Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Shetland Sheepdogs Live. Shetland Sheepdog Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Shetland Sheepdog, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Shetland Sheepdogs
- How Old is Your Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years
- How Long Do Shetland Sheepdogs Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Shetland Sheepdog Live Long
- Conclusion on Shetland Sheepdog Life Expectancy
How Long Shetland Sheepdogs Live. Shetland Sheepdog Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 364 pet Shetland Sheepdogs lived.
From the study, it was found that Shetland Sheepdogs have a average lifespan of 12.5 years. Furthermore, the study found that Shetland Sheepdogs can live for as long as 19 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Shetland Sheepdogs.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Shetland Sheepdogs are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Shetland Sheepdog to make your Shetland Sheepdog live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Shetland Sheepdog have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Shetland Sheepdog is in human years? Then, check out our Shetland Sheepdog age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Toy Poodle Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Swedish Vallhund Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Cairn Terrier Lifespan | 14.00 |
| Italian Greyhound Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Collie Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Yorkshire Terrier Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Shetland Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Belgian Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Maltese Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Labrador Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Standard Schnauzer Lifespan | 11.90 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Sussex Spaniel Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Boston Terrier Lifespan | 10.90 |
| Maremma Sheepdog Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Newfoundland Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Irish Water Spaniel Lifespan | 9.33 |
| Japanese Chin Lifespan | 9.25 |
| Spinone Italiano Lifespan | 9.00 |
Common Causes of Death in Shetland Sheepdog, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Shetland Sheepdog, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Shetland Sheepdog.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
-
Neoplastic Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 30.3 percent of all deaths in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Shetland Sheepdog
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Shetland Sheepdogs (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Shetland Sheepdogs is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Shetland Sheepdogs is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Shetland Sheepdogs is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Shetland Sheepdogs with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Shetland Sheepdog. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Shetland Sheepdog`s gums look pale.
-
Urogenital Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 14.2 percent of all deaths in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Shetland Sheepdog
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Shetland Sheepdogs is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Shetland Sheepdog`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Shetland Sheepdog is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Shetland Sheepdogs is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Shetland Sheepdog from urinating. If you see your Shetland Sheepdog lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Shetland Sheepdogs, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Shetland Sheepdogs, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Shetland Sheepdog spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Shetland Sheepdog is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Shetland Sheepdog will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Shetland Sheepdog is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
-
Gastrointestinal Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 10.6 percent of all deaths in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Shetland Sheepdog
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Shetland Sheepdog eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Shetland Sheepdog stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Shetland Sheepdog is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Shetland Sheepdog has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Shetland Sheepdog`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
-
Neurologic Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 10.6 percent of all deaths in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Shetland Sheepdog
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
-
Trauma in Shetland Sheepdogs
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 10.5 percent of all deaths in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Causes of Trauma in Shetland Sheepdog
One of the most common causes of trauma in Shetland Sheepdogs is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Shetland Sheepdogs
The best way to keep your Shetland Sheepdog from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Shetland Sheepdog from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Shetland Sheepdog from traumatic accidents.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Shetland Sheepdogs
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Shetland Sheepdog is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Shetland Sheepdog`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Shetland Sheepdog`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Shetland Sheepdog offsprings by only breeding Shetland Sheepdog that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Shetland Sheepdog has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Shetland Sheepdog for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Shetland Sheepdog a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Shetland Sheepdogs for:
How Old is Your Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Shetland Sheepdog. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Shetland Sheepdog is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog is 12.5 years.
Shetland Sheepdogs are small-sized dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs weigh 14 to 27 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Shetland Sheepdog in converting Shetland Sheepdog age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Shetland Sheepdog`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Shetland Sheepdog`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Shetland Sheepdog`s human age. If you do not know your Shetland Sheepdog`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Shetland Sheepdog is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Shetland Sheepdog`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Shetland Sheepdog`s up-to-date human age.
Shetland Sheepdog Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Shetland Sheepdog age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Shetland Sheepdog`s human age based on your Shetland Sheepdog`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Shetland Sheepdog`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Shetland Sheepdog Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 19 |
| 3 | 25 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 52 |
| 10 | 56 |
| 11 | 59 |
| 12 | 63 |
| 13 | 67 |
| 14 | 71 |
| 15 | 75 |
| 16 | 79 |
How Long Do Shetland Sheepdogs Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog is 12.5 years. In human years, the Shetland Sheepdog lives for 65 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years?
A 2-year old Shetland Sheepdog is 19 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years?
A 5-year old Shetland Sheepdog is 35 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years?
A 8-year old Shetland Sheepdog is 48 years old in human years.
How Old is 9-year-old Shetland Sheepdog in Human Years?
A 9-year old Shetland Sheepdog is 52 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Shetland Sheepdog Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Shetland Sheepdog live a long life:
-
Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Shetland Sheepdog fit and make it live longer.
-
Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Shetland Sheepdog does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Shetland Sheepdog will have a shorter lifespan than a Shetland Sheepdog that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Shetland Sheepdog high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Shetland Sheepdog. Check out our Shetland Sheepdog feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Shetland Sheepdog from being overweight here.
-
Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Shetland Sheepdog existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Shetland Sheepdog has access to clean water whenever your Shetland Sheepdog needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Shetland Sheepdog. See our Shetland Sheepdog water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Shetland Sheepdog.
-
Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Shetland Sheepdog might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Shetland Sheepdog.
-
Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
-
Vaccinations: Always make sure your Shetland Sheepdog is up to date on its vaccination.
-
Dental Hygiene: Your Shetland Sheepdog’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Shetland Sheepdog teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Shetland Sheepdog Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Shetland Sheepdog`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.