🐕
Shetland Sheepdog
Bright, sensitive, loyal
Also known as: sheltie
- Adult weight
- 7–12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- High
- Origin
- UK (Shetland)
- Group
- Pastoral / Herding
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Collie eye anomalyBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●MDR1 drug sensitivityBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: Washington State University – MDR1 in dogs ↗
- ●HypothyroidismBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●DermatomyositisBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓MDR1 testing advised
- ✓Thick coat needs weekly brushing
Calculators for your Shetland Sheepdog
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Shetland Sheepdog ↗
- Washington State University – MDR1 in dogs ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.