What Is the Difference Between a Collie & a Sheltie?

At first glance, collies and Shetland sheepdogs or "shelties" seem very similar to each other. But they're two distinct breeds with many differences. Though the sheltie looks like a collie in miniature, the breed requires more activity to meet its high energy than the more laid-back collie. Collies descend from Scotland and were bred to keep sheep herds together; the sheltie, however, was raised in the 1800s on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland and kept on farmland to prevent sheep from wandering into crops to graze. Both breeds share lineage with the border collie.

  1. Height Differences

    • Shetland sheepdogs require more exercise than collies.

      Shelties stand at about 14 inches, weighing between 15 and 25 lbs. Collies weigh in between 60 and 75 lbs and stand nearly 26 inches at the shoulder. Even though advertisements might announce the birth of a "toy collie" litter, "toy collies" or "miniature collies" don't exist.

    Temperaments

    • The calm temperament of the collie can be mistaken for aloofness, while a sheltie's outgoing, friendly nature makes this breed appear clownish once it gets to know someone. Both breeds tend to be shy around strangers, but the collie is much more reserved than a sheltie.

    Exercise Requirements

    • Even though the sheltie's size might lead you to think it would make a great apartment dog compared with the larger collie, the opposite is true: Shelties need an active lifestyle to thrive, requiring several walks and play times daily, while collies prefer the couch and perhaps one long walk a day.

    Coat Colors and Textures

    • Although the sheltie's coat is similar to the rough-coated collie, its markings and colorings exceed to two basic collie coats. Shelties come in two coat colors, even though the American Kennel Club labels their marking as "tricolor." Black and brown with varying degrees of sable, blue merle and black make the sheltie's coat dramatic in different light. A collie's abundant coat is predominantly sable (reddish brown) and white, rough (long-haired) or smooth (short-haired). The rough-coated collie can have blue merle and white, but never black as seen in shelties.

    Family Dogs

    • Both breeds make excellent family dogs. Collies, the more docile of the breeds, make more sense for a less-active urban family, while the sheltie needs an outlet for its energy and needs a yard. Shelties exceed at agility competition and training. If small children are in the home, be sure to exercise your sheltie often. Problems with herding the children or nipping at their heels can develop if a sheltie is bored, mainly because it is under-exercised.