🐕 Dogs

Shetland Sheepdog

A bright, sensitive little herder.

Shelties are intelligent, loyal and eager to please. They excel at agility and obedience and can be vocal.

Lifespan12–14 years
SizeSmall–Medium · 15–25 lb
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$90–160 / month
Great for
FamiliesDog sportsFirst-time ownersSmartLoyalSensitive
Shetland Sheepdog

Photo: Flickr user nickobec (Nick Cowie) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Adapts to most homes.

Measured meals; prone to weight gain.

1 hour daily plus training.

Brush 2–3 times weekly.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Collie eye anomaly
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Dermatomyositis
  • MDR1 sensitivity
  • Gallbladder mucocele
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual exams; MDR1 testing recommended.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.