Is the Shetland Sheepdog a good family dog?
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are friendly, intelligent, small to medium sized dogs with a profuse double coat and mane. Very people-orientated and affectionate, Shelties are excellent companions for active individuals or families that can offer plenty of mental and physical stimulation. As highly energetic working dogs, they excel in activities like agility, obedience, and herding.
| Recommended for | Active households, families with children, and first-time dog owners |
| Breed Classification | Herding Group |
| Other names | Sheltie, Shetland Collie |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Temperament | Friendly, loyal, protective |
| Intelligence | High; quick to learn, responsive to training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate; alert and vocal, barks when excited or as a watchdog |
| Maintenance Level | Medium grooming needs; low food costs |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
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Explore the Top 5 health issues claimed for Shetland Sheepdogs, including highest claims paid and how much pet insurance could help you save on eligible vet bills.
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Shetland Sheepdog personality and temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is an affectionate, loyal and playful dog with a larger-than-life personality. Highly social and people-oriented, they thrive on interaction and form deep bonds with their family members. Their alert and enthusiastic nature makes them ideal companions for active households that can offer plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities, and they thrive in homes with other pets and children. Their playful energy ensures they are always ready for an adventure, but they are also calm and gentle when cuddling up with their loved ones.
Intelligent, excitable, and highly energetic, Shelties are working dogs with a keen enthusiasm for exercise. Best suited to homes with a large backyard, the breed is a popular choice for active families with plenty of space for running and exploring. However, they can adapt to smaller living spaces and even apartments, as long as they obtain sufficient exercise.
Despite their energy, Shetland Sheepdogs are also independent enough to entertain themselves and remain calm when left alone for short periods. However, they do require a great deal of human contact to remain happy. If left alone for any extended period of time, the breed tends to develop separation anxiety, which can cause them to bark, become depressed and even become aggressive towards other animals.
Shetland Sheepdogs with kids and other pets
The Shetland Sheepdog is an excellent companion for families, particularly those with children. Playful, affectionate, and gentle, they form strong bonds with kids and love being involved in family activities. Their friendly and patient disposition makes them great playmates, with their small size making them less intimidating for young children.
Their herding instincts can sometimes make them a bit protective, especially with younger children and, like many working dog breeds, they can be snappy if prodded and pestered too much. Hence, they do best in homes where children understand how to treat them gently and respectfully, and playtime is supervised.
When it comes to other dogs, Shelties are typically friendly and adaptable, rarely showing aggression. When meeting another Shetland Sheepdog in a public place, they will typically become playful and show a great deal of friendliness rather than try to assert their dominance. Their social and outgoing nature makes them well-suited for multi-dog households; however, their herding instinct may cause them to try and “herd” smaller animals like cats or rabbits. Early socialisation is essential to ensure they interact peacefully with other pets and learn appropriate behaviours.
Shetland Sheepdog training and exercise
The Shetland Sheepdog is a highly energetic and active breed that thrives on regular physical exercise and mental stimulation and requires daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities to stay happy and healthy. Engaging in games like fetch, agility training, and running around in the yard will help meet their physical exercise needs. Ball games and a long walk at least daily is a must for their peace of mind, while a good run once in a while is even better. Without sufficient activity and mental stimulation, they can become restless, anxious, or develop undesirable behaviours.
Shetland Sheepdogs are deeply bonded with their family members and enjoy close interaction. They thrive in environments where they can be actively involved in daily activities,and are not fond of being left alone for extended periods and may become anxious or bored if neglected. Regular attention, love, and socialisation are crucial to ensuring their emotional well-being and preventing destructive behaviours.
Training a Shetland Sheepdog requires patience and consistency. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning and are eager to please, making them highly trainable. Positive reinforcement works best, as they respond well to rewards and encouragement. Early socialisation is important to ensure they grow into well-behaved and well-rounded companions.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High |
Common health issues for Shetland Sheepdogs
What do Shetland Sheepdog owners claim for the most?
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disorder that can cause progressive vision loss and eventually blindness. Regular eye exams can help detect this condition early, and genetic testing for breeding can help reduce its incidence.
