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Dog Names By Breed >> Shetland Sheepdog Names

Shetland Sheepdog Names

Updated: October 06, 2023
      The Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is an intelligent breed of dog that has been known to carry a variety of interesting names related to its origins. Many great names can be borrowed from the Shetland Islands among which the breed first appeared. Balta, Fetlar, Linga, Oxna, and Vaila are a few island inspired options. Many names of Scottish origins are favorites among Sheltie owners around the globe. A few of the top male Scottish choices are Finley, Ross, and Duncan. For a female, Maisie, Sheona, and Kirstin are popular. The Scottish Isles are known to have some powerful storms particularly during the winter months. Stormy, Rain, Lightning, and Gale are few weather derived names. The Sheltie is a high energy and hard working breed originally developed for herding sheep. Some fun names inspired by Italian made sports cars include Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa, Romeo, and Lancia.
Name Reason to Choose
Ailsa A beautiful Scottish name, perfect for a Shetland Sheepdog
Ajax This strong, heroic name fits a brave and protective Sheltie
Alfa Alfa signifies leadership, reflecting the herding instincts of this breed
Apollo A Sheltie with a golden coat would suit this name, after the Greek god of the sun
Argyll Named after a region in Western Scotland, reflecting the breed's origin
Bairn A Scottish term for child, a fitting name for a family pet
Balta Balta is a small island in Shetland, Scotland, making it a fitting name for a Shetland Sheepdog
Bannock Named after a traditional Scottish bread, a cute name for a dog
Baxter A name that signifies strength and tenacity, ideal for a Sheltie with a strong personality
Biscuit This name suits a golden or light brown Sheltie
Blair This name is of Scottish origin, and Shetland Sheepdogs originate from Scotland
Boyd The name Boyd reflects the heritage of the Shetland Sheepdog, as it is a name with Scottish roots
Bramble This name is inspired by the rugged and wild nature of the Shetland Islands
Bressay An island in Shetland, another geographically inspired name for a dog
Brodie This is a popular Scottish name, suitable for a Shetland Sheepdog
Caesar An ideal name for a Shetland Sheepdog who is a natural leader
Carson Carson is a name that's commonly used in Scotland, the same region where Shetland Sheepdogs were first bred
Christie Christie is a popular name in Scotland, making it a fitting choice for a Shetland Sheepdog
Clyde Inspired by the River Clyde in Scotland, symbolizing the breed's fluid agility
Coco A great choice for a chocolate or dark brown Shetland Sheepdog
Daisy This name fits a gentle and graceful Sheltie
Dermid Given that Dermid is a traditional Scottish name, it is suitable for a breed that originated in Scotland
Dougal Dougal, a name with Scottish origins, is a great match for a Shetland Sheepdog, a breed from Scotland
Drummond This is a popular Scottish surname, perfect for a Shetland Sheepdog
Duncan Duncan is a traditionally Scottish name, making it appropriate for a Shetland Sheepdog
Edan Edan is a Scottish name, making it a great choice for a dog breed that hails from Scotland
Elgin Named after a town in Scotland, emphasizing the breed's Scottish roots
Ellar Ellar, being a Scottish name, resonates with the Scottish origins of the Shetland Sheepdog
Eshaness A dramatic coastal area in Shetland, a great name for an adventurous dog
Fergus This is a popular Scottish name, reflecting the dog's origin
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Names from Shetland Folklore

Given the breed's origin in the Shetland Islands, names from Shetland folklore can be a unique and meaningful choice.
Name Description
Barguest A nod to the spectral black dog that roams the countryside in Shetland folklore
BlueMen Echoes the Blue Men of the Minch, sea creatures in Shetland mythology
Bogles Taken from the supernatural beings in Shetland folklore
Brownie Comes from the helpful household spirits in Shetland folklore
Elf Reflects the mythical beings found in Shetland's folk stories
Fairy Draws inspiration from the magical creatures of Shetland legends
Finfolk A moniker inspired by a mystical underwater race in Shetland tales
Finn Drawn from Finfolkaheem, the underwater home of Finfolk in Shetland legends
Goblin A nod to the mischievous creatures in Shetland myths
Hob Named after the domestic spirit in Shetland tales
Huldrefolk Reflects the hidden people of Shetland's folk stories
Imp Taken from the small demon-like creatures in Shetland folklore
Kelpie An homage to the shape-shifting water spirit in Shetland mythology
Mermen Draws inspiration from the sea-dwelling creatures of Shetland legends
Nuckelavee Named after a fearsome sea monster in Shetland folklore
Pechs Reflects the ancient dwarf-like race in Shetland myths
Redcap A reference to the malevolent dwarf-like beings in Shetland tales
SeaMaid A moniker inspired by the mermaids in Shetland folklore
Selkie Taken from the mythical seal-like creatures in Shetland folklore
Simmer Inspired by Simmer Dim, the twilight period in Shetland's summer
Siren Inspired by the mythical creatures that lured sailors to their doom in Shetland tales
Sprite A moniker inspired by the supernatural beings in Shetland folklore
Tangie A nod to the Shetland sea spirit that often appears as a horse
Trowie Inspired by the Trow, a mischievous fairy creature from Shetland mythology
Wulver Inspired by the kind-hearted werewolf of Shetland tales
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Names Reflecting Personality

