Shetland Sheepdog Colors & Coat Guide

Shetland Sheepdog Colors Overview

The palette of Shetland Sheepdog coat colors reflects the breed's genetic diversity. Sable is dominant over tricolor. The merle gene creates the blue merle pattern by diluting eumelanin. Bi-colors lack the tan points. Double merle breeding is avoided due to health risks..

Responsible breeders prioritize health over color production. While rare colors may be appealing, they should never come at the expense of proper health testing and breed-standard temperament.

All Shetland Sheepdog Colors

The Shetland Sheepdog is recognized in 6 color variations. Standard colors are those accepted by major kennel clubs for conformation showing, while non-standard colors may occur naturally but are not eligible for the show ring. Both standard and non-standard colored Shetland Sheepdogs make equally wonderful companions.

Standard vs Non-Standard Shetland Sheepdog Colors

Standard colors (3): Sable, Tricolor, Blue Merle. These colors are accepted by the AKC and other major kennel clubs for conformation competition. Standard-colored Shetland Sheepdogs are typically priced within the normal $800–$1500 range.

Non-standard colors (3): Bi-Blue, Bi-Black, Sable Merle. These colors occur in the breed but are not accepted for conformation showing. Non-standard colors may be priced higher or lower than standard colors depending on demand and breeder practices. Health and temperament are not affected by coat color in most cases.

How Color Affects Shetland Sheepdog Price

While color can influence the price of a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, prospective owners should prioritize health testing, breeder reputation, and temperament over coat color. A responsibly bred Shetland Sheepdog in a common color with comprehensive health clearances is a better investment than a "rare" colored puppy from untested parents. The base price range for Shetland Sheepdogs is $800–$1500, with color-based premiums adding to that range for certain variations.

Shetland Sheepdog Coat Type and Grooming

The Shetland Sheepdog's double coat, long, dense and straight coat requires grooming appropriate to its texture and density. With grooming needs rated 4/5 and shedding at 5/5, owners should plan their maintenance routine accordingly.

This breed requires significant coat maintenance. Daily or near-daily brushing prevents matting, distributes natural oils, and keeps the coat healthy. Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks maintains proper coat length and condition. Budget $30–73 per month for grooming expenses, and invest in quality grooming tools including appropriate brushes, combs, and dematting tools.

Regardless of coat color, all Shetland Sheepdogs benefit from regular nail trimming every 2–3 weeks, ear cleaning weekly (especially for breeds with floppy ears), and dental care including brushing three or more times per week. These basic grooming tasks prevent common health problems and keep your dog comfortable.

Shetland Sheepdog Coat Genetics

Shetland Sheepdog coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Sable is dominant over tricolor. The merle gene creates the blue merle pattern by diluting eumelanin. Bi-colors lack the tan points. Double merle breeding is avoided due to health risks..

Rare vs Standard Shetland Sheepdog Colors

Among Shetland Sheepdogs, the standard colors (Sable, Tricolor, Blue Merle) are most common. Non-standard colors like Bi-Blue, Bi-Black, Sable Merle are rarer and may command premium prices above the standard $800–$1500 range. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Sable is dominant over tricolor. The merle gene creates the blue merle pattern by diluting eumelanin. Bi-colors lack the tan points. Double merle breeding is avoided due to health risks..

Do Shetland Sheepdog Colors Change with Age?

Color evolution is normal in Shetland Sheepdog puppies. As a herding breed originally from Scotland, the transition from puppy to adult coat occurs between 4–12 months and can bring noticeable changes in shade, pattern intensity, and marking definition. Standard colors like Sable, Tricolor, Blue Merle are generally established by maturity.

Choosing a Shetland Sheepdog by Color

When selecting a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, coat color is one of the most visible factors, but it should be among the last in your decision-making process. Here is a practical framework for evaluating color alongside more important factors:

1. Health testing comes first: Both parents should have documented clearances for breed-relevant conditions including Collie Eye Anomaly. No color is worth compromising on health documentation.
2. Temperament matters more: Meet the puppies and both parents when possible. A well-socialized puppy with stable temperament from health-tested parents in a common color outweighs a "rare" colored puppy from an unknown background.
3. Breeder reputation is essential: Reputable breeders prioritize producing healthy, well-tempered puppies and are transparent about all aspects of their program. They do not market "rare" or "exotic" colors at inflated prices.
4. Then consider color: Once health, temperament, and breeder quality are confirmed, choose the color that appeals to you. All 6 recognized Shetland Sheepdog colors can produce healthy, happy companions.

Related Breeds You May Also Like

If you are interested in the Shetland Sheepdog, you may also want to explore these breeds with similar size, temperament, or group classification.

Browse More Breeds