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Shetland Sheepdog Puppies

Smart, loyal, and perfect for families

  • Great with kids
  • Lap dog
  • Sticks by your side
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog

We do not have Shetland Sheepdog puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.

  • Adult weight 24–40 lbs
  • Height 13–16 in
  • Lifespan 12–14 years
  • Exercise 60 min a day
Shetland Sheepdog with a thick, layered coat, standing proudly outdoors

About the Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a charming and intelligent breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries. Originating from the Shetland Islands, these small yet sturdy herding dogs were once tasked with managing sheep and livestock. With their keen intelligence and desire to please, Shelties have become popular family companions, adapting seamlessly to various lifestyles.

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Known for their friendly disposition, Shetland Sheepdogs are particularly good with children and often form close bonds with their families. Their affectionate nature makes them not only loving pets but also sociable companions, getting along well with other dogs and even cats. With a good energy level, they enjoy playtime and daily walks, making them suitable for families living in apartments or homes with limited space. Their moderate exercise needs and inherent willingness to participate in family activities add to their appeal, making them a perfect fit for those seeking an active yet manageable pet.

Grooming a Sheltie is relatively straightforward, requiring a weekly brushing to keep their beautiful coat free of tangles and looking its best. While they do shed, the level is manageable with regular care. On the training front, Shetland Sheepdogs excel due to their high intelligence and eagerness to learn. Their positive attitude towards training, combined with their natural curiosity, makes them responsive learners, capable of mastering commands and tricks. This breed will not only enrich your life with love and companionship but also bring joyful energy into your home. If you are thinking about adding a Shetland Sheepdog to your family, visiting Petland Pembroke Pines can help you find the perfect furry addition to your household.

Shetland Sheepdog breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Very affectionate
  • Playfulness Very playful
  • With strangers Wary
  • Territorial Territorial
  • Prey drive Moderate

Family & other pets

  • Young children Good
  • Older children Excellent
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats Usually fine

Energy & exercise

  • Energy High
  • Mental stimulation High

Training

  • Trainability Eager to please
  • Intelligence Very bright
  • Stubbornness Biddable

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Light
  • Drooling None to speak of
  • Barking Vocal

Home life

  • Apartment living Good
  • Time alone Short periods
  • Cold weather Comfortable
  • Warm weather Average

A good match for

  • First-time owners Good first dog
  • Senior owners Good
  • Running partner Good
  • Hiking Good
  • Therapy work Good
  • Guarding Low

Living with a Shetland Sheepdog

Temperament & Family Fit

Shetland Sheepdogs, affectionately known as Shelties, have a lovely temperament that makes them perfect family companions. They're particularly great with young kids and other pets, including cats, which makes them a wonderful addition to your home. Their affectionate nature and eagerness to please ensure that they quickly become a beloved family member.

Energy & Exercise

With a moderate energy level, Shelties thrive on regular exercise, making daily walks a joy for both you and your furry friend. They love to play and engage in activities, so some games of fetch or agility training can really help burn off some energy. Luckily, they're quite adaptable, meaning they can live happily in apartments as long as they get their daily doses of mental and physical stimulation.

Care & Grooming

Though Shetland Sheepdogs do require weekly grooming to keep their beautiful double coat in check, it's pretty manageable and gives you an excellent chance to bond with your pet. Their shedding level is moderate, so with regular brushing, you can keep pet hair under control while enjoying their fluffy company. Overall, it’s a small investment of your time for a loving and loyal companion!

Training Notes

Training a Shetland Sheepdog is a rewarding experience since they are highly trainable and eager to learn. Their intelligence shines through, and with positive reinforcement, you can teach them various commands and tricks with ease. Just be prepared for their tendency to bark; it's in their nature to be excellent watchdogs, so a little patience and consistency will go a long way!

Caring for a Shetland Sheepdog

Grooming
Weekly brushing
Grooming cost
Average
Monthly food
Average
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Shetland Sheepdog?

Shetland Sheepdogs are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 20 to 40 pounds. Their compact size makes them great companions for both families and individuals living in various environments.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs good with children and other pets?

Absolutely! Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their gentle nature, making them great with young kids. They're also friendly with other dogs and even cats, so you'll find they fit in well with family dynamics.

How much exercise do Shetland Sheepdogs need?

Shetland Sheepdogs have an energy level of about 4, so they enjoy daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. A good mix of physical activity and mental stimulation will help them thrive.

How often do I need to groom a Shetland Sheepdog?

You'll want to groom your Shetland Sheepdog on a weekly basis. Their beautiful coats benefit from regular brushing to minimize shedding and keep them looking their best.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs easy to train?

Yes! Shetland Sheepdogs are highly trainable, scoring a 5 on the trainability scale. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, so you'll have a great time teaching them new commands and tricks.

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