Shetland Sheepdog
Lively, affectionate, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as a devoted family companion. Always eager to please, they shine in agility and excel at herding tasks.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
37–41 cm (male)
35–39 cm (female)
WEIGHT
7–11 kg (male)
6–10 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Shetland Sheepdog: 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 Shetland Sheepdog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Shetland Sheepdog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Shetland Sheepdog is known for being affectionate, loyal, and gentle with family, while often showing reserved behavior around strangers. They are alert and sensitive, making them attentive companions.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly responsive to training
Needs regular activity, enjoys daily exercise
Enjoys interactive games and mental stimulation
Adjusts slowly to new people and environments
Strengths
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Loyal and forms strong family bonds
- Excellent watchdog with alert nature
- Generally good with children and pets
- Adaptable to various living environments
Challenges
- Prone to excessive barking if unstimulated
- Requires regular grooming due to thick coat
- May be reserved or shy with strangers
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs substantial daily mental stimulation
Protect your Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog are active and energetic, but they can develop collie eye anomaly and hip dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Shetland Sheepdogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Highly trainable
Overall rating
This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners who respond well to positive reinforcement. They excel in obedience, agility, and other canine sports due to their sharp minds.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Shetland Sheepdogs have high energy levels and require regular physical exercise along with mental stimulation. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities help meet their exercise and enrichment needs.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Eager to please and intelligent, but needs consistent training and socialization
Apartment Living
Can adapt to apartments if exercised daily, but may bark frequently
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental stimulation
Kids
Patient and gentle, but may be sensitive to rough handling from very young children
Multiple Pets
Gets along well with other pets when properly socialized from an early age
Being Left Alone
Prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone too long
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Shetland Sheepdogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shetland Sheepdog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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