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their intelligence, agility, and friendliness, traits that can inspire suitable names.
Name Description
Bouncer Great for a Shetland Sheepdog that's always jumping around
Brisk Speaks of a dog with a lot of energy, quick to move
Buddy Perfect for a dog that's always by your side, a true friend
Champ Perfect for a dog that's always winning, whether in competitions or hearts
Charmer Ideal for a dog with an enchanting, charming personality
Chaser This name reflects a dog who loves to chase balls, frisbees, or even its own tail
Cuddler Best for a dog that loves to cuddle and be close to its owners
Dasher Perfect for a dog that loves to run and is incredibly fast
Frolic This name would suit a dog that's always playful and happy
Giggles Ideal for a dog that's always happy and playful
Jumper This name indicates a lively, energetic personality
Merry This name is perfect for a Shetland Sheepdog that's always happy and cheerful
Mischief For a Shetland Sheepdog that's always getting into something
Nimble Great for a Shetland Sheepdog with agile, quick movements
Nuzzle For a Shetland Sheepdog that loves to nuzzle and show affection
Pouncer This name reflects a dog that loves to play and pounce
Rascal For a Shetland Sheepdog that's always up to something
Scamp Ideal for a Shetland Sheepdog that's a bit of a rascal
Shadow Perfect for a dog who's always by your side, just like a shadow
Snuggles For a Shetland Sheepdog that loves to cuddle up and get cozy
Spunky Great for a Shetland Sheepdog that's full of spirit and courage
Squirt This name fits a little dog with a big personality
Swagger This name suits a Shetland Sheepdog with a confident walk
Wiggles This name suits a Shetland Sheepdog that can't keep still due to excitement
Zippy Reflects a Sheltie who is fast and full of energy
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Names Based on Coat Color

Shetland Sheepdogs have distinct coat colors such as sable, black, and blue merle, providing inspiration for unique names.
Name Description
Almond Perfect for a dog with a light brown coat
Blondie Perfect for a light, almost golden coat
Caramel Inspired by a smooth, caramel-colored coat
Charcoal Encapsulates the essence of a dark grey coat
Chestnut Suits a dog with a rich, chestnut-brown coat
Cocoa Represents a rich, chocolate brown hue
Ebony For a dog with a coat as dark as ebony
Espresso A fitting choice for a dog with a dark, rich brown coat
Ginger Ideal for a dog with a reddish-brown coat
Goldie A charming name for a dog with a golden coat
Indigo A cool name for a dog with a dark blue-black coat
Ivory A great name for a dog with an off-white coat
Midnight A fitting choice for a dark-coated dog
Muffin Perfect for a dog with a sweet, golden-brown coat
Onyx For a dog with a coat as dark as the onyx stone
Pearl Inspired by a dog with a shiny white coat
Pebble It's a cute name for a greyish coat
Raven Reflects a coat as dark as a raven's feather
Ruby Suits a dog with a reddish hue
Sable A charming name for a dog with a dark brown coat
Shadow Can be used to define a dark coat
Silver A great choice for a dog with a sleek, silver-grey coat
Smokey Ideal for a dog with a smoky grey coat
Snowy Inspired by a white, snow-like fur
Toffee Reflects a warm, toffee-colored coat
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Names Based on Size

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their small size compared to other herding dogs, so names reflecting their diminutive stature can be fitting.
Name Description
Bean Beans are small and cute, just like a Shetland sheepdog
Bitty An adorable term used to describe something small
Button Buttons are small and cute, just like a Shetland sheepdog
Dinky Dinky is a term used to describe something small and cute
Elf Elves, in folklore, are often small and magical creatures
Gnat Gnats are small insects, a suitable name for a small Shetland sheepdog
Mite Mite is a term used to describe something very small
Munchkin Munchkin is a playful term for something or someone small and cute
Nugget Nugget is a term used to describe a small, valuable object
Peanut This name is often used affectionately for small pets
Pebble This is a cute name for a small Shetland sheepdog, as pebbles are small stones
Petite A French term for small, suitable for a small Shetland sheepdog
Pickle Pickles are usually small, making this a cute name for a small Shetland sheepdog
Pin Pins are small and sharp, a fitting name for a small Shetland sheepdog
Pint Pint is a small measurement, making it a suitable name for a small dog
Pip An informal British term used to describe something small
Pipsqueak This term is often used to refer to someone small and insignificant
Poppet An endearing term used in Britain to refer to a small person
Runt This term is often used for the smallest animal in a litter, perfect for a small Shetland sheepdog
Smidge This term is often used to describe a small amount of something
Sprout Sprouts are small vegetables, making this a suitable name for a small Shetland sheepdog
Tad This term is often used to refer something small in size
Teacup A teacup is a small cup for tea, a fitting name for a small Shetland sheepdog
Titch In British slang, 'titch' is used to refer to a small person, perfect for a small Shetland sheepdog
Twiggy Twigs are small and slender, a fitting name for a small Shetland sheepdog
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Traditional Scottish Names

