Sheepdog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs?
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shetland Sheepdog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Shetland Sheepdog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Shetland Sheepdog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Shetland Sheepdog dogs good office canines? Do Shetland Sheepdog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Shetland Sheepdog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Dwarf Scotch Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Shetland Sheepdog dogs good for elderly owners?
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shetland Sheepdog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Shetland Sheepdog be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shetland Sheepdog breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shetland Sheepdog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shetland Sheepdog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a boat dog?

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Shetland Sheepdog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shetland Sheepdog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Shetland Sheepdog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Shetland Sheepdog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Shetland Sheepdog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shetland Sheepdog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Shetland Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Shetland Sheepdog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Shetland Sheepdog have? How many puppies can a Shetland Sheepdog give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Shetland Sheepdog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Shetland Sheepdog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Shetland Sheepdog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Shetland Sheepdog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Shetland Sheepdog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Shetland Sheepdog History

The Shetland Sheepdog, also called the Sheltie, comes from the Shetland Islands, which are placed between Scotland and Norway. These islands are home to other small breeds of animals such as the Shetland Ponies and the Shetland Sheep. However, there are several stories about the origin of this breed. Some people strongly believe that the original stock consisted of Scandinavian herding dogs from the same stock as the Norwegian Buhund or the Icelandic Dog. Usually, the Nordic herding dogs are rarely mentioned in the breed’s history but historians believe that the original Norse settlers brought along their dogs with their small sheep, cows, and horses. For many years, the Shetland Sheepdog was called the ‘Toonie’, which came from the Norwegian word, meaning ‘farm’. Farmers bred the dogs crossing the Border Collie with smaller dogs to herd and protect the Shetland sheep. An example of the tasks of the Sheltie was to protect the small sheep from birds, which can explain why today’s Shelties seem to have a passion for chasing birds.

Moreover, in the early 19th century, the Shetland Sheepdog was brought to England and Scotland, where they were described as a miniature Collie. On the islands, the farmers started breeding their small Shelties to be even smaller and fluffier. The reason behind this was that tourism became an important factor of the island and people thought that they could sell their little dogs to the tourist. According to researchers even Prince Charles Spaniels (a variety of the English Toy Spaniel) and Pomeranian dogs were left on the islands by tourists and later on were crossed with the native sheepdogs. However by the end of the 19th century and early in the 20th century, there was so much crossbreeding that the islanders realized that the original breed was vanishing. Some breeders believed that they needed to be crossed with Collies in order to regain the original type, others believed that they should breed only the existing Shelties who were closest to the original type and many people continued to crossbreed indiscriminately with other breeds to develop small, pretty pets. Shelties of all three types were exhibited through the first decade of the century and to some extent up to the First World War. In 1909 England’s Kennel Club recognized the breed and altogether 28 dogs were registered that year as Shetland Collies. Four of them still appear in the pedigrees of many modern champion Shelties: two males named Tim and Trim and two females named Topsy and Inga. Also, the first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was Lord Scott in 1911. However, Collie breeders in England were not happy about the name of the breed so they protested against it which led to the change of the name to Shetland Sheepdog. The breed stirred up controversy both in England and in the United States for many years, with rumors of crossbreeding and long-running disagreements about what the breed should look like. As a result of this, many Shetland Sheepdog clubs were formed to support the different viewpoints. Finally, in 1930 the Scottish and English Clubs joined together and agreed that the dog “should resemble a collie (rough) in miniature”. American breeders imported Shelties from England until the 1950s, but by that time the American and the British Shelties started to diverge greatly in type and size. Today, almost all Shetland Sheepdogs in the USA are descended from the dogs that came from England between the two World Wars.

As the breed became more popular, its number increased in the US, and in the 1970s Shelties appeared on the American Kennel Club’s list of the ten most popular dogs. Today they rank 20th in popularity among the 155 breeds registered by the AKC.

Rate The Shetland Sheepdog Breed

Shetland Sheepdog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Shelby, Simon, Sunshine

    Jul 16, 2021, 8:48:16 PM:

    Gentle souls for gentle people. Perfect companion/family member. Beautiful too.

  • Angela

    Jan 27, 2021, 5:49:45 PM:

    We have a Shetland Sheepdog named Gidget and she is oh so sweet and energetic.

  • me

    Jan 13, 2021, 3:39:44 PM:

    yes good dogs

  • Good dogs!

    Dec 20, 2020, 4:40:33 PM:

    They are good

  • Buddie

    Oct 28, 2020, 10:12:18 PM:

    I am a great sheltie.

  • SheltieLover

    Jul 7, 2020, 10:50:03 PM: