How Much Does a Shetland Sheepdog Cost? (2024 Updated)

Shetland Sheepdogs, also called “Shelties,” are lovely pets and make excellent family companions. But how much does a Shetland Sheepdog cost?

There are many reasons to add Shelties to a home; they are great family dogs and perfect for pet lovers. Knowing the price of a Shetland Sheepdog is crucial in helping families select the ideal dog for them.

Are you interested to learn more about “How much does a Sheltie cost?” This article helps you estimate the costs when it comes to buying, raising, and maintaining this lovely dog.

How Much Does a Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Cost?

Typically, a Sheltie puppy costs between $1,000 and $2,000. The Shetland Sheepdog price can change based on factors such as the dog’s lineage, where it lives, and gender. You will likely spend between $2,500 and $5,000 for a premium Sheltie puppy.

Shetland Sheepdogs are expensive because they’re in high demand due to their breed popularity. Like with other purebred or even mixed dogs, the initial cost of getting one depends significantly on whether you want to buy or adopt it.

The simplest way to acquire a purebred Sheltie puppy is through a breeder. You should expect to pay more if you want to buy from a reputable breeder.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shetland Sheepdog From a Shelter?

If you feel that buying is too expensive, consider going to adoption centers. Shetland Sheepdogs can be bought for anywhere from $150 to $600 from a shelter or rescue group.

However, getting a cute and fluffy purebred Shetland Sheepdog from shelters or rescues might be challenging. The breeder’s location is crucial. If you live in an area where owning Shelties is common, your chances are greater with rescue groups.

The cost of adoption also differs based on where you get the dog, how old it is, and even its gender. The most expensive are puppies, whereas older dogs can be owned for relatively little money — in some situations, even for free.

Females are also usually more costly to adopt, especially if they are not spayed, due to their ability to produce puppies.

First-Time Expenses of Shetland Sheepdog Ownership

The initial cost of owning a Shetland Sheepdog is hard to pin down. The prices depend on your spending and whether or not your dogs need expensive medical care.

Beyond the purchase cost, owning one requires a major adjustment to your wallet. 

The list below ensures that nothing gets overlooked. Here are some expenses to be considered:

• Food and Treats: Like with any other pet, giving your Sheltie a high-quality diet is a good way to keep them healthy. Look for foods high in protein to provide them with energy without making them fat. The initial cost of dog food and treats will range from $30 and $80.
• Bowls: Food and water bowls made of stainless steel are far superior to plastic in terms of durability and cleaning ease. The average cost of stainless steel food and drink bowls ranges from $10 and $30.
• Toys: Apart from early socialization at a young age, Shelties need something to entertain them since they are both very intelligent and energetic. The cost of toys ranges between $20 and $30.
• Beds: Hip dysplasia is a frequent bone disorder in Shelties, just like in many other dog breeds. Hip dysplasia can be avoided with a cozy bed. A comfortable, high-quality bed could cost anywhere from $20 and $200.
• Collars and Leashes: You should have a leash and a collar before acquiring dogs. Choose a collar that is robust, adaptable, and rust-proof. Price ranges from $15 and $50 for a good leash and collar.
• Grooming Essentials: Since Shelties have a double coat, they tend to shed. Therefore, they must be brushed daily and fully groomed every two months. Your budget should be between $50 and $150 for grooming essentials.
• Initial Veterinary Visits: In general, puppies are more prone to illness and must see a licensed veterinarian more frequently than adult dogs. Ensure to get pet medical advice, even if you purchased your dog from a breeder who had given it its initial round of vaccinations. Initial vet bills are between $100 and $500.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Sheltie puppies often receive their initial vaccinations from breeders and shelters before being taken home. However, further rounds are required after the first few months. Initial vaccinations will range from $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Breeders must have finished administering deworming, flea, and tick medications by the time you pick up your Sheltie puppy. But, if your dog has not yet received treatment, this would increase your initial expenses. The average price is between $40 and $300.
• Neutering or Spaying: It is more likely that Sheltie puppies are not neutered or spayed. In contrast, an adult Shetland Sheepdog has undergone surgery. If you don’t want to breed, consider the benefits. The average price for spaying or neutering is between $50 and $500.
• Microchipping: Microchipping your Shetland Sheepdog is a crucial step apart from getting a license. A microchip is a device placed in your dog that holds information about you and your dog, including your contact information. Microchipping your Sheltie can cost you between $40 and $60.
• Dog License: As part of pet ownership, licensing your puppy is crucial. You must license your dogs to ensure you can find them if they get lost. Also, it serves as identification documentation for your dog and offers you simple access to medical records. You may obtain a license for your Sheltie for around $10 and $20.
• Other Essentials: Poop bags, scoopers, potty pads, vitamins, and joint supplements are other essentials that proved to be useful. These items cost between $20 and $50 at pet shops. 

