Meet The Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive, smart, and easy to train. They're loyal family dogs and good with kids if you socialize them as puppies. As a small dog breed, Shelties stand 13-16 inches (33-41cm) at the shoulder and have a moderate need for exercise of 30-60 minutes off-leash per day.
10 Things to Know About Shelties
They may be small dogs, but Shelties have a lot going on in the brains department, making them highly sensitive and easy to train.
The Sheltie Colors
Here's a showcase of the standard Sheltie colors: Pure Sable, Mahogany Sable, Tri Color, Blue Merle, Bi Black, and Bi Blue.
How to Groom a Sheltie
Shetland Sheepdogs have luxurious double coats which need weekly grooming. Here's my guide to de-shedding the undercoat, untangling mats, and trimming the claws.
The Sheltie FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Shelties. Learn about temperament, intelligence, lifespan, health, grooming, puppies, breeders, adoption, training.
101 Cute Sheltie Puppies
Here are 101 pictures of Sheltie puppies sent in by our readers. Get ready for puppy overload—we're talking cute, playful, curious, sleepy, bashful... oh wait, now I'm just naming dwarves.
20 Things You Need for a Puppy
You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! Life is good! Here are 20 things you need for your new teeny friend, from feeding bowls to grooming tools.
Sheltie Puppy Development in 16 Pictures
See Sheltie puppies growing into an adult dogs in pictures: tiny newborn dumplings, plump 8-week furballs, gangly coyotes, and billowing fur beasts.
10 Things I Love About Shelties
Shelties are small dogs with a dainty appearance and lots of fur. They're sensitive, eager, and highly vocal. Here's what I love most about Shetland Sheepdogs.
A Brief History of Shelties
Shelties didn't evolve by breeding smaller and smaller Rough Collies—but actually date back 300 years to Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands.
What to Know About Mini Shelties
Miniature Shelties (aka Toy Shelties) are an unofficial breed variation, measuring under 13 inches. Here's the backstory of these extra tiny Shelties.
Blue Merle Shelties
Blue Merle Shelties have a color modification gene which alters the melanin pigment in their fur. Less pigment means less color, resulting in... yes, blue Shelties! Read now
How To Photograph Your Dog
These are my top ten tips on photographing your dog, from choosing the perfect setting and camera angle, to being patient and capturing your pet in the moment.
Cool Games for Shelties
Many dogs love to play fetch or tug-of-war, but Shelties are far more idiosyncratic. Here are some fun games for Shelties that reward their herding instinct.
The Sheltie Smile
Is the Sheltie smile real? Dog experts say yes, but it's not for the reason we necessarily think. Take a look at the evolutionary roots in wolf behavior.
101 Shelties in The Bath
When I asked Sheltie Planet readers to share their cutest, funniest and oh-so-sorrowful photos of dripping wet Shelties in the tub, this is what I got back.
101 Sheltie Names
First off, know that you'll be hollering your Sheltie's name at the dog park for years to come, so you can rule out Mister Bigglesworth right off the bat.
Are Shelties Good Family Dogs?
If you're considering a new family dog, the Sheltie may well have caught your eye. This small energetic breed has a thick double coat and a charming personality.
How to Housetrain a Sheltie Puppy
House training a Sheltie puppy is a two-stage process. Start indoors by teaching him to pee and poop on training pads, then at 4 months transition the business outside.
The Shetland Sheepdog Breed Standard
The Shetland Sheepdog Breed Standard is a set of guidelines that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and physical appearance of the Sheltie breed.
Annual Dog Events for Shelties
Besides the AKC's 22,000 competitive dog events each year, there are hundreds of US-based pet expos and dog days out where you can meet all kinds of breeds.
Share this with a friend
Rebecca Casale is the founder of Sheltie Planet and Science Me. Meet her famous Shetland Sheepdogs Howard and Piper and download Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide.
Follow FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | X