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Sheltie Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Sheltie Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Sheltie Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed German Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog mix

Sheltie Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Sheltie Shepherd? Learn how big the Sheltie Shepherd breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Sheltie Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Sheltie Shepherd breed.
30-60 pounds (13-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Sheltie Shepherd?
45 pounds (20 kg)
Height
How tall is the Sheltie Shepherd? Sheltie Shepherd height:
18-22 inches (45-55 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Sheltie Shepherd?
20 inches (50 cm)

Sheltie Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Sheltie Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Sheltie Shepherd costs.
$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Sheltie Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Sheltie Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Sheltie Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Sheltie Shepherd? How many Sheltie Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Sheltie Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Sheltie Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Sheltie Shepherd? Discover the Sheltie Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: Sheltie Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Sheltie Shepherd is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Sheltie Shepherd? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Sheltie Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Sheltie Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Sheltie Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Sheltie Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Sheltie Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Sheltie Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Sheltie Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Sheltie Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousPlayfulAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyResponsiveAffectionateObedientLoyalLivelyGentleWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Sheltie Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Sheltie Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Sheltie Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Sheltie Shepherd need? Sheltie Shepherd social needs:
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Sheltie Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Sheltie Shepherd roam?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Sheltie Shepherd have high prey drive?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Sheltie Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Sheltie Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Sheltie Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Sheltie Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Sheltie Shepherd is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Sheltie Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Sheltie Shepherd breed.
Average: Sheltie Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Sheltie Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Sheltie Shepherd indoors.

Sheltie Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Sheltie Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Sheltie Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Sheltie Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Sheltie Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Sheltie Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Sheltie Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Sheltie Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Sheltie Shepherd bite? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Sheltie Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Sheltie Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Sheltie Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Sheltie Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Sheltie Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Sheltie Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Sheltie Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Sheltie Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Sheltie Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Sheltie Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Sheltie Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Sheltie Shepherd breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Sheltie Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Sheltie Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Sheltie Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Sheltie Shepherd breed.
Sheltie Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Sheltie Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Sheltie Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Sheltie Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Sheltie Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Sheltie Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyHeart ProblemsBlindnessDrug SensitivityCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyCollie Eye AnomalyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligoHaemophiliaTrichiasis

Sheltie Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Sheltie Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Sheltie Shepherd breed.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Sheltie Shepherd need? How much exercise do Sheltie Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Sheltie Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Sheltie Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Sheltie Shepherd breed need?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Sheltie Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Sheltie Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average: The Sheltie Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Sheltie Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Sheltie Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Sheltie Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Sheltie Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Sheltie Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Sheltie Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Sheltie Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red Blue White SilverSableMerle
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Sheltie Shepherd need? Learn about Sheltie Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Sheltie Shepherd requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Sheltie Shepherd a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Sheltie Shepherd, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Sheltie Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Sheltie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Sheltie Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Sheltie Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Sheltie Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Sheltie Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Sheltie Shepherd have? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's fur characteristics.
DenseFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Sheltie Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Sheltie Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Sheltie Shepherd? Do Sheltie Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Sheltie Shepherd breed.

Sheltie Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Sheltie Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Sheltie Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Sheltie Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Sheltie Shepherd temperament with other people:
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Sheltie Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Sheltie Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Sheltie Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Sheltie Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Sheltie Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Sheltie Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Sheltie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Sheltie Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Sheltie Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Sheltie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Sheltie Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Sheltie Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Sheltie Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Sheltie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Sheltie Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Sheltie Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Sheltie Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Sheltie Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Sheltie Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Sheltie Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Sheltie Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Sheltie Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Sheltie Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Sheltie Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Sheltie Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Sheltie Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Sheltie Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Sheltie Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Sheltie Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Sheltie Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Sheltie Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Sheltie Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Sheltie Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Sheltie Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Sheltie Shepherd in? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Sheltie Shepherd in? Learn about the Sheltie Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Sheltie Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Sheltie Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Sheltie Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Sheltie Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Sheltie Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Sheltie Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Sheltie Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Sheltie Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Sheltie Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Sheltie Shepherd requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Sheltie Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Sheltie Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Sheltie Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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