Shetland Sheepdog

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Hypothyroidism · Progressive retinal atrophy

The Shetland Sheepdog is a brilliant, sensitive miniature herder that reads its owner's moods like a book and is among the easiest of all breeds to train — it shines at obedience and agility. That intelligence needs an outlet: a Sheltie wants daily exercise and, above all, mental work and involvement, or it grows anxious. Two traits define daily life with one: it is a devoted, sometimes reserved-with-strangers family dog that bonds intensely, and it is a natural, enthusiastic barker, so early, kind training to manage the vocal herding instinct is important, especially in apartments. The long double coat sheds heavily and needs brushing a few times a week, more during the big seasonal moults. Health-wise, buy from a breeder who screens eyes and hips: the breed is prone to inherited eye disease (including Collie eye anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy), hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and epilepsy, and like related herding breeds it can carry the MDR1 drug-sensitivity gene, so ask about testing. Give a Sheltie training, exercise, gentle handling for its sensitive nature and company, and it will be an exceptionally responsive, devoted companion for twelve to fourteen years.

• How much exercise does a Shetland Sheepdog need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Shetland Sheepdog need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Shetland Sheepdog suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Shetland Sheepdog a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Shetland Sheepdog live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Shetland Sheepdog?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Progressive retinal atrophy. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!