- Hip Dysplasia, although less common in Shetland Sheepdogs, can still occur. This condition involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential arthritis. Early detection and maintaining a healthy weight can help minimize its impact and improve quality of life.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. Relatively common in Shetland Sheepdogs, symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes like thinning or dull fur. The condition is managed with lifelong medication and dietary adjustments to regulate hormone levels.
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a genetic eye disease that can cause blindness. CEA affects the retina and can lead to retinal detachment or other serious issues. Early detection through eye exams is important for managing this condition. Like all collie types, the Shetland Sheepdog is susceptible to this condition.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease, fairly common in the Shetland Sheepdog, is a hereditary bleeding disorder that causes clotting problems in the blood. When a dog has too few platelets, clotting fails to occur when the dog suffers a wound or injury. If left untreated, the disease can lead to excessive bleeding and even death.
- Cushing’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, leading to symptoms such as excessive thirst, increased urination, and weight gain. Cushing’s disease can be managed with medication and regular veterinary check-ups.
- Dental Disease can occur in Shetland Sheepdogs, particularly tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular dental care, including daily brushing and professional cleanings, is important to maintain oral health.
- Shetland Sheepdogs can suffer from environmental and food-related allergies, with symptoms including itching, redness, and frequent scratching or licking. Identifying and managing these allergies with veterinary care is essential.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Shetland Sheepdog
When comparing cover for your Shetland Sheepdog, look for:
Cover for common Shetland Sheepdog conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Shetland Sheepdogs can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Shetland Sheepdog, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Shetland Sheepdog and your budget.
Shetland Sheepdog feeding and nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health, energy, and vitality of the Shetland Sheepdog. Because of their energetic and active nature, they require a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. This helps support their lean muscular build, shiny coat, and overall health.
As Shetland Sheepdogs age, their nutritional needs will change. Puppies require nutrient-dense food to support their rapid growth and development, while adult dogs benefit from balanced meals that provide sustained energy without causing weight gain. Senior Shetland Sheepdogs may need lower-calorie food with joint-supporting supplements to address aging and help maintain mobility. Adjusting their diet as they age ensures that they stay healthy, active, and at a healthy weight throughout their lives.
Managing calorie intake is vital to avoid obesity, which can lead to joint strain and other health problems. Regular mealtimes, portion control, and monitoring their weight are important for maintaining their health. Regular veterinary check-ups can help in identifying and addressing any nutritional concerns early.
Shetland Sheepdog care and grooming
The Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat, and regular grooming is essential to maintain its health and appearance. Brushing a few times a week helps remove loose hair, prevent mats and tangles, and maintain a neat appearance. Shetland Sheepdogs are moderate shedders that tend to shed seasonally. Brushing is a key part of their care routine to keep shedding under control and their coat healthy.
To maintain the Shetland Sheepdog’s characteristic look, regular trimming around the paws, ears, and face may be necessary. However, the coat should not be clipped, as this can interfere with its natural texture and insulation properties. Instead, hand-stripping or professional grooming can be done to preserve the coat’s beauty and functionality.
Bathing should be done as needed, typically every few months or when the dog becomes particularly dirty. Nail trimming is important to prevent overgrowth, and the ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections, especially due to their thick fur, which can trap moisture and debris. Dental care in the form of routine teeth brushing and professional cleanings will help prevent tartar buildup and ensure good oral health.
Size, appearance and coat of Shetland Sheepdogs
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed with a sturdy, agile frame, narrow muzzle, intelligent, almond-shaped eyes and an alert expression. Its ears are triangular and semi-pricked, with the tips folding forward, contributing to its expressive face.
The breed has a thick, weather-resistant double coat, with a dense, long outer coat and a soft undercoat that comes in various colours, including sable, tricolour, and blue merle, with white markings. It has a luxurious mane around its neck and a plume-like tail that is carried low when relaxed, and rises with enthusiasm when the dog is alert or at play.
