Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, looks like a small Collie but is a breed of its own: clever, sensitive and strongly devoted to its owner. It learns quickly, is often reserved with strangers and can be quite a barker.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Shetland Sheepdog by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 6 DNA tests
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2 (BBS2-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BBS2: c.1222G>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 3 (VWD3)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- vWD3: c.738del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Shetland Sheepdog, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Merle colour test (PMEL), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Progressive retinal atrophy – Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2 (BBS2-PRA) and Von Willebrand disease type 3 (VWD3). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Eye disorders. According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Sheltie needs varied daily walks and enjoys dog sports such as agility. Its long double coat needs a thorough brush a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Sheltie is clever and sensitive, learns quickly and is often reserved with strangers. It can bark a lot; consistent training keeps that within limits. Also note the merle rule above.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
