Shetland Sheepdog Breed

Thinking of getting a Shetland Sheepdog and want to know if a Shetland Sheepdog is suitable for your household?

Use the Shetland Sheepdog information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Shetland Sheepdog and more.


Shetland Sheepdog Breed Facts

Shetland Sheepdog Facts

  • Name: Shetland Sheepdog
  • Other Names: Miniature Collie, Shetland Collie (obsolete), Dwarf Scotch Shepherd (obsolete), Toonie Dog (obsolete), Sheltie
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Breed Group: Herding (AKC:1911 & UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Shetland Sheepdog Facts

Shetland Sheepdog Information

The Shetland sheepdog is a medium, agile dog, longer than it is tall. Its gait is smooth, effortless and ground-covering, imparting good agility, speed and endurance essential in a herding dog. It has a double coat, with a short, dense undercoat and a long, straight, harsh outer coat. The hair of the mane, frill and tail is abundant. Its expression is gentle, intelligent and questioning. Although it resembles a rough collie in miniature, subtle differences distinguish the breeds.

The Shetland sheepdog is extremely bright, sensitive and willing to please. This combination makes for a dog that is very obedient, quick to learn and utterly devoted to its family. It is not only gentle, playful, amiable and companionable, but also excellent with children, although it can nip at heels in play. It is reserved and often timid toward strangers. It barks a lot.

What to do if you lose your Shetland Sheepdog

If your Shetland Sheepdog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Visit the local vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Contact the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.

What to do if you find a lost Shetland Sheepdog

If you find a Shetland Sheepdog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound assigned to your suburb.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who usually scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must contact your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.