The Sheltie closely resembles a small Rough Collie, and many people mistake them for miniature versions of Collies. However, they are a separate breed with their own distinct characteristics.
| Weight range | 6 to 12 kg |
| Height range | 33 to 41 cm |
| Colours | Sable, tricolour, blue merle, and occasionally white |
| Coat length | Long; a dense double coat with a soft undercoat |
Breed history of Shetland Sheepdogs
The Shetland Sheepdog was developed several hundred years ago as a working dog for the farmers of the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The rugged wind-swept landscape meant a hardy and dependable dog was required to herd and guard flocks of sheep in harsh weather. The Shetland Sheepdog, much like the diminutive pony that is named for the same place, developed to be small in stature but determined in its nature.
Despite the similarity in appearance, the breed is not just a small sized Rough Collie. The ancestry of the Shetland Sheepdog is much more complex, comprising a number of dog breeds, including the Rough Collie, the Pomeranian, the King Charles Spaniel and perhaps the Border Collie. It is also thought that the now extinct Greenland Yakki, a heavy-coated and strong working dog, is also one of the Shetland Sheepdog’s many ancestors.
Because of the Shetland Islands’ isolation from the Scottish mainland, the Shetland Sheepdog remained solely a working dog right up until the early 1900’s. When the breed first appeared in England around 1908, it was exhibited at dog shows under the name “Shetland Collie”. However, Collie breeders objected to this name, leading to the official renaming of the breed to “Shetland Sheepdog” in 1914.
The breed quickly gained popularity in England and soon thereafter was imported to other countries, including the USA, being officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911. The breed was first introduced to Australia in 1936, and today is a popular companion animal and participant in various canine sports and herding trials.
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Shetland Sheepdog facts!
- Because they have served for centuries as herding dogs, the Shetland Sheepdog has a reputation for trying to herd just about anything – from its owners to flocks of pigeons to house cats!
- Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to putting on weight. If your Shetland Sheepdog is living in an apartment, be sure to carefully monitor its food intake and to take it for regular walks.
- The Shetland Sheepdog rates among the top 10% of intelligent dog breeds according to Dr. Stanley Coren. In Coren’s tests, the Shetland Sheepdog was found to obey commands 95% of the time.
- Shetland Sheepdogs have a strong instinct to “talk” and are known for being quite vocal, making them excellent watchdogs.
Summary
The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, loyal, and affectionate breed, making it a great choice for families or individuals who are active and enjoy training their dog. Known for their playful yet gentle nature, Shelties form strong bonds with their families, excelling as companions and protective watchdogs. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train, especially in obedience and agility.
While they possess natural herding instincts, Shetland Sheepdogs are adaptable and get along well with other pets, especially when socialised early. They are gentle with children, making them an excellent family pet. Despite their moderate grooming needs, the Sheltie’s affectionate and intelligent nature more than compensates, ensuring they make a great addition to any household.
The Sheltie thrives in homes where they receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are well-suited for both spacious rural homes and apartments, as long as their physical and mental needs are met. Their friendly temperament, coupled with their ability to adapt, makes them an ideal companion for those seeking an intelligent and devoted dog.
FAQs about the Shetland Sheepdog
They can be excellent family dogs for active households, but they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and may display herding behaviour around children or other pets.
Moderate to high. Daily walks, play and mental enrichment are important, with regular opportunities for more active exercise.
Generally yes. They are intelligent and usually respond well to positive, consistent training, particularly when sessions are engaging and rewarding.
They can be quite vocal, particularly when alerting, excited, bored or under-stimulated, so early training can help manage unnecessary barking.
Yes. They can shed heavily, particularly at certain times of year, and regular brushing is important during seasonal coat changes.
They are generally better suited to homes with more space because of their size, energy level or working and guarding instincts, although individual circumstances vary.
They often live well with children and other pets, but some may try to herd, chase or nip at moving family members, particularly when young.
Potential health concerns include eye disease, hip dysplasia, thyroid disease and MDR1 drug sensitivity.
MORE INFORMATION
Shetland Sheepdog Club of NSW Inc: http://www.sheltieclubnsw.com/
Shetland Sheepdog Club of Victoria Inc: https://sheltieclubvic.weebly.com/
Shetland Sheepdog Club of W.A Inc: https://www.shetlandsheepdogclubwa.com/
Shetland Sheepdog Club of Queensland: https://www.sheltieclubqld.com/
American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA): ttp://www.assa.org/
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