Below is a summary of Shetland Sheepdog’s first-time expenses:

Sheltie ownership expenses can range substantially. This breed is generally less expensive if you take care of it.

But because these dogs are so active, you’ll be exchanging your time and effort for money because they’ll need much of your care.

Annual Cost of Owning a Shetland Sheepdog

Before buying or adopting a Shetland Sheepdog, many first-time owners must consider the annual costs involved. Therefore, before getting a Sheltie, be sure you have the means to raise one.

Below are the yearly expenses of owning a Shetland Sheepdog:

Even though it takes up a big chunk of the annual budget, pet insurance could help you save money if your pet gets sick or hurt.

Depending on the level of protection required, this might cost you between $500 and $600 annually.

The same goes for routine veterinary care, which costs between $200 and $600. At this price, you can have your dog examined by a vet every two months to check for any signs of illness.

The costs listed in the table are only rough estimates. These levels may rise or fall depending on a variety of factors.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Even though you are already familiar with the monthly and annual Sheltie puppy cost, there are still a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Pet owners should be prepared for any other expenses that might come up along the way. Below are the possible expenditures you must take into account:

• Unexpected Veterinary Visits: Your dog will eventually have an unexpected trip to the vet due to certain health conditions. Several breeds, including Shetland Sheepdogs, have health issues that you should look out for, such as collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. The unexpected or urgent medical care costs range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Kennel Club Registrations: If you want your Shetland Sheepdog to participate in dog contests and shows, you can register it with kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC). Joining a kennel club requires a fee ranging from $80 to $200.
• Training: Shelties are intelligent and typically obedient, but they can misbehave when they want to. If so, you might need a trainer to get them to behave appropriately. Training expenses might be as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as $4,000 for camps that last an entire month.
• Pet Sitting: A pet sitter should be considered in your budget because you might need to pay someone to watch over your dog occasionally. A pet sitter looks after your dog while you’re away from home. Typically, pet sitting costs $20 and $30 per day.
• Pet Daycare: A pet daycare is your best option, whether traveling for business or a holiday. In pet daycares, trained staff members will take care of your dogs while you’re gone. The daily cost of this ranges between $20 and $30.

It should be noted that these costs are not mandatory. However, you should set aside funds in preparation for these unforeseen expenses, particularly emergency medical care.

Best Places to Find Shetland Sheepdog Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Finding the best websites and the most reputable breeders to look for your future Sheltie puppy can be challenging. Remember to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills because they mistreat animals.

As a reputable breeder myself, I highly recommend getting only from ethical breeders of Shelties who can guarantee the health and overall disposition of the puppy. These breeders will not hesitate to show you the pups’ parents and provide health certificates.

Further, I will vouch for breeders who will keep in contact with you to partner with you towards the growth and development of the puppy. These are the ones who show genuine concern for their breeding program.

Hence, because you’re about to spend a lot of money on your new pet, you should be cautious in your search.

Some reputable breeders where you can buy a Shetland Sheepdog puppy are listed below:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC was established to aid dog owners, breeders, and others in preserving the integrity of recognized breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs. You may be able to get Sheltie puppies on the AKC Marketplace for less than $500, but you’ll need to look around.
• Maplecove Shelties – Maplecove Shelties is a breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs recognized as an American Shetland Sheepdog Association member. The breeder has established its credibility by producing Shetland Sheepdogs that have won specialty competitions. They carefully arrange each litter and test the parents before breeding.
• Royal Hill Shelties – Since 1993, Royal Hill Shelties has been an official part of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. Every year, they have one or two litters of Sheltie puppies and adult dogs to care for at home.

