Weight, Height & Life Expectancy Most Shetland Sheepdogs are 33-41 cm in height, and weigh approximately 7-9 kg. You can expect to spend approximately 13-14 sensational years with a Sheltie. Personality Shetland Sheepdogs are terrific companion dogs given their good-natured and gentle personalities. They are loyal, sensitive and intelligent small dogs that enjoy the love and affection of their owners. They are suspicious of visitors or people they don’t know, and can be on edge around unpredictable, small children (whom they haven’t been raised with). Drawing from their herding instincts, Shelties love to chase things like squirrels and other small animals. It’s a good idea to keep them on-leash outdoors since they are known to chase cars, too. Overall, Shelties are highly trainable, fun-loving small dogs. Grooming and Exercise Shelties need to be brushed 2 times each week for about 15 minutes. Do not bathe Shelties more than once a ...