Shetland Sheepdog

Across 45 single-size small breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 13 years is about 0.6 years shorter than the 13.6-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 20 lb is about 4 lb heavier than the 16 lb average for those small breeds.

The listed origin is Scotland. The coat is described as double, long. The AKC energy score is 4 out of 5, close to the group average of 4.1 for the Herding Group. Shedding scores 3 out of 5. Grooming scores 3 out of 5. Trainability scores 5 out of 5, which is a biddable score. Good with children scores 5 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 5 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 29 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in 8–12 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): very small dogs reach maturity at 8-12 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Hip Evaluation and Ophthalmologist Evaluation. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.