| Height | 13-16 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15-25 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Energetic / Bright [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 29 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Shelties are active and athletic, and while they need a moderate amount of exercise they are also very adaptable to their family's way of life. They do well as city dogs as long as owners provide sufficient exercise. They enjoy outings with their people that will exercise both their mind and body. [1]
Grooming
The Sheltie has a profuse double coat that sheds considerably. The outer coat consists of long, straight, harsh hair, while the undercoat is short, furry, and very dense. Owners must be prepared to brush the coat weekly, and more often during shedding season, to help in removing at least some of the loose hair before it drifts all over the house. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Shetland Sheepdogs are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye diseases, dermatomyositis (Sheltie skin syndrome), von Willebrand's disease (vWD), gallbladder mucoceles, and epilepsy. Tests are available for many potentially heritable disorders, and minimum health testing of breeding stock is recommended by the breed's national parent club, the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA). [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Shetland Sheepdog in 1911. [1]
- It ranked No. 29 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 23 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Sheltie.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 2 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Shetland Sheepdogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Shetland Sheepdog get?
AKC breed information lists height 13-16 inches and weight 15-25 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Shetland Sheepdog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Shetland Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.