Meet The Shetland Sheepdog

By Becky Casale, author, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide

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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. Browse the articles below for more information on Shetland Sheepdogs.

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 Coat Colors

Here's a showcase of the standard Sheltie colors: Pure Sable, Mahogany Sable, Tri Color, Blue Merle, Bi Black, and Bi Blue.

The Shetland Sheepdog FAQ

Common questions about Sheltie temperament, intelligence, lifespan, health, grooming, puppies, breeders, adoption, training, and more.

101 Cute Sheltie Puppies

101 photos of Sheltie puppies by our readers. Cute, playful, curious, sleepy, bashful—oh wait, now I'm just naming dwarves.

20 Things a Puppy Needs

You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! Here's all the essential stuff you need for your new best friend.

Sheltie Puppy Development

See tiny Sheltie puppies growing into mature adult dogs. From newborn dumplings, to gangly coyotes, to billowing fur beasts.

10 Things I Love About Shelties

Shelties are small dogs with a sweet expression and lots of fur. They're sensitive, eager, and highly vocal. Here's what else I love.

Clean Your Sheltie's Teeth

Dogs get tooth decay just like us. Here's how to protect your Sheltie's teeth with brushing, dental chews, and water additives.

A Brief History of Shelties

History confirms Shelties are not mini Collies! They're the descendants of Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands 300 years ago.

7 Facts About Mini Shelties

Miniature Shelties, aka Toy Shelties, are an unofficial variation of the Sheltie breed standard that measuring under 13 inches tall.

Blue Merle Shelties

Did you know that Blue Merle Shelties are actually Tri Colors in disguise? The black in their coat has been diluted by the Merle gene.

How To Photograph Your Dog

Discover the essentials of good dog photography, including tips on setting, angle, light, subjects, and choosing your moment.

Are Shelties High Maintenance?

At first glance, Shelties can appear high maintenance dogs requiring a team of groomers, a therapist, and a personal assistant.

The Sheltie Smile

Do dogs smile? Experts say yes, but it's not for the reason we think. A look at the evolutionary roots of this expression in wolf behavior.

101 Shelties in The Bath

I asked Sheltie Planet readers to share their funniest photos of dripping wet Shelties in the tub. This is what I got back.

101 Sheltie Names

You'll be hollering your Sheltie's name at the dog park for years to come, so rule out Mister Bigglesworth right off the bat.

Are Shelties Good Family Dogs?

Shelties make great family dogs if socialized with kids when young. They're energetic with a playful spirit and a charming personality.

The Sheltie Standard

The Breed Standard describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and physical appearance of the model Sheltie.

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 all-breed dog days out.

To learn more about the wonderful world of Shetland Sheepdogs, download my 160-page PDF ebook, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide, now in its fifth edition.

The guide features hands-on advice on raising a Sheltie illustrated with 100+ photos from Sheltie owners around the world. It's much loved by those who followed the adventures of Howard and Piper Woofington Moon, the inspiration behind Sheltie Planet.

Click here to learn more.