Shetland Sheepdog breed guide

Bright and eager, Shetland Sheepdogs are easy trainers and world-class competitors in obedience, agility and other sports. They reach their full potential as companions when taught at least basic obedience, AKC says. They are superstars at agility.

Shetland Sheepdogs live 12 to 14 years. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, eye diseases, dermatomyositis (Shetland Sheepdog skin syndrome), von Willebrand's disease, gallbladder mucoceles and epilepsy.

The American Shetland Sheepdog Association recommends minimum health testing of breeding stock.

The thick double coat sheds considerably, with long, straight, harsh outer hair over a short, furry, very dense undercoat. Owners must be ready to brush weekly, more often in shedding season, to remove some of the loose hair before it drifts around the house.

Shetland Sheepdogs are active and athletic and need a moderate amount of exercise but adapt to their family's way of life. They do well as city dogs when owners provide sufficient exercise and enjoy outings that exercise mind and body.

Shetland Sheepdogs were bred on the rocky Shetland Islands, the United Kingdom's northernmost point, where farmers used them to herd sheep, ponies and poultry. Toonie dog was an old slang name for Shetland Sheepdogs, toon being a Shetland word for farm.

The Shetland Sheepdog is smaller than the rough-coat Collie because its compact size means it eats less, an important consideration in the harsh, cold climate of its homeland, where food may be scarce.