Shelties 101

Herding group

The 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

Energy level

100% energy level

Energy level: 100% (Very high)

Bark level

  • Talkative
  • As needed

Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently

Size

13 to 16 inches tall
Small breed size

Size: 13 to 16 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years average

Weight

15 to 25 lbs

Weight: 15 to 25 lbs typical range

Energy level
Very high (100%)
Bark level
Very vocal
Height
13 to 16 inches
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
15 to 25 lbs

The Shetland Sheepdog stands 13 to 16 inches tall and weighs 15 to 25 lbs. Shetland Sheepdogs have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a very vocal bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Shetland Sheepdogs get?
Shetland Sheepdogs stand 13 to 16 inches tall and typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
How long do Shetland Sheepdogs live?
The average lifespan of a Shetland Sheepdog is 12 to 14 years.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs good for first-time dog owners?
Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Shetland Sheepdogs are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Shetland Sheepdog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Sheltie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Mid-life Shetland Sheepdogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gallbladder disease and Hypothyroid disease are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gallbladder disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Sheltie

9+ years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Senior Shetland Sheepdogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure and Liver and gallbladder cancer and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Sheltie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Shetland Sheepdog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Sheltie

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

As Shetland Sheepdogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Toxicity
Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Average Risk

Mature adult Sheltie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Mid-life Shetland Sheepdogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gallbladder disease and Hypothyroid disease are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gallbladder disease
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Sheltie

9+ years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Senior Shetland Sheepdogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure and Liver and gallbladder cancer and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Sheltie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

Shetland Sheepdog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Sheltie

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Sheltie conditions

As Shetland Sheepdogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Toxicity
Average Risk
20% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Average Risk
Shetland Sheepdog standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Shetland Sheepdog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Toxicity: Average Risk, Urinary tract infection: Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Gallbladder disease: High Risk, Hypothyroid disease: High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Kidney failure: Very High Risk, Liver and gallbladder cancer: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
Shetland Sheepdog introduction

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!

Sheltie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Shelties are active dogs who like to be busy. They love a lot of exercise for both their bodies and their minds. They'll happily do almost anything you want to do, from daily walks to long hikes to all manner of canine competition. The one exercise they're typically not thrilled to do? Swim.

Trainability

Trainability

As with their larger cousin, the Border Collie, Shelties learn quickly and love showing off their training. Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive and cannot handle harsh training methods. Use praise and small treats and your Sheltie will do anything for you!

Sheltie fun facts

Top girl names for Shelties

100%

of Shelties are female

0%

of Shelties are male

Top boy names for Shelties

Nationwide loves Shetland Sheepdogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Shetland Sheepdog gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Shetland Sheepdogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Shetland Sheepdog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Shelties

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