Similarly, you may add a Sheltie to your home at an affordable price by researching neighborhood kennels and shelters and looking for locals with puppies for sale.

But if you consider adopting rather than buying one, you can also look for rescue organizations. Below are some of the organizations to choose from.

• National Sheltie Rescue Association – The National Sheltie Rescue Association is a good place to start if you want to adopt rescued dogs. This national nonprofit organization has affiliate rescues nationwide, each focusing on saving, treating, and rehoming Shetland Sheepdogs. 
• Houston Sheltie Sanctuary – Houston Sheltie Sanctuary was founded in 1998 and has already found homes for 1,400 Shelties. Visit the rescue center’s website, complete the adoption form, and then await approval.
• Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue – If you live in Florida, check out Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue. Adoptive fur parents must complete a lengthy application. The shelter volunteers must know about your family, children, work, and other lifestyle factors. Mid-Florida Sheltie Rescue wants its puppies to go to good homes.

Money-Saving Tips for Shetland Sheepdog Owners

Whether you’ve been a fur parent for ages or it’s your first time being a dog owner, it’s not surprising that the expenses increase over time.

Having a Shetland Sheepdog—or any dog, for that matter—is enough reason to spoil them. However, some owners are irrationally overspending on them.

You can control your spending using the following money-saving tips:

•  Invest in your pet’s safety. Make sure that safety comes first while deciding how to care for your dogs. A smart collar, for example, is an investment that pays for itself for your pet’s life while also giving you peace of mind.
• Join loyalty clubs at pet stores. You may not even be aware of the loyalty perks offered by your preferred retailer. Do your in-store or online research to ensure you take full advantage of sales, discounts, and other promotions.
• Maintain your pup’s health. Your dog will be happier and cost you less money in the long run if they are healthier. It’s always a good idea to take preventative action to limit the need for veterinary visits. Even if your pet is a little older, you should ensure they get enough exercise throughout the day.
• Locate a groomer with fair pricing. If you frequently visit the same expensive groomer due to accessibility, it’s probably time for a change. Consult with friends to find out whom they can recommend, or even better, get a grooming kit and learn how to do it yourself.

Being a pet owner is an enjoyable role, but there’s no denying that they may be expensive. You should consider reducing your spending if you are trying to reduce your bills and other outgoings to reach your financial goals.

Saving money does not mean you should cut corners. It entails providing your Shetland Sheepdog with enough care while being cost-conscious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Shetland Sheepdog Cost in the UK?

The cost of purebred shelties starts at £800 and rises with the quality of the breed. Be prepared to pay between £20 and £30 per month for premium dog food to guarantee its health at any age.

You should also think about the initial cost of things like food bowls, leashes, collars, and beds, which, depending on the brand, will likely be around £200.

How Much Does a Mini Sheltie Cost?

Costs for a mini Sheltie often range from $600 to $6,000. The suggested median price is $900. However, the actual cost is higher or lower depending on the store from where you buy your puppy.

Are Shetland Sheepdogs a Rare Breed?

As the Shetland Sheepdogs grew more popular, their numbers climbed in the United States. Their popularity skyrocketed in the 1970s.

For the following two decades and a half, Shelties were consistently among the top 10 dogs registered with the American Kennel Club. 

The Sheltie is now the 20th most common dog breed in the United States out of 155 breeds and variations recognized by the AKC.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of a Shetland Sheepdog puppy is not a low-cost endeavor due to the high cost of veterinary care and other associated medical costs, registration fees, and various supplies.

Yet, having a new dog is about more than just the financial investment. The responsibility that comes along with owning a Sheltie is significant.

It’s not as simple as investing in a puppy and then spending your free time playing with it. It’s also about being there for them throughout their dog’s lifetime.

Shelties are lovely pets for families and make excellent companions, especially if you are a dog lover. Although they are expensive dog breeds, they should be allowed to live a happy life with a caring family.

What are your thoughts about how much a Sheltie costs? Write down your comments below!