Shetland Sheepdogs originate from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, so traditional Scottish names can reflect their heritage.
Name Description
Alastair This is a classic Scottish name meaning 'defender of the people', fitting for a loyal Shetland Sheepdog
Bonnie A traditional Scottish term meaning 'beautiful'
Cameron A popular Scottish surname that translates to 'crooked nose'
Duncan This Scottish name meaning 'dark warrior' is suitable for a strong, protective Sheltie
Eilidh A traditional Scottish name that means 'ray of sunshine', great for a playful Sheltie
Fergus This Scottish name meaning 'man of force' suits a strong Shetland Sheepdog
Gracie A Scottish moniker derived from grace, it is ideal for an elegant Sheltie
Hamish This name is the Scottish version of James and means 'supplanter'
Isla Named after a Scottish river, perfect for a Sheltie who loves water
Jock A traditional Scottish name, Jock is a Scottish form of Jack
Kenna This Scottish name means 'born of fire', ideal for a spirited Sheltie
Lachlan A Scottish name that refers to 'one from the Lochs', ideal for a Sheltie from a water-loving breed
Mairi The Scottish variation of Mary, meaning 'wished-for child'
Nairn Named after a town and a river in Scotland
Oran A Gaelic name that means 'light', suitable for a Sheltie with a bright coat
Paisley This Scottish name references a town, and is a popular name for pets
Quinn A Scottish-Gaelic name that means 'wisdom, reason', ideal for a smart Sheltie
Rory A Gaelic name that means 'red king', suitable for a Sheltie with a reddish coat
Skye Named after one of Scotland's islands, ideal for a Sheltie who loves the outdoors
Teagan This Scottish name means 'little poet', perfect for a Sheltie with a melodious bark
Una A Celtic name that means 'lamb', suitable for a gentle Sheltie
Vaila Named after an island in Shetland, Scotland
Wylie This Scottish name means 'tricky', perfect for a clever Sheltie
Xena A powerful name of Greek origin, used in Scotland, and suitable for a strong Sheltie
Yarrow Named after a river in Scotland, great for a Sheltie who loves water
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Story of a Shetland Sheepdog named Whirlwind

On the rugged and windswept Shetland Islands, nestled in the North Sea, there lived a spirited Sheltie named Whirlwind. Whirlwind was a beautiful dog, with a flowing sable-and-white coat and a warm, intelligent gaze that captivated everyone he met. He lived with his loving owner, Ian, a skilled mechanic who ran the local garage.

Whirlwind spent his days by Ian's side, watching as he repaired the various vehicles that came through the garage. While Whirlwind took an interest in all things automotive, nothing captivated him more than the sight and sound of a sports car. The sleek design, the powerful engine, and the thrilling sensation of speed all spoke to the Sheltie's adventurous spirit.

One sunny afternoon, as Ian worked on a classic British roadster, he noticed Whirlwind's fascination with the car. With a chuckle, Ian decided to take Whirlwind for a spin around the island, allowing the Sheltie to experience the exhilaration of riding in a sports car firsthand.

As they cruised along the winding coastal roads, the wind whipped through Whirlwind's fur, and his heart swelled with joy. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and he knew, in that moment, that he was destined to be a sports car aficionado.

Word of Whirlwind's newfound passion spread quickly throughout the Shetland Islands. Locals would bring their sports cars to Ian's garage, not just for repairs, but to give Whirlwind a chance to ride in their prized vehicles. The community rallied around the Sheltie's unique interest, and he became something of a local celebrity.

One day, a visitor arrived on the island, driving a gleaming red Italian sports car. He had heard the stories of the sports car-loving Sheltie and couldn't resist the opportunity to meet Whirlwind for himself. Upon seeing the magnificent vehicle, Whirlwind's eyes lit up with excitement, and he eagerly hopped into the passenger seat.

Together, Whirlwind and the visitor set off on a thrilling drive along the island's picturesque roads. As they raced through the rolling hills and past the rugged coastline, Whirlwind reveled in the feeling of freedom that only a sports car could provide.

As the sun began to set, the pair returned to Ian's garage, their faces flushed with excitement. The visitor, deeply moved by the joy and enthusiasm Whirlwind displayed, made a generous donation to the local animal shelter in the Sheltie's name, ensuring that the island's less fortunate dogs would be well cared for.

From that day on, Whirlwind's love for sports cars only grew stronger, and his story spread far and wide, attracting visitors from across the globe. The Shetland Islands became known not only for their stunning landscapes and hardy ponies but also for the spirited Sheltie named Whirlwind, who had shown the world that even the most unlikely passions can bring people – and dogs – together in the most extraordinary ways.

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