As a small, active breed that loves to play, Shelties need a canine companion whose energy level and disposition match theirs. In choosing a companion dog for your Sheltie, you'll want to look for a breed that is similar in size and can keep up with the Sheepdog's active lifestyle. Also, the companion dog should have a compatible temperament and be the opposite gender.
A Mini Aussie playing with a Sheltie
Breeds that are active, playful, social, friendly, and get along well with other canines can make for great matches. Before introducing a second dog, be sure your first is over two but under eight years old. It's generally not advisable to have two dogs of the same age, to avoid losing them at the same time. Furthermore, a second dog is best introduced when your first is well-socialized and enjoys the company of other canines. With that in mind, here are seven dog breeds that are compatible with Shetland Sheepdogs.
1. Another Sheltie
Needless to say, the best companion for a Sheltie is another Sheltie. It should go without saying that Shelties are physically and temperamentally a perfect match for each other. Two Shelties will play with each other and keep each other company. Moreover, the Shetland Sheepdog is a sensitive breed that needs companionship and doesn't do well if left alone for excessive amounts of time. They have strong breed recognition and tend to be friendly, especially with other Shelties.
According to many Sheltie owners on sheltieforums.com, having two Shelties is entertaining with twice the fun and fur shedding. As previously mentioned, make sure your second Sheltie is a puppy or at least 3 years younger than your first. Although two Shelties of the same gender can get along, I'd recommend having a male-female pair.
2. Miniature American Shepherd
Like the Sheltie, the Miniature American Shepherd, aka Mini Aussie, is a small, active, and agile herding dog. The breed was created in California from small Australian Shepherds and was initially called Miniature Australian Shepherds. Mini Aussies grow between 14 and 18 inches tall and weigh 20 to 40 pounds. Affectionate and loyal, Mini Aussies possess enough strength and stamina to keep pace with any active lifestyle. Overall, you can't go wrong with a Miniature American Shepherd. Smart and willing to please, this dog is extremely playful, trainable, and good with other dogs.
3. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, social, affectionate, and full of energy. Responsive and highly trainable, this breed comes in three distinct sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The miniature American Eskimo Dog's size and that of the Sheltie match up. Mini American Eskimo Dogs stand 12–15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, making them excellent playmates to Shelties.
Generally, American Eskimo Dogs are affectionate, trainable, and open to strangers. They're good with other dogs, especially if raised with them. Intelligent and eager to please, Eskies, as they're nicknamed, love to perform tricks and are particularly talented at agility. Most American Eskimo Dogs love snow and like to play in it.
4. Corgi
By all accounts, Shetland Sheepdogs and Corgis get along well. With a long body and short legs, Corgis are very intelligent, energetic dogs. They're popular for their friendly and playful personality. Pembroke Welsh Corgis in particular are highly trainable, playful, and get along well with other dogs. Like all herding breeds, Pembrokes love physical activity and are happiest when they have a job to do. They perform well at dog activities such as agility, tracking events, herding, and obedience. As with all breeds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis need to be socialized and trained from an early age.
The Pembroke Sheltie, a hybrid between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Shetland Sheepdog, is also worth considering.
5. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a hybrid mix of the kind Golden Retriever and the Intelligent Poodle. Because of their parentage, Goldendoodles are naturally friendly and get along well with a wide variety of dogs, including the Sheltie. Goldendoodles are also playful and energetic, making them an excellent match for Shetland Sheepdogs. These are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 15 years, with proper care.
6. Beagle
The Beagle is an intelligent, loving, curious, and happy dog, making them excellent family dogs. Like the Shetland Sheepdog, the Beagle is friendly, very playful, and very active with lots of energy. Beagles love to spend time with their owners and hate being left alone for long periods of time. Friendly and fun, Beagles get along well with other dogs. They excel at various AKC activities including tracking, obedience, and agility.
Here is a video of a Sheltie playing with a Beagle puppy.
7. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized herding breed of dog known for their thick, white, double-layer coats. Samoyeds are especially good with other herding dogs, and the Sheltie is no exception. Also known as the smiling sled dogs, Samoyeds are energetic and remain playful into old age. They are very friendly and always love to socialize with other dogs. One of the dog sports Samoyeds excel at is Flyball. Samoyeds love a large backyard where they can roam free and play. However, they are known for their strong urge to run away and roam, so ensure their space is safely enclosed.
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