Sheltie
Energetic, intelligent, and loyal, this breed thrives on companionship and mental stimulation. Agile and responsive, it excels in dog sports and makes a loving family friend.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
37–41 cm (male)
35–39 cm (female)
WEIGHT
9–11 kg (male)
8–10 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Sheltie: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Sheltie isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Sheltie's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Shelties are alert, gentle, and loyal dogs known for their affectionate nature with family members and reserved attitude toward strangers. They are sensitive and responsive, making them excellent companions.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands and tasks quickly and easily
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Enjoys games and interactive activities daily
May struggle with changes or new environments
Strengths
- Highly intelligent and responsive to training
- Loyal and affectionate with family members
- Excellent watchdog with strong alertness
- Good with children and other pets
- Agile and excels in canine sports
Challenges
- Prone to excessive barking without training
- Sensitive to loud noises and stress
- Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
- Can be reserved or shy with strangers
Protect your Sheltie
Sheltie are active and energetic, but they can develop collie eye anomaly and hypothyroidism. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Shelties are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Highly trainable
Overall rating
Highly intelligent and eager to please, Shelties learn quickly and excel in obedience and agility training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are known for their problem-solving abilities.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Shelties have high energy levels and require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities are important to keep them healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Shelties are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Sheltie would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Intelligent and eager to please, Shelties respond well to consistent training and guidance.
Apartment Living
Shelties can adapt to apartments if given enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Active Lifestyle
High energy levels make Shelties well-suited for active, engaged households.
Kids
Gentle and affectionate, but may be sensitive to loud or rough play from young children.
Multiple Pets
Typically sociable with other pets when properly introduced and socialized.
Being Left Alone
Shelties can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods frequently.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Shelties compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheltie
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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