Buyer question
How long does a Shetland Sheepdog live?
Our Animal Library gives the Shetland Sheepdog a lifespan of 12–14 years.
Source: the Shetland Sheepdog page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Shetland Sheepdog in the Animal Library
The detail
A small herding dog from the Shetland Islands, bred to move sheep and poultry and to bark at intruders, so it is bright, sensitive and vocal. Devoted to its family and quick to train, the Sheltie fits smaller homes that can handle the coat.
- Best fit
- Families, smaller homes
- Temperament
- Bright, sensitive, loyal
What to weigh
Shelties bark a lot and are easily startled, so they are not ideal for close neighbors. The coat sheds heavily and mats behind the ears without regular brushing, and some are shy with strangers.