The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as a ”Sheltie,” is cousin of the Collie. The Sheltie’s iconic look features a wedge shaped head, a long, straight dense coat and a variety of colorings with white markings. While distinctively smaller than the rough Collie that it resembles in appearance and personality, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred to be a miniature herder. Hailing from the rocky Shetland islands of the United Kingdom, it was important for the herding dogs to be smaller due to food scarcity. Nowadays, the Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, easily trainable, sensitive companion with an affinity for barking.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a withers height between 13”-16” (33-41 cm) and a typical weight in the range of 11-27 lb (5-12 kg). The Shetland Sheepdog has an overall body length of roughly 20”-24” (51-61 cm), standing height between 18”-21” (46-53 cm), and a typical lifespan of 12-15 years.
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as a ”Sheltie,” is cousin of the Collie. The Sheltie’s iconic look features a wedge shaped head, a long, straight dense coat and a variety of colorings with white markings. While distinctively smaller than the rough Collie that it resembles in appearance and personality, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred to be a miniature herder. Hailing from the rocky Shetland islands of the United Kingdom, it was important for the herding dogs to be smaller due to food scarcity. Nowadays, the Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, easily trainable, sensitive companion with an affinity for barking.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a withers height between 13”-16” (33-41 cm) and a typical weight in the range of 11-27 lb (5-12 kg). The Shetland Sheepdog has an overall body length of roughly 20”-24” (51-61 cm), standing height between 18”-21” (46-53 cm), and a typical lifespan of 12-15 years.
