Shetland Sheepdog vs. Collie: What’s the Difference?

The Collie’s origins are a little hazy, but the breed was developed in the Scottish Highlands and Northern England, where the dogs worked as sheep herders. Their intelligence and eager-to-please personality made them valued working partners for shepherds.

According to the Collie Club of America, Collies became popular in the 1860s when Queen Victoria began breeding them. The breed was imported to the U.S. at the end of the 19th century. 

Over time, Collies became popular family dogs, especially after a fictional rough Collie named Lassie became a popular character in literature, film, and television. 

The Shetland Sheepdog, commonly called a “Sheltie” for short, is another Scottish dog. Like the Collie, their origins are debated, but according to the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, smaller dogs were bred with Collies to shape the breed.  

Shelties lived and worked on the Shetland Islands; these dogs were bred to herd livestock on rugged terrain and in harsh weather. Their smaller size made them efficient workers who required less food while still being quick and agile enough to manage livestock.

The first Shelties arrived in the U.S. in 1908.

Many Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs share a similar overall look.

The easiest way to tell a Sheltie apart from a Collie is by assessing their size.

• Collies are 22–26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50–75 pounds.
• Shelties are significantly smaller, at just 13–16 inches tall and 15–25 pounds.

Collies can have one of two coats: rough or smooth. 

A rough Collie coat is long and straight, with a soft undercoat and a harsher outer coat. They often have a fluffy mane of fur around their neck. Smooth Collie coats are short, smooth, and flat.

All Shelties have a long double coat. So, while you can easily spot a smooth Collie from a Sheltie, a rough Collie and a Shetland Sheepdog have nearly identical hairdos. 

Both breeds have similar coat colors, too, including blue merle, sable, and tricolor.

Just like with their looks, Shelties and Collies share common personality traits. Both breeds are known for being deeply people-oriented and eager to please. It’s part of what made them such great herding dogs!

That said, Shelties are more likely to be reserved around strangers. This shyness doesn’t mean they’re standoffish—they just might take some time to warm up to new people. 

Collies are friendly dogs and will often greet new people with a wagging tail. They’re also famously gentle, especially around kids. 

Both breeds thrive when socialized from puppyhood and trained with positive reinforcement.

Both Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs are active dogs who benefit from daily, structured exercise and play. Both breeds should ideally get around one hour of exercise a day, and some of their favorite activities include: 

• Long walks
• Hiking
• Jogging
• Agility courses
• Obedience training
• Learning tricks

Shelties and Collies are very smart dogs, so make sure they get enough mental stimulation, too. If they get bored, they might try to entertain themselves by engaging in not-so-pleasant behaviors, like herding family members.

One of the biggest tasks for pet parents of a rough Collie or Sheltie is grooming. 

Both need consistent brushing (at least a few times a week, but daily is best) with a rake and pin brush to keep their long fur free of mats and tangles. You’ll likely need to increase your brushing routine every spring and fall, when their shedding levels increase.

Pay special attention to their mane and the fur around their ears and legs, which can easily become matted. Matted fur isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also lead to health problems, such as skin infections. 

If you want all the perks of a Collie without the high-maintenance coat, look for a smooth Collie. They’ll be happy with a once-weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or slicker brush.

Regardless of coat type, all Shelties and Collies also need:

• Monthly nail trims
• Daily tooth brushing
• Baths as needed

Both Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies are generally healthy breeds with average lifespans of 12–14 years, but they do have health problems shared between the breeds, including: 

• Eye problems like Collie eye anomaly, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy
• Hip dysplasia 
• Multidrug resistance mutation (MDR1)
• Dermatomyositis
• Epilepsy
• Lupus

Along with these, Shelties can be at risk for:

• Bladder cancer
• Deafness
• Von Willebrand disease
• Hypothyroidism

For both breeds, routine wellness exams, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise play a significant role in long-term health. Always work with a reputable breeder who screens their dogs’ health.

Choosing between a Shetland Sheepdog and a Collie often comes down to space, lifestyle, and personal preference.

A Shetland Sheepdog may be a good fit if you’re looking for a smaller dog who enjoys learning, staying busy, and participating in activities like training classes or dog sports. They tend to do well in homes where they can engage closely with their people and have regular mental challenges.

A Collie may be the right choice if you want a larger, calmer companion who enjoys family time, daily walks, and a steady routine. Their gentle nature and adaptability make them appealing to many households.

Both breeds typically form strong bonds with their families and thrive when given attention, structure, and compassionate care. No matter which you choose, you’ll be welcoming a smart, devoted dog into your life.