Shetland Sheepdog — cost & care
Playful, Energetic, Bright. Small herding dog.
A Shetland Sheepdog costs roughly $24,100 over its lifetime (12–14 years), or about $1,670/year: ~$385 food, ~$380 insurance, ~$450 routine vet, ~$200 grooming. Purchase price runs $500–$2,000.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
1.7cups of food / day (~12.9 lb/mo)
2.5cups of water / day
13 yraverage lifespan (12–14)
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Your estimate: / year · lifetime
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Get Shetland Sheepdog insurance quotes — average plan ~$380/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A Shetland Sheepdog eats ~12.9 lb/month. Shop small-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $500–$2,000 |
| Food / year | $385 (1.7 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $380 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $450 |
| Grooming / year | $200 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $250 |
| Total annual | $1,670 |
| Lifetime total | $24,100 |
Breed stats
| Size | Small |
| Avg weight | 20 lb |
| Height | 33–41 in |
| Lifespan | 12–14 yrs |
| Group | Herding |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 |
| Good with families | 2/5 |
| Apartment-friendly | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 |
| Grooming need | 3/5 |
Common health conditions
Breed-specific hereditary conditions vary — ask a vet about recommended health screening for this breed.
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Shetland Sheepdog cost per year?
About $1,670 a year — roughly $385 food, $380 insurance, $450 vet and $200 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a Shetland Sheepdog?
Around $24,100 across its 12–14-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a Shetland Sheepdog eat?
About 1.7 cups of food a day (~12.9 lb per month).
How much water should a Shetland Sheepdog drink?
About 2.5 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic?
No — the Shetland Sheepdog sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.