Welcome to Petfinder.com! The virtual home of 322,528 adoptable pets from 13,031 adoption groups

Search for a Pet

[See All]Breed

Location*

Ex: Des Moines, IA or 50301

Return to classic search

Find Animal
Welfare Groups

[List by State]

Learn about our book:
The Adopted Dog Bible
Buy a copy today

Check us out at:

Petfinder at Myspace
Petfinder at Facebook
Petfinder at YouTube
Home > Dog Breeds > Adopt a Shetland Sheepdog

Adopt a Shetland Sheepdog


Shetland Sheepdog Dog Breed

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen

Comment on the Shetland Sheepdog

Family:

livestock, herding


Area of origin:

Scotland (Shetland Islands)


Original function:

sheep herding


Average size of male:

Ht: 13-16, Wt: 20


Average size of female:

Ht: 13-16, Wt: 20


Other names:

none


  • ••••

    Energy

  • ••••

    Exercise

  • ••••

    Playfulness

  • ••••

    Affection

  • •••••

    Friendliness towards dogs

  • •••••

    Friendliness towards other pets

  • ••

    Friendliness towards strangers

  • ••••••

    Ease of training

  • ••••••

    Watchdog ability

  • ••

    Protection ability

  • •••••

    Grooming

  • ••••

    Cold tolerance

  • ••••

    Heat tolerance

Shetland Sheepdog Dogs Available on Petfinder Right Now

See more adoptable Shetland Sheepdog dogs available on Petfinder

Shetland Sheepdog Dog Temperament

The Shetland Sheepdog is extremely bright, sensitive and willing to please. This combination makes for a dog that is very obedient, quick to learn and utterly devoted to his family. He is not only gentle, playful, amiable and companionable, but also excellent with children, although he can nip at heels in play. He barks a lot.

Shetland Sheepdog Dog Care

The Sheltie is energetic, but his exercise needs can be met with a good walk, short jog or active game and training session. He is too attached to his family to do well separated from them so the Sheltie should be a house dog. His thick coat needs brushing or combing every other day.

Shetland Sheepdog Dog Health

Major concerns: dermatomyositis
Minor concerns: CEA, PRA, trichiasis, cataract, CHD, hemophilia, Legg - Perthes, patellar luxation
Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, epilepsy, vWD
Suggested tests: eye, hip, DNA for vWD
Life span: 12-14 years
Note: may be sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health.

Dogs Related to the Shetland Sheepdog

Australian Shepherd
Bearded Collie
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie
Bouvier des Flandres
Briard
Canaan Dog
Collie

Interested in the history of the Shetland Sheepdog dog breed?

The ancestors of the Shetland Sheepdog were the herding dogs of Scotland that also provided the rootstock for the collie and border collie. Some of these dogs were quite small, measuring only about 18 inches in height. The Shetland sheepdog almost certainly is derived from these early collie type dogs, which then were further developed on the Shetland Islands. Some Iceland dogs may have also played a role, and perhaps even a black and tan King Charles spaniel. The paucity of vegetation favored smaller livestock, and the animals needed to herd them were proportionately smaller. In a land with few fences, an adept herder was essential to keep livestock away from cultivated land. As all-around farm dogs, they herded not only sheep but also ponies and chickens. In some remote areas, it was customary to keep all animals in the family's home building during winter, and the amiable herding dog no doubt worked his way right into the family part of the home. Because of its isolation from the rest of the world, the breed was able to breed true in a comparatively short time. The British naval fleet used to frequent the islands for maneuvers and often bought puppies to take home to England. Early dogs were referred to as 'toonie dogs' (toon being the local Shetland word for farm), but they were initially shown (around 1906) as Shetland Collies. Collie fanciers objected to the name, so it was changed to Shetland Sheepdog. The breed is far more often referred to by its nickname of 'Sheltie' however. In the early years in England, breeders often discreetly crossed Shelties with rough-coated Collies in an attempt to improve on their Collie characteristics. This practice led to oversized Shelties, however, and has long since stopped. Following the immense popularity of the collie, the Sheltie became the answer to the family wanting a loyal, striking pet of smaller size, and is one of the most popular breeds in the world.


Shelters with Shetland Sheepdog Dogs

Some animal welfare organizations with Shetland Sheepdogs ready for adoption:

Email EMAIL Share SHARE Print PRINT

Comment on the Shetland Sheepdog Dog

Pet Video

Before You Adopt

Before You Adopt

Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy

Adopting the Right Dog for You

Adopting the Right Dog for You

How to find the right dog for you and your family

Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog

Why adopting an older dog has many advantages

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Prepare in advance to make sure your home is safe for your new pup

SEE ALL VIDEOS >

Related Articles