Shetland Sheepdog
Smart, agile and quick to sound an alarm
Shelties 101
Herding groupThe Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is not a "miniature Collie," despite some obvious similarities, including coat type and markings. Shelties are lively, active companions who learn new things at great speed and seem proud to show off what they know. They love children and are good with other family pets, and but are rarely welcoming to people they do not know.
What we love about Shelties
Flashy little charmers with lots of personality
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Gallbladder disease
Hypothyroid disease
Dental disease
Senior Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Kidney failure
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Valvular heart disease
Sheltie puppy
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Gastroenteritis
Dental disease
Trauma
Young adult Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Urinary tract infection
Mature adult Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Gallbladder disease
Hypothyroid disease
Dental disease
Senior Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Kidney failure
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Valvular heart disease
Sheltie puppy
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Gastroenteritis
Dental disease
Trauma
Young adult Sheltie
Risk level for common Sheltie conditions
Foreign body ingestion
Toxicity
Urinary tract infection
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Shelties excel in the sport of canine agility, blasting through and over obstacles at high speed.
Shetland Sheepdog coat care and colors
The Shetland Sheepdog was developed on the Shetland Isles of Scotland, where a dog needs a lot of coat to handle the elements. While Shelties shed throughout the year, they “blow” coat in spring and fall, dropping fur in astonishing volume. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding to a decent degree, and doing it outdoors makes for easier clean-up. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.
Shelties come in a variety of color combinations, with the "Lassie" look – brown or tan with a white ruff and markings – the most common. Some Shelties have blue eyes!
How often should I bathe my Shetland Sheepdog?
Shetland Sheepdogs can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs need haircuts?
Shetland Sheepdogs usually don't need haircuts. On the rare occasion that a Sheltie gets extremely matted, being clipped short may be required. The breed's double coat takes a while to grow out, but it will eventually recover.
What is the best way to take care of my Shetland Sheepdog’s fur?
Bathing as needed and weekly combing and brushing down to the skin will keep a Sheltie's coat in good shape. Because the Shetland Sheepdog's double coat is thick, many Shelties get a professional grooming every two to three months, with regular at-home coat care between appointments.
Sheltie exercise & training
Sheltie fun facts
Top girl names for Shelties
of Shelties are female
of Shelties are male
Top boy names for Shelties
Nationwide loves Shetland Sheepdogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Shelties
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