Shetland Sheepdog Size Guide: Characteristics and Care

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a beloved breed known for its intelligence, agility, and loyal nature. They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Shelties have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Their thick double coat sheds heavily during shedding season, so be prepared for regular brushing sessions.

Their compact size makes them an ideal companion for apartment dwellers or families with small living spaces.

Shetland Sheepdogs are a small breed, averaging between 13 and 16 inches in height.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for city living or for families with smaller spaces.

Despite their small stature, Shelties are sturdy and active, embodying the strength and agility of the Scottish Highlands.

The Shetland Sheepdog has a magnificent double coat that is as functional as it is beautiful. This coat comes in a palette of colors, including sable, blue merle, and a tapestry of others.

They have a dense undercoat and a long, water-resistant outer coat. This makes them well-suited for their origins in the Scottish Highlands.

Shelties are distinct in their smaller stature, averaging between 13 and 16 inches in height. Despite their size, they are sturdy and active.

Their body is long, although they are short in stature. They have a short, close undercoat; the outer coat is usually long and straight.

The hair on the Sheltie's head, ears, and feet is long and straight; the mane is frilly and abundant. They have long hair on their legs and tail, which are also furry.

There are three basic colors in the Sheltie breed: a golden to mahogany sable, black, or blue merle (blue-gray with some black).

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As a Shetland Sheepdog grows, it goes through several distinct stages. Puppies are born after a gestation period of about 60 days, weighing around 7-10 ounces.

At birth, Shetland Sheepdog puppies are blind and helpless, relying on their mother for warmth and nourishment. They open their eyes around 10-14 days old.

Shetland Sheepdogs reach puberty between 6-9 months old, marking the beginning of their adolescence. During this stage, they require regular training and socialization to become well-adjusted adult dogs.

As they mature, Shetland Sheepdogs reach their full height between 1-2 years old, with males typically reaching 13-16 inches and females reaching 11-14 inches.

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If you're considering bringing a Shetland Sheepdog into your family, you might be wondering if there are other breeds that are similar in size. The Sheltie, as it's affectionately known, typically weighs between 25-40 pounds and stands about 13-16 inches tall.

If you're looking for breeds that are similarly sized, there are a few options to consider. The Sheltie Pin, for example, is nearly identical in size to the Shetland Sheepdog, with a 98% similarity in size.

The Shibos is another breed that's remarkably similar in size to the Sheltie, with a 98% similarity. This breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality.

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The Rat Terrier is a feisty little breed that's also similar in size to the Shetland Sheepdog, with a 98% similarity. They're known for their intelligence and energy.

The Treeing Feist is a small to medium-sized breed that's similar in size to the Sheltie, with a 97% similarity. They're known for their hunting ability and energetic personality.

The Bostalian is another breed that's similar in size to the Shetland Sheepdog, with a 97% similarity. They're known for their intelligence and loyalty.

Here are some breeds that are similar in size to the Shetland Sheepdog:

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small to medium-sized breed of dog. They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds and stand between 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their compact size makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with small living spaces. They have a slender build and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.

Shelties are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people. They are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them properly.

Their original purpose was to herd sheep on the Shetland Islands, where they were bred to be agile and nimble. This heritage is still evident in their energetic and lively nature.

Shelties are a bundle of energy, and their diet plays a huge role in their overall health and happiness. A sheltie puppy typically needs about ¼ to ⅓ cup of food per meal, served three times a day.

As they mature, adult Shelties do well on about ½ to ¾ cup of food per day, divided into two meals. This can vary depending on their exercise needs and weight to avoid obesity.

Older Shelties need tailored nutrition to support their slowing metabolism and maintain muscle mass. Foods with adjusted calorie levels and easy-to-digest carbohydrates are ideal to manage their health as they age.

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To keep mealtime exciting and nutritious, vary their diet with a mix of kibble and fresh foods. Don't forget to add a sprinkle of probiotics for good stomach health and fatty acids to keep their coats gleaming.

Here's a rough guide to feeding amounts by life stage: