Sheltie Rescue

Find a Sheltie Rescue near you in our dedicated adoption listings. From here you can also learn about Shetland Sheepdog breed traits, from intelligence to agility. Start by selecting your region to adopt a Sheltie near you.

About Shelties

Shelties are sensitive, smart, and easy to train. They're loyal family dogs and good with kids if they've been socialized as puppies. As a small dog breed, purebred Shelties stand 13-16 inches (33-41cm) at the shoulder and need 30-60 minutes of off-leash exercise every day.

10 Things to Know About Shelties

They may be small dogs, but Shelties have a lot going on in the brains department, making them highly sensitive and easy to train.

The Sheltie Colors

Here's a showcase of the standard Sheltie colors: Pure Sable, Mahogany Sable, Tri Color, Blue Merle, Bi Black, and Bi Blue.

The Shetland Sheepdog FAQ

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Shelties. Learn about temperament, intelligence, lifespan, health, grooming, puppies, breeders, adoption, training.

Clicker Train Your Sheltie

Clicker training is ideal for Shelties learning obedience, tricks, and agility. It's a gentle training method that uses psychological conditioning.

How to Socialize a Shy Sheltie

Shelties can shy dogs if they aren't well socialized as puppies. Missing this window is a huge loss for a Sheltie, but there are ways to help minimize his anxiety.

10 Things I Love About Shelties

Shelties are small dogs with a dainty appearance and lots of fur. They're sensitive, eager, and highly vocal. Here's what I love most about Shetland Sheepdogs.

A Brief History of Shelties

Shelties didn't evolve by breeding smaller and smaller Rough Collies—but actually date back 300 years to Scandinavian dogs imported to the Shetland Islands.

Blue Merle Shelties

Blue Merle Shelties have a color modification gene which alters the melanin pigment in their fur. Less pigment means less color, resulting in... yes, BLUE Shelties!