How big do Shetland Sheepdogs get?
Despite being bred for work and herding, Shelties are a small breed dog. The breed standard is quite precise for height with the females being 35.5cm and males being 37cm at the withers, only allowing for 2.5cm of error on either side of each of these heights.
How much do Shetland Sheepdogs cost?
There is variability of cost between breeders within Australia depending on the quality of the parents. The average price is around $1000-$2000, however, can be up to $5000 for a Pedigree pup from reputable breeders.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs bark?
As sheep herding dogs and livestock guardians, Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to barking. Once upon a time this trait helped them perform their job, and can be quite good for keeping you up to date with any movement in the neighbourhood, but it may become irritating if left unchecked. It is important to get on top of your Sheltie's barking habits early using positive reinforcement training. For more information, check out our How to Stop Your Dog Barking article.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed?
As a long-haired, double coated dog, the Shetland Sheepdog generally has one or two heavy sheds in a year for their dense undercoat that can last up to a month. These heavy sheds are seasonal, usually in Autumn and Spring. They do shed moderately throughout the year though. Their rough, longer outer coat is relatively resistant to knotting but weekly brushing with a detangling comb and soft slicker brush can remove loose hair and prevent matting.
How long do Shetland Sheepdogs live for?
The average Shetland Sheepdog's lifespan is 12-14 years. However, like any breed, you can promote longevity with premium quality nutrition, routine dental care and by maintaining them at a healthy body weight!
How much exercise for Shetland Sheepdogs need?
Despite their small size, Shelties are a high energy dog and are equally intelligent. This means they need at least 1 hour of physical exercise every day, as well as ongoing mental stimulation throughout the day. Simply leaving a working breed dog like a Sheltie in the yard with room to 'play by themselves' is not enough and can lead to mental disorders called 'stereotypies'.
Do Shetland Sheepdogs Make Good Pets?
Provided their energy and mental stimulation requirements are met, Shelties can make excellent pets. They are very affectionate, loyal and eager to please around family, making them great companions. They can be quite sensitive dogs though, so may not suit a loud, rambunctious home or excitable, young children. They also tend be reserved around strangers so it is important to socialise them around new people at a young age to build their confidence.
How do I know which Shetland Sheepdogs breeder to choose?
When looking for any new dog, you can always try looking for a rescue pup or adult dog, but there are a few key things to consider if you decide to buy a puppy. It's always a good idea to do your research. It's always recommended to view the breeder's premises and the parents of the puppies, as well as asking the 10 Breeder Checklist Questions before committing to a puppy. Responsible breeders will house their dogs humanely, begin socialisation from a young age and selectively breed for healthy traits and good temperament.
