Shetland Sheepdog dog
Small breed regular energy Long coat Herding Group

Shetland Sheepdog

Playful, Energetic, Bright

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, active, and agile herding dog standing between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. The long coat is harsh and straight, with a dense undercoat, and comes in black, blue merle, and sable, with white markings. The coat, along with a long, wedge-shapeโ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 15โ€“25 lbs (6.8โ€“11.34 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 13โ€“16" ๐ŸŽ‚ 12โ€“14 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #6 (Brightest)

Shetland Sheepdog Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

60%

Friendliness

40%

Coat Type

Long coat

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#6
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
12.5yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$21K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$405/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
5
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: eye problems, deafness, skin + heart problems, blood clotting disorders

Expert Picks for Shetland Sheepdogs

โญ Top Pick Taste of the Wild High Prairie

dog food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

Best value grain-free option โ€” great for active dogsโ€ฆ

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone

toys

West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best eco-friendly toy โ€” great for moderate chewersโ€ฆ

FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger

beds

FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best affordable comfort bed โ€” ideal for dogs who just want cozyโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker

training

Whistle Go Explore GPS Tracker

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.2

Best budget GPS tracker โ€” lighter and cheaper with health monitoringโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Shetland Sheepdog Care Tips

โœ“

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise โ€” walks, play sessions, or swimming.

โœ“

Seasonal shedder โ€” daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

โœ“

Brush 2-3ร— weekly to maintain coat condition and reduce shedding around the home.

โœ“

Highly trainable โ€” excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

All Shetland Sheepdog Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 1 โ€” Sheepdogs and Cattledogs

Section

Herdershonden

Status

recognized