So you love Shelties with their intelligence, loyalty, and flowing double coat? Here are 8 dog breeds that share the same gorgeous qualities.
What makes a dog Sheltie-like? I'm talking about heritage and working instinct (descended from old Collie and island-hering dogs), intelligence and trainability (smartest and highly responsive), coat type and appearance (double-coated and light-footed), and family-friendly with a loyal temperament (companion animals with working natures).
If you're searching for dogs similar to Shelties, chances are you're also wondering how well these breeds might get along with your own Sheltie at home. The good news is that most herding breeds share a cooperative working style, high social intelligence, and a natural affinity for other dogs... especially those with similar energy levels and communication patterns. While every dog is an individual, Shelties typically thrive alongside these like-minded breeds, making them excellent candidates for multi-dog households.
1. Rough Collie
The Rough Collie
Of course, we had it coming. Aesthetically, the Rough Collie is the most similar to the Sheltie with same elegant silhouette, long flowing coat, almond-shaped eyes, and wedge-shaped head. Both breeds also have similar coat colors and markings: think Sable, Tri Color, and Blue Merle.
Temperament-wise, Rough Collies are gentle, intelligent, loyal, and make wonderful family pets just like Shelties. If you love the Sheltie look and seek a companion dog that's bigger in size, the Rough Collie makes a beautiful addition.
- Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 50-75 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Group: Herding Group
2. Border Collie
The Border Collie
Okay, you probably guessed this one too. While slightly larger and heavier than the delicate Sheltie, the Border Collie shares the same herding heritage, intelligence, agility, and drive. They also have double coats, if less fluffier, and similar body structure.
Personality-wise, Border Collies are energetic, eager to please, and thrive with mental and physical challenges, making them a good fit if you enjoy training, sports, or a very active lifestyle.
- Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 30-55 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Herding Group
3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds share a herding dog history with Shelties and many of the same instincts: trainability, loyalty, alertness, and energy. Their coats can also carry similar markings, although their fur is shorter compared to Shelties. If you love Shelties for their working-dog heritage but want a sturdier, more robust companion, an Aussie might appeal, especially if you have the space and time for regular exercise.
- Temperament: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
- Height: 18-23 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Herding Group
4. Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherds are actually miniaturized Aussie Shepherds, so arguably even more like Shelties! They share agility, intelligence, and a strong herding instinct in a slightly sturdier and more compact package. Loyal and eager to learn, Mini Aussies are a great match for families who love the Sheltie temperament but prefer a dog with a bit more athleticism.
- Temperament: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
- Height: 13-18 inches
- Weight: 20-40 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
- Group: Herding Group
5. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog.
Icelandic Sheepdogs resemble Shelties in their fluffy double coat, bright expressions, and friendly working-dog nature. However, they do have a more Nordic, spitz-style appearance with that distinctive high tail. These "dogs of the Vikings" combine cheerfulness, trainability, and moderate energy in a way that appeals to Sheltie lovers who want a sociable, outdoorsy companion.
- Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive
- Height: 16.5-18 inches
- Weight: 25-30 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Group: Herding Group
6. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund.
Recognize that fluffy coat? Not only do Finnish Lapphunds share the Sheltie's superior intelligence and gentle temperament, but they're also wrapped in a thick, weatherproof coat for a similar fluffy charm. While less herding-driven than Shelties, the good news is they they offer a calm, adaptable personality that suits households looking for a mellow but responsive dog.
- Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Agile
- Height: 16-21 inches
- Weight: 33-53 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Herding Group
7. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhunds carry the same alert, capable mindset that defines Shelties, packed into in a longer-bodied, shorter-legged companion. Blending herding traits with the spitz look, their bold, active nature and strong attachments make Vallhunds similar dogs to Shelties but with a lower-maintenance coat.
- Temperament: Smart, Sociable, Alert
- Height: 11.5-13.75 inches
- Weight: 20-35 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Herding Group
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Clearly, Corgies are physically quite different from Shelties, with their short legs, short coat, and compact build—yet they do share the herding dog heritage. This gives them distinctive, intelligent, and affectionate personalities. Their smaller size and loyal nature make Pembroke Welsh Corgis more manageable than larger herding dogs with their boundless energy.
- Temperament: Playful, Tenacious, Bold
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 24-31 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Group: Herding Group
Summary Guide
If you adore Shelties, there's a good chance you'll find a kindred spirit among these similar dog breeds. Here are the common features at a glance:
| Feature You Love | Similar Breed |
| Elegant. Gentle. Loyal. | Rough Collie. |
| Energetic. Smart. Athletic. | Border Collie. Australian Shepherd. Mini American Shepherd. |
| Smart. Compact. Manageable. | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
| Fluffy. Friendly. Eager. | Icelandic Sheepdog. Finnish Lapphund. Swedish Vallhund. |
Whether you're thinking about adding a second dog to your home or simply exploring breeds that share the Sheltie's charm, these eight companions offer a wonderful mix of intelligence, loyalty, and herding-dog heart. With the right match for your lifestyle, you can enjoy the same spirited, affectionate qualities that make Shelties so irresistible... just in a slightly different package.
