Shelties tend to be loving, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They tend to alert bark and are initially reserved towards strangers, but tend to warm up once introduced as long as they have been properly socialized.

If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect the same from a Sheltie Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a highly adaptable dog breed that can do well in homes with fenced yards as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most moderate climates. Because they thrive on attention from their families and get bored easily, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone.

If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you should be able to expect the same from a Shetland Sheepdog Mix. The other parent breed will introduce their own potential quirks, so you do want to talk to the breeder about them.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee and good breeding practices make a big difference. From the Shetland Sheepdog side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Sheltie Mix include von Willebrand’s disease, Sheltie skin syndrome, eye disease, thyroid issues, hip dysplasia, gallbladder mucoceles, and epilepsy.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Shelties are intelligent and sensitive dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other dog breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Sheltie Mix.

Puppy training classes can still be a good idea even if you don’t need them for help with training. Not only do they reinforce training, but they also offer opportunities to socialize your Sheltie Mix with other dogs, other people, and new situations.

A Sheltie Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they take after their Sheltie parent, their coat will shed year-round and shed heavier during seasonal shifts. Daily brushing and the occasional bath are recommended to keep a Sheltie coat healthy.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Sheltie Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing plus cleanings at the vet when needed is a good start for dental care.

Shetland Sheepdogs are energetic and playful, but they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range and daily walks plus playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. They are athletic dogs that enjoy being active with you, so they will likely be up for more if you are.

If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Sheltie Mix to sit in a moderate activity range as well. If the other parent is a high-energy breed, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog.

Fully-grown Shelties usually stand 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 14-27 pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so you need to talk to the breeder about them. It’s not a guarantee, but you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what size to expect in a Sheltie Mix.

Shelties generally live for 12-13 years on average. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Sheltie Mix.