Small Herding Group

Shetland Sheepdog

Also called Dwarf Scotch Shepherd, Sheltie and Toonie Dog

Great with kids
Easy to train
Sheds a lot
Barks a lot

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, agile breed with a long, thick coat. They have a long head and a medium-sized muzzle, with bright, alert eyes and a lively expression. Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and devoted loyalty to their owners. They make excellent family pets and are also used in agility, obedience, and herding events.

Weight: 15–24 lb (7–11 kg)
Height at the shoulder: 13–16 in (33–41 cm)
Life span: 12–14 years
Exercise: About 60 minutes a day
Coat: Long, Double
Origin: Shetland Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom (19th century)

Traits

Family and friends

Children: Great with children
Other dogs: Good with other dogs
Strangers: Polite with strangers

Home and activity

Energy: Energetic
Apartment living: Can manage in an apartment
Barking: Barks a lot
Training: Very easy to train

Care

Grooming: Frequent grooming
Shedding: Sheds a lot
Drooling: Hardly drools

Temperament

Affectionate Alert Intelligent Loyal Reserved with strangers Willing worker

Coat colours

Black, blue merle, sable, tan markings and white markings

Recognized by

American Kennel Club (AKC), Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC), New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)