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CocoPet

Shetland Sheepdog Puppy & Dog Guide

Energetic and loyal

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Breed Snapshot

Size: Small/Medium

Size: Small/Medium

Energy Level: High

Energy Level: High

Grooming Needs: Medium

Grooming Needs: Medium

Shedding: Medium

Shedding: Medium

Trainability: Excellent

Trainability: Excellent

Good With Children: Excellent

Good With Children: Excellent

Good With Dogs: Good

Good With Dogs: Good

Apartment Friendly: Good

Apartment Friendly: Good

Exercise: 60-90 minutes a day

Exercise: 60-90 minutes a day

Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years

Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years

Weight: 6-12 kg

Weight: 6-12 kg

Coat Type: Long

Coat Type: Long

Breed Group: Herding

Breed Group: Herding

Hypoallergenic: No

Hypoallergenic: No

Barking: Medium

Barking: Medium

First Time Owner: Fair

First Time Owner: Fair

The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, agile herding breed often called the “Sheltie.” It is loyal, trainable, and thrives in active homes with mental stimulation.

Life Stages

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Shetland Sheepdog Puppy (0-12 months)

Common Issues

  • Barking
  • Herding and chasing behaviour
  • Biting and mouthing
  • Separation anxiety
  • Fearfulness around strangers
  • Toilet training accidents

Advice

  • Begin socialisation early
  • Redirect herding behaviour positively
  • Use reward-based training
  • Build confidence gradually
  • Maintain a consistent routine
  • Provide mental enrichment
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Adolescent Shetland Sheepdog (12-18 months)

Common Issues

  • Excessive barking
  • Boundary testing
  • Reactivity to movement
  • Lead pulling
  • Poor recall
  • Overexcitement

Advice

  • Continue obedience training
  • Reinforce calm behaviour
  • Practise recall regularly
  • Increase mental stimulation
  • Provide structured exercise
  • Reward quiet behaviour
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Adult Shetland Sheepdog (1.5-8 years)

Common Issues

  • Separation anxiety
  • Barking
  • High mental stimulation needs
  • Weight gain if under-exercised
  • Reactivity
  • Coat maintenance demands

Advice

  • Combine daily exercise with brain games
  • Brush the coat regularly
  • Continue positive training
  • Keep routines predictable
  • Monitor body condition
  • Encourage independent relaxation
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Senior Shetland Sheepdog (8+ years)

Common Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Reduced hearing or vision
  • Weight changes
  • Reduced stamina
  • Dental disease
  • Cognitive decline

Advice

  • Provide gentle daily exercise
  • Maintain regular grooming
  • Schedule routine health checks
  • Monitor mobility and weight
  • Continue light enrichment activities
  • Offer supportive bedding

Frequently Asked Questions