Shetland Sheepdog Puppies

The Shetland Sheepdog has a wide range of different personalities, ranging from outgoing and rambunctious to calm and reserved. However, just about all Shelties are obedient, alert, and smart dogs that love to work and play. The Sheltie is kind and patient with children, but tends to be shy around strangers. In terms of training, Shetland Sheepdogs respond best to treats and praise. The Sheltie's intelligence makes training on the easier side, and they should seldom be stubborn or unwilling to obey. No matter their personality, Shetland Sheepdogs make extremely loyal and devoted family pets.

Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to some genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye diseases, dermatomyositis, and epilepsy.

Shelties are an active breed from their herding days, so they should be exercised daily. Then can do well in apartment life so long as they go for walks in the park. You can train Shelties in a variety of canine events, like agility, herding or tracking, which will stimulate their mind and provide exercise.

Their long and thick coat requires regular maintance to look it's best, and to curb its year round shedding. Their coat should be brushed a few times a week, but specific technique is required to prevent damage. To brush, spritz it with water and brush from the bottom of the coat to the top. The hair around their ears tangles easily, so be sure to pay special attention to that area. 

Their thick double coat will shed heavily year round. It can be managed with regular grooming, but owners should expect to find hair around the house. 

Shelties have an iconic look, like a smaller version of the Rough Collie although they are distinct breeds. They stand 13 to 16 inches tall and weigh about 22 pounds.  Their long double coat comes in three primary colors, sable, black, and blue merle, with white and/or tan markings. They have a wedge-shaped head with three-quarter perked ears.

The Shetland Sheepdog hails from the Shetland Islands, which are located between Scotland and Norway. It is likely that the Sheltie descended from Scottish herding dogs, which also provided the basis for the Collie and the Border Collie. Other theories suggest that the Shetland Sheepdog comes from Nordic breeds like the Pomeranian and possibly even the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. No matter their origin, there's no doubt about it that these dogs made excellent herding and guard dogs. People who visited the Shetland Islands quickly took to the Sheltie, and many tourists took the dogs home with them. As Shelties became more well-known, some people began breeding them with Collies to achieve a more consistent size and look. As a result, the Shetland Sheepdog varied in size quite a bit, and it still does even today.