Sheltidoodle

30-40 lbs
14-19"
Unknown
Shetland Sheepdog
Poodle
Sheltipoo, Sheltiedoodle

The Sheltidoodle, also known at the Sheltipoo, is one of many designer dogs that have been developed in the past several decades, a deliberate hybrid of the Shetland Sheepdog, a small but sturdy herding dog developed on the Shetland islands off of the coast of Scotland, and a versatile German duck hunting dog that we know today as the Poodle. This hybrid is an extremely intelligent and sensitive canine who is affectionate and responsive to their families, but reserved and polite with strangers. Their mild protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs and they do quite well with polite, easy going children, but some Sheltidoodles may become somewhat hyper-reactive, making them less appropriate for loud or rowdy households. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Shetland Sheepdog and Poodle

Sheltidoodle Health

Average Size
Male Sheltidoodle size stats
Height: 14-19 inches Weight: 40-50 lbs
Female Sheltidoodle size stats
Height: 14-19 inches Weight: 30-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
  • Ulcerative Dermatosis
Minor Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
  • Corneal Dystrophy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Epilepsy
  • Hemophilia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Mitral Valve Dysplasia
  • Lupus Erythematosus
  • Malassezia Dermatitis/Otitis
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Cushing’s Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
  • Blood and Urine Tests
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging
  • Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

Sheltidoodle Breed History

The Sheltidoodle is a deliberate cross breed between the Shetland Sheepdog, a small herding dog, developed to deal with the smaller than average livestock on Scotland’s Shetland islands, and the versatile and intelligent Poodle. Despite their appearance, Shetland Sheepdogs are not simply miniaturized Rough Collies, and they have a long and enigmatic ancestry. While there were contributions to the breed from both rough and smooth Collies, the Shetland Sheepdogs are a very distinct breed that includes contributions from many breeds. Although records of their development are murky at best, other breeds that are speculated to have made a significant contribution to the Shetland breed include the Scotch Collie, Icelandic Sheepdogs, King Charles Spaniels, Border Collies, and the Pomeranian. Most sources also claim an extinct dog breed known as the Greenland Yakki is significant to the Shetland Sheepdog’s development, as well as an unknown variety of spitz dog from the Nordic area. Originally developed on the Shetland Island, these dogs were called Toonies by the locals employed as farm dogs to help manage the diminutive livestock that is unique to the island. Tourists visiting the island in the 1800s recognized their value as a companion animal and bought many of the little dogs, thereby distributing them throughout the world. The Poodle, often referred to as the French Poodle is another breed that is not quite what it might first appear; a canine that has been commonly associated with dog shows, circus rings, and extravagance is actually an athletic animal that was developed as a hunting dog in Germany rather than France, and was employed to find and retrieve game, particularly waterfowl, for hunters, a practical rather than extravagant companion. Both their name and their signature haircut are said to reflect this original purpose, as Poodle is a shortened version of the name they were given in Germany, the Pudlehund from a combination the German words “pudle”, which means to splash about, and “hund”, or dog, and the unusual haircut may have been designed to reduce drag and tangling, while leaving the vital organs and joints still protected with a thick layer of hair. While their exceptional intelligence and trainability have allowed them to branch out into many roles, including circus dog, therapy animal, and favored companion chosen by individuals from street performers to kings, queens, and presidents, standard and occasionally miniature sized poodles are still utilized in their original capacity today, although they are generally clipped short all over to prevent tangling in the weeds. The standard sized Poodle is most commonly utilized in this cross, however, some breeders may utilize miniature or toy Poodles, which is likely to affect the size, temperament, and health concerns of the hybrid.    

