The Shetland Sheepdog, sometimes known as the Sheltie, is a Scottish sheepdog from the Shetland Islands. They were formerly known as Shetland Collies, but because they are not collies and are a completely different breed, the name was changed.
Our Sheltie growth chart can provide a rough idea of what to expect as your Sheltie matures.
The Sheltie is a herding breed that was originally used to herd sheep and guard owners in the Shetland Islands.
Shelties are intelligent dogs who respond well to training. They adore people and are very protective of their loved ones. They adore human interaction and become very unhappy when left alone at home for long periods of time.
To know more about Shetland Sheepdog growth chart, keep reading this article!
When Do Shetland SheepDogs Stop Growing?
Shelties grow the greatest in their first ten months of life, according to Sheltie weight charts. A Sheltie reaches mature height about this age, however, owners report that after this age, their dogs continue to bulk out, and thus their weight rises somewhat over the next few months.
You can take your dog to the vet to find out if he or she has stopped growing. The doctor will take x-rays of Sheltie's long bones to see if he is growing normally. When the growth plates at the ends of the long bones have closed, the dog is completely grown.
Shelties typically achieve full adult size at roughly 12 months of age.
What is the Standard Shetland Sheepdog Size
Shelties normally reach between 13 and 16 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds on average. Although larger dogs of this type have been recorded to weigh between 35 and 40 pounds. In either case, there is little difference in size between the breed's males and females.
Shetland Sheepdog Weight Chart
Here is the weight chart of a Shetland Sheepdog:
| Age | Weight in lbs | Weight in kg |
| 3 Months | 6 lbs – 11 lbs | 2.7 kg – 5 kg |
| 4 Months | 8 lbs – 15 lbs | 3.5 kg – 6.8 kg |
| 5 months | 9.5 lbs – 17 lbs | 4.3 kg – 7.7 kg |
| 6 months | 11 lbs – 20 lbs | 5 kg – 9 kg |
| 7 months | 12 lbs – 22 lbs | 5.5 kg – 10 kg |
| 8 months | 12.5 lbs – 23 lbs | 5.7 kg – 10.5 kg |
| 9 Months | 13 lbs – 23.5 lbs | 6 kg – 10.7 kg |
| 10 Months | 13.5 lbs – 24 lbs | 6.1 kg – 10.9 kg |
| 11 Months | 13.7 lbs – 24.5 lbs | 6.2 kg – 11.1 kg |
| 12 Months | 14 lbs – 25 lbs | 6.4 kg – 11.3 kg |
Shetland Sheepdog Growth Chart – What To Expect
Shetland Sheepdog Weight Chart by Age
Shetland Sheepdog Weight 1-2 weeks
The neonatal stage lasts from birth to two weeks. Puppies at this stage are fully reliant on their mother for everything: care, feeding, and hygiene. The mother is accessible for feeding and caring for her puppies, as well as cleaning them.
The puppies have a feeling of touch and taste, but they are unable to move much. They are unable to walk at all and can only crawl.
Shetland Sheepdog Weight 3-12 weeks
Puppies' eyes open at 3 weeks, and they engage with their littermates and mother. Their baby teeth begin to emerge. They are able to walk, bark, and wag their tails.
Weaning from the mother begins now, and you can begin feeding solid food to your puppy. They should be eating just solid food for 8 weeks.
This is also the start of the socializing phase. You should socialize your puppy with people, as well as ordinary objects and activities.
Puppies learn about group structure and their place within the group between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks. Housebreaking can begin as early as five weeks.
Puppies experience fear for the first time around the age of eight weeks, which is quite normal.
Shetland Sheepdog Weight 4-6months
Puppies develop quickly and are quite active between the ages of 4 and 6 months. Despite their desire to be active, tiny dogs at this age should not be over-exercised because their bones are still forming.
A young puppy will try to figure out where he fits in the group at this point. Your dog should be completely housebroken by the age of 5 months.
During this period, a young puppy begins to mature sexually. A male puppy can father his own children at the age of 5 months. At 6 months, a young female dog can have her first litter.
Shetland Sheepdog Weight 10-18 months
This is the last stage in the development of a Sheltie puppy. During these months, a Sheltie puppy will learn and comprehend their place in the family. Shelties are clever dogs who enjoy learning new things, and many owners continue to train their dogs during this period.
Ongoing training will guarantee that your dog is a well-behaved part of the family, making him a pleasant companion for family members and everyone else who comes into contact with him.
You may expect your dog to have a lot of energy, so be sure to get him some exercise every day
What is the Full Grown Shetland Sheepdog Weight?
The Shetland Sheepdog stands between 13 and 16 inches in height at the shoulder, but they can be larger or smaller. An average Sheltie weighs around 22 pounds, although larger ones can weigh up to 35 or 40 pounds.
How To Weigh Your Shetland Sheepdog Puppy?
If you want to maintain track of your Shetland Sheepdog's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.
To begin, you should be able to weigh your Shetland Sheepdog at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.
To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weight represents your dog's weight.
If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.
Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Shetland Sheepdog once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.
What Is A Shetland Sheepdog’s Neck Size?
To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Shetland Sheepdog's average neck circumference is between 14 and 20 inches.
How Big Do Shetland Sheepdogs Get?
The normal Sheltie will stand between 13 and 16 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds.
However, this is only an average. This is not a breed that always lives up to the breed standard.
It is not rare for a Sheltie to be too big or too small. This is primarily due to genetics and the ancestry of the parental dogs.
In any case, they are noted for being small and compact dogs, at least when compared to other breeds.
Factors That Affect Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Growth
Genetics
Differences in dog size within a breed are caused by genetics. Because to selective breeding practices done by humans throughout history, dogs now have an enormously diverse variety of body shapes, habits, and susceptibility to disease.
Your dog's size and shape, as well as his susceptibility to certain diseases, are determined by his genetic past.
Diet & Nutrition
Puppies require a nutritious and balanced diet designed specifically for puppies in order to thrive. They require high-quality protein and nutritious carbs to offer the calories they require to run around as much as they want.
They need vitamins and antioxidants to establish a healthy immune system. Omega fatty acids should also be included in the mix to aid in the growth of the brain and eyes, as well as the maintenance of healthy skin and a shiny coat. Puppies who receive all of these nutrients grow up to be healthy adult dogs.
Physical Activity & Health
Puppies require daily exercise to stay healthy. Free play with a favorite toy and socialization with other dogs are the finest forms of exercise for a young Sheltie puppy.
Don't over-exercise your puppy. Puppy activity requirements are restricted because their bones, muscles, and joints are still developing.
Long walks, as well as any other high-impact activity, should be avoided. Allow your puppy to run up and down the stairs.
Common Questions about Shetland Sheepdog
At What Age Is A Shetland Sheepdog Fully Grown?
When the growth plates at the ends of the long bones have closed, the dog is completely grown. Shelties typically achieve full adult size at roughly 12 months of age.
How Long Are Shetland Sheepdogs Pregnant?
Dogs have an average gestation duration of 56 to 72 days or around nine weeks. This is also true for Shelties. Within this time frame, the pregnancy can last for any length of time, so don't be concerned if your Sheltie doesn't whelp (or give birth) when you expect it to.
How Many Puppies Do Shetland Sheepdogs Have?
Shelties typically have four to six puppies. Many owners report that their dog gave birth to five puppies, thus this appears to be the norm.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Shetland Sheepdogs?
The Sheltie has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and is susceptible to minor issues such as patellar luxation, allergies, hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes, canine hip dysplasia, hemophilia, trichiasis, cataract, Collie eye anomaly, and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as major issues such as dermatomyositis.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Shetland Sheepdog?
The price will vary depending on the breeder's reputation and whether you're ready to pay top cash for quality genes, but a Shetland Sheepdog will normally cost between $500 and $1,500. Unless you intend to show or breed the dog, this is usually not necessary.
How To Help Your Shetland Sheepdog Lose Weight If He Is Overweight
As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash.
Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.
Distinguish Begging from Hunger
Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal.
If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.
Restriction on treats and table scraps
Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small.
As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement… and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.
Customize Your Dog's Diet
Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.
Conclusion on Shetland Sheepdog Growth Chart
Shelties, despite the appearance of their thick double coat, do not grow to be extremely large.
In truth, these are small and agile dogs, eager to keep occupied and put their herding skills to use.
Despite their small size and compactness, they have a lot of energy and enjoy running and engaging in amusing activities.
So, while they are small enough to fit into any household, having access to outdoor area where they can play flyball, fetch, or other sports is critical.
Any owner must consider their workout requirements. At the very least, you should be willing or able to take them outside on a regular basis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take for a Sheltie to mature?
When the growth plates at the ends of the long bones have closed, the dog is completely grown. Shelties typically achieve full adult size at roughly 12 months of age.
When do Shelties develop their full coat?
In these photos, you can see Sheltie puppies growing into adult dogs: tiny newborn dumplings, chubby 8-week furballs, gangly coyotes, and billowing fur beasts. Your Sheltie's adult coat will not be complete until he or she is two years old!
How do you potty train a puppy Sheltie?
Housebreaking a Sheltie puppy consists of two stages. Begin indoors by teaching him to pee and poop on training pads, then move the business outside at 4 months. The bladders and bowels of puppies are small and fragile. They won't be able to hold it in for more than a few hours, so select a location indoors that they can access at any time.