About
Puppies
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HealthMeet The Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are sensitive, smart, and easy to train. They're loyal family dogs and good with kids if you socialize them as puppies.
As a small dog breed, Shelties stand 13-16 inches (33-41cm) at the shoulder and have a moderate need for exercise of 30-60 minutes off-leash per day. Browse the articles below for more information on Shetland Sheepdogs.
10 Things to Know About Shelties
Once bred to be small working dogs, Shelties have a lot going on in the brains department, making them sensitive, eager, and easy to train.
The Sheltie Coat Colors
A showcase of the standard Sheltie colors (Pure Sable, Mahogany Sable, Tri Color, Blue Merle, Bi Black, and Bi Blue) and the color genes that make them.
The Shetland Sheepdog FAQ
Common questions about Sheltie temperament, intelligence, lifespan, health, grooming, puppies, breeders, adoption, training, and more.
101 Cute Sheltie Puppies
Readers sent in photos of their Sheltie puppies. They're cute, playful, curious, sleepy, bashful—oh wait, now I'm just naming dwarves.
20 Things a Puppy Needs
You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! This puppy checklist details all the essential stuff you need before you bring home your new best friend.
Sheltie Puppy Development
See how Sheltie puppies grow from little newborn dumplings, into gangly short-haired coyotes, into the billowing fur beasts we know and love.
10 Things I Love About Shelties
Shelties are small dogs with a sweet expression and lots of fur. They're sensitive, eager, and highly vocal. Here's what else I love.
Clean Your Sheltie's Teeth
Dogs get tooth decay just like us. Here's how to protect your Sheltie's teeth with brushing, dental chews, and water additives.
A Brief History of Shelties
History confirms Shelties are not mini Collies! They're the descendants of Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands 300 years ago.
7 Facts About Mini Shelties
While controversial, Miniature Shelties (aka Toy Shelties) are a variation of the standard Shetland Sheepdog that measure less than 13 inches tall.
Blue Merle Shelties
Did you know that Blue Merle Shelties are actually Tri Colors in disguise? The black in their coat has been diluted by the Merle gene.
How To Photograph Your Dog
Discover the essentials of good dog photography, including tips on setting, angle, light, subjects, and choosing your moment.
Are Shelties High Maintenance?
At first glance, Shelties can appear high maintenance dogs requiring a team of groomers, a therapist, and a personal assistant.
The Sheltie Smile
Do dogs smile? Experts say yes, but it's not for the reason we think. A look at the evolutionary roots of this expression in wolf behavior.
101 Shelties in The Bath
I asked Sheltie Planet readers to share their funniest photos of dripping wet Shelties in the tub. This is what I got back. Don't laugh. (Okay, laugh a bit.)
101 Sheltie Names
You'll be hollering your Sheltie's name at the dog park for years to come, so rule out Mister Bigglesworth right off the bat.
Are Shelties Good Family Dogs?
Known for being a gentle, playful, and loyal breed, Shelties do make good family dogs as long as they're socialized with children early on in life.
The Sheltie Standard
The Breed Standard describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and physical appearance of the model Sheltie.
Annual Dog Events for Shelties
Besides the AKC's 22,000 competitive dog events each year, there are hundreds of US-based pet expos and all-breed dog days out.
How to Groom a Sheltie
The double coat of a Sheltie needs frequent grooming. Here's my guide to systematically de-shedding the undercoat and untangling mats.
The Best Brushes for Shelties
The Sheltie's double coat demands specialized dog brushes. We found the best de-shedding combs and slicker brushes for grooming time.
How To Photograph Your Dog
Discover the essentials of good dog photography, including tips on setting, angle, light, subjects, and choosing your moment.
20 Things a Puppy Needs
You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! This puppy checklist details all the essential stuff you need before you bring home your new best friend.
A Brief History of Shelties
History confirms Shelties are not mini Collies! They're the descendants of Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands 300 years ago.
Why Shelties Sleep on Their Backs
Here are the physical and psychological reasons why dogs sleep with their paws in the air like they just don't care.
Find Your Sheltie Rescue
Find a Sheltie Rescue in our extensive directory of Shetland Sheepdog adoptions in the USA, Canada, and UK.
Stop Destructive Chewing
Puppies love to chew. Here's how to teach them what is and what isn't destined for destruction.
30 Foods Toxic to Dogs
Common human foods like grapes, onions, tomatoes, and avocados can cause serious complications in dogs.
The Best Brushes for Shelties
The Sheltie's double coat demands specialized dog brushes. We found the best de-shedding combs and slicker brushes for grooming time.