Sheltidoodle Breed Appearance

The Sheltidoodle is a medium-sized dog that is the product of two canines who can be quite different in appearance, leading to quite a bit of variation between individual dogs, even within the same litter. Both parent breeds are rather squarely built with long, straight legs and deep chests, so this will be true of their offspring as well. The head and face of the Shetland Sheepdog is quite divergent from that of the Poodle and the hybrid may take after the Sheltie, with a wedge-shaped head, and a long, tapered muzzle that is rounded at the end, or after the Poodle with a narrower, dome-shaped head and a muzzle that is straight and fine, it may even take characteristics from both parents. Their eyes are typically medium  in size and either oval or almond in shape and while most will have eyes that are a dark brown, some Shelties may pass down blue or parti-color eyes, particularly if they have any merle coloration and they may inherit the erect, triangular ears of the Shetland Sheepdog, the longer drop-ears of the Poodle, or anything in between.   

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Sheltidoodle eyes
Blue
brown Sheltidoodle eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Sheltidoodle nose
Black
brown Sheltidoodle nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Sheltidoodle coat
Black
white Sheltidoodle coat
White
pied Sheltidoodle coat
Pied
sable Sheltidoodle coat
Sable
blue Sheltidoodle coat
Blue
brown Sheltidoodle coat
Brown
cream Sheltidoodle coat
Cream
gray Sheltidoodle coat
Gray
red Sheltidoodle coat
Red
silver Sheltidoodle coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Sheltidoodle curly coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Sheltidoodle Breed Maintenance

One of the largest differences between the two parent breeds is the difference between their coats. The Sheltie has a double layer coat, consisting of an extremely dense undercoat which pushes an outer coat of long, straight hairs away from the body everywhere except the face and the lower legs, where the hair is short and lays flat against the skin. The Poodle, on the other hand, has a single layer of curly hair all over their body that sheds very little but never stops growing. While the Sheltidoodle usually has curly or wavy fur, the coat may be either single or double layered and the actual structure of the fur can resemble either parent breed. Dogs that inherit the double-layered coat from the Sheltie breed shed more heavily and require more frequent brushing than their single layered counterparts while those that inherit the ever-growing coat of the Poodle will require clipping or trimming on a regular basis and more frequent bathing than those with the coarser fur structure of the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Brushes for Sheltidoodle
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Clipper
Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Sheltidoodle requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Sheltidoodle Temperament

The Sheltidoodle is typically a well-mannered animal that is particularly attentive and responsive. These traits, coupled with their high intelligence, make them an extremely trainable animal, as long as gentle training techniques are used, however, they are prone to separation anxiety and boredom if not given enough mental stimulation or left alone for too long. They typically respond to strangers with a polite but reserved manner, with mild but sensible protective instincts. Early and extensive socialization helps to prevent their naturally reserved nature from turning into excessive watchfulness or undue timidity, but some dogs may still develop hypersensitivity to touch, quick movements, or loud sounds, so they may not be the best choice for very young or particularly active children. They are usually peaceful with other animals, including other dogs, although some may give in to the urge that is inherent to shepherding breeds and their offspring, to chase and herd other animals. 

Sheltidoodle Activity Requirements

The Sheltie is a fairly quick and energetic breed, and while the Poodle is not as relentlessly active as some retrieving breeds, they are still athletic dogs that require daily physical activity to remain healthy and stable. While an hour of physical activity each day should meet your Sheltidoodles exercise requirements, it is important to engage their intellect on a daily basis as well. You can combine physical and mental training with these dogs by engaging in activities such as canine freestyle dance, agility courses, retrieving and field trials, herding activities, and trick and advanced obedience training. While this dog may be able to adjust to apartment living, it would require additional exercise each day and early training to avoid excessive vocalization and most Sheltidoodles would be much happier in a larger home with a yard to run in. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Sheltidoodle Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Sheltidoodle Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Sheltidoodle size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
Female Sheltidoodle size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 25.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Sheltidoodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Sheltidoodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Sheltidoodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Sheltidoodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs

Sheltidoodle Owner Experiences

Canelo
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
He’s really affectionate, and active. At first he had the color of cinnamon, but know he’s changing to yellowish color.
5 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd