Shetland Sheepdog

Like every breed, the Shetland Sheepdog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start training and socialisation young, so your Sheltie grows up confident and sociable.
• Use reward-based methods.
• Teach a 'quiet' cue and practise settling and waiting calmly.
• Give their minds a job, such as agility, obedience or trick training.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)

  An inherited condition where the back of the eye does not develop properly, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test for CEA/CH is available.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  A gradual deterioration of the retina, which can start with night blindness and progress to total blindness. DNA tests for two forms (BBS2-PRA and CNGA1-PRA) are available.

• Multi-drug sensitivity (MDR1)

  Affected dogs are particularly sensitive to certain types of medicine. A DNA test is available.

• Von Willebrand's disease

  A blood clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding. A DNA test for the type seen in the breed (vWD3-2) is available.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  Hip dysplasia is looseness in the hip joint caused by poor development, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes.

• Legg-Perthes disease

  The blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is reduced, causing it to break down.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Distichiasis

  Small eyelashes grow from the inner surface or edge of the eyelid and rub on the eye, causing irritation.

• Hypothyroidism

  The thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, which can lead to low energy, weight gain and skin problems.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Shetland Sheepdog home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Shetland Sheepdog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Shetland Sheepdog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Shetland Sheepdogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.