Shetland Sheepdog

Elegant, intelligent and loyal like no other: the Shetland Sheepdog is a miniature Collie with an enormous heart and a learning ability that amazes everyone.

Features

Height at the withers

Male: Between 35 and 40 cm.

Female: Between 33 and 38 cm.

Weight

Male: Between 6 and 12 kg.

Female: Between 5 and 11 kg.

Life expectancy

Between 12 and 13 years.

Coat

Long, harsh and abundant with dense undercoat; very striking mane and frill.

Color

Sable and white, tricolour (black, white and tan), blue merle, black and white or black and tan.

Diet

High-quality diet adapted to small-to-medium active dogs, with a good source of animal protein to maintain energy and coat shine.

Care and diseases

Brush 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles, bathe every 4-6 weeks, and pay special attention to the undercoat during shedding seasons.

Origins

The Shetland Sheepdog (also known as the Sheltie) originates from the Shetland Islands in northern Scotland, where it was developed to herd sheep over difficult terrain. It descends from Collie breeds crossed with smaller local dogs. Recognised as an independent breed in the early 20th century, it quickly spread across Europe for its beauty and character.

Characteristics and aptitudes

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small-to-medium, very elegant dog with a long coat and a lively, intelligent expression. It is considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the world and excels at training. Its character is sensitive, loyal and very affectionate with its family, although it can be reserved with strangers.

Care

The Shetland Sheepdog needs daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation; it is a breed that gets bored easily without activity. Coat maintenance is demanding and requires frequent brushing. Early socialisation is recommended to prevent excessive shyness. Veterinary check-ups should include eye, thyroid, and clotting tests.

Most common diseases

The Shetland Sheepdog may be prone to some hereditary conditions:

Collie eye anomaly: a congenital eye defect that can affect vision to varying degrees of severity.
Von Willebrand disease: a clotting disorder that may cause excessive bleeding.
Epilepsy: a neurological disorder causing recurring seizures.
Hypothyroidism: insufficient thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism and coat.

A balanced, high-quality diet is key to your dog's health. Discover our selection of dog food.