Buyer question
Is a Shetland Sheepdog good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Shetland Sheepdog 4 out of 5 for beginners (easy if bark is fine).
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.
- Temperament
- Bright, sensitive, loyal
- Best fit
- Families, smaller homes
- Trainability
- 5 out of 5 (Eager, very quick)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (1 hr exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 4 out of 5 (Brush 2–3 times a week)
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.