Shetland Sheepdogs have long, fluffy fur that makes them look fabulous. They are ranked as the 25th most popular dog breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club’s latest ranking in 2020.
The price of a Sheltie can range from $1,200 to $3,000. These energetic dog breeds are magnificent and in high demand. The monthly cost can easily reach $200 due to high grooming maintenance and food and treats requirement to supplement their energy level. On top of that, they are known to have separation anxiety and require lots of mental stimulation and activity, so they will demand a lot of your time.
Before you consider bringing one of these furry beauties home with you, here is everything you need to know about the actual cost of owning a Sheltie. The first and most important thing is understanding why they are so expensive.
How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Sheltie?
With the $2,500 to $6,000 price range, Shelties are quite expensive.
The good thing is that, for the most part, they are actually worth the investment. Here are a few of the main things that cause and somewhat justify the price you will have to pay for a Sheltie.
Great Family Dogs
One of the main reasons why Shelties are in such high demand is how good they are as family dogs. They tend to get along well, especially with young children who are very patient and protective. They are also known for being gentle with other pets, especially when socialized from an early age.
Relatively Rare
Shelties are relatively rare. They are not the type of rare that has some dog breeds classified as exotic or even endangered. However, they are not always easy to come by in most parts of the US or in general.
Their rarity, paired with the demand, is one of the main justifications given by the few breeders to breed Shelties for their high price.
Compact, Manageable Size
Shelties are popular and expensive partly because they are medium-sized dogs too. They can fit in any place, like a small apartment or a large estate with plenty of outdoor space.
Beautiful Aesthetic
People nowadays often want dogs that look unique and different. It is especially true for designer dogs and dog breeds with unique features. Shelties are an excellent example of this, as many consider their aesthetics prized features.
What’s The Lifespan Of A Sheltie?
A Sheltie can live for 12 to 13 years.
However, there have been cases of a longer lifespan, with the oldest living Sheltie making it to 20 years of age. This is quite impressive for the breed and a dog in general.
On average, Shelties weigh between 11 to 25 pounds and are typically active and healthy dogs. However, they still suffer from several health issues here and there. Here are a few of these, including the most common diseases that Shelties die from.
Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Shelties. The primary type is bladder cancer, but they can have tumors in any system. If not caught and treated early, the conditions are usually fatal. It is so important to have and stick to a regular vet visit schedule.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a condition that commonly affects Shelties. It can cause irritation of the skin and muscles, which leads to fur loss and weakness. Taking good care of your dog by grooming them well and feeding them a healthy diet can help improve their symptoms and speed up their recovery.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is the most common bleeding disorder in dogs. It affects different breeds differently. With Shelties, the disease is often very debilitating and has been shown to shorten their lifespan.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint in Shelties. Most breeders selectively breed out the trait, which is why more expensive Sheltie pups often do not have the problem.
How To Take Care Of Shelties?
Shelties are relatively low maintenance.
Shelties are among the cheapest dog breeds to maintain in their price range and even in lower price ranges. With a $1,000 to $2,000 budget a year, you should be able to take care of most of their essential needs.
If you want to save a little on this, you must establish an efficient care routine that works for you and your furry best friend. Here are some ideas that could help.
Invest In Good Dog Food
Food is one of the most significant expenses when taking care of a Sheltie. They may not be the biggest of dogs, but they are very energetic and have very high appetites.
To keep up with these needs without spending too much, you need to invest in dog food that uses high-quality ingredients with a filling and healthy nutrients. We recommend you try Pet Plate for all this and so much more.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins And Other Micronutrients
Vitamins play a huge role in the Sheltie’s health and wellbeing. Something as simple as bone and joint supplements (glucosamine) or multivitamins for immune-boosting functions could save you on vet services.
Set Aside Time To Play And Exercise
A Sheltie needs at least 1 hour of playtime every day or even more if you can afford to spare the time. However, if yours has joint problems, you may want to keep it between 30 to 60 minutes to avoid discomfort and worsening the condition.
Can A Sheltie Be Left Alone? Temperament Of Shelties
Shelties are the kind of dogs that fit in anywhere they go, from bachelor or bachelorette pads to homes with large families. Their adaptability is mainly due to their very endearing and social personalities. Here are a few other traits you have to look forward to with the breed.
Responsive And Easy To Train
Shelties are considered the sixth of the most intelligent dog breeds. It makes the dogs very easy to train. You can comfortably do it yourself if you have the right tools to work with. We recommend you try the Brain Training for Dogs program for all the help you need. Furthermore, set aside about $50 to $100 for toys and unique training equipment.
Vocal
One thing you might have to get used to is all the noise. These dogs are very vocal and will whine, howl, bark, or even “sing” to express themselves in different situations. Fortunately, it is easy to train a Sheltie not to bark or stop them when they do, as they are very obedient. However, if you want to keep them as watchdogs, you don’t have to stop the habit.
Affectionate
Shelties are very big on showing affection whether it is cuddling with their favorite humans or following you around just to be close to you. They therefore need homes where they receive the same love and attention they give in order to stay happy. This also makes it difficult to leave a Sheltie home alone.
Lively And Playful
Shelties tend to be very playful. They sometimes get carried away with playful biting and chasing, which is sometimes misconstrued as aggression.
Is It OK To Shave A Sheltie? Grooming Tips For Shelties
Grooming a Sheltie can be expensive, costing between $250 and $300 per year. However, you can save money by doing most of the work yourself.
Shelties are generally cooperative, so these furry pooches won’t give you too hard of a time. We have some critical care and maintenance tips to help if you choose to go this route.
Brush The Coat 3 To 4 Times A Week
Shelties are known for their beautiful coats, which grow to full length and thickness by the time they are 3 to 5 years old. They shed heavily throughout the year and need to be brushed at least 3 to 4 times every week.
Give Them A Bath Every 2 Months
Fortunately, Shelties do not tend to smell and generally have very healthy coats. As a result, you do not have to wash them very frequently to prevent odors. A bath every 2 months should be enough.
Trim The Coat Once A Year
The Sheltie coat is lovely, but it can sometimes be too much to handle. This is especially true if the fur on and around the paws causes tripping and slipping.
Trimming these areas every year makes a big difference. However, it is best, in this case, to leave it to a professional to avoid damaging the coat.
Related Questions
Is A Sheltie A Small Or Medium Dog? Shelties are medium dogs but a bit on the smaller side of the spectrum compared to other medium dog breeds. They weigh between 11 and 24 pounds and measure about 13 to 16 inches in height at maturity. This compact build is part of their appeal as it makes them versatile and adaptable to different settings.
Why Are Shelties So Skittish? The skittish nature that most Shelties demonstrate has a lot to do with the dog breed’s naturally reserved and sensitive personality. One way to make them more comfortable would be early socialization. It is also essential to handle them with love and tenderness and avoid harsh punishment.
Why Do Shelties Run In Circles? Shelties run in circles for several reasons. Here are a few of the most common ones.
- They may do it out of happiness and excitement, especially when welcoming their favorite humans.
- They may do it out of boredom and mental frustration due to insufficient stimulation.
- It could be psychological issues, including separation anxiety and other phobias.
