Basic Information To Consider Relating To The Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog (nicknamed the "Sheltie"
and originally named the "Shetland Collie") is a
herding breed that resembles a smaller version of
the Rough Collie and commonly features a sable
and white, black, white and tan, blue merle,
sable merle or black and white coat. The breed
has origins dating back to the 1700s, and was
initially used for the chief purpose of herding
smaller livestock.

Just a few of their most distinctive qualities
often include high intelligence as well as their
loyal and affectionate temperament - which in
essence make the Shetland Sheepdog a fitting dog
breed for competitive agility or as a family
companion dog.

Much of their early history is a mystery, though
the Shetland Sheepdog is known to have originated
in the Shetland Islands of Scotland when Border
Collies and other herding dogs from the mainland
such as the Rough Collie or Pomeranian were
brought there and cross-bred with the smaller
local dogs as early as the 1700s. Their smaller
size enabled better control over the smaller
livestock found in this area and they were also
often chosen or protecting the homes of farming
families.

Shetland Sheepdogs are termed as a small to
medium-sized breed of dog. The suggested
standard size for the Shetland Sheepdog male and
female is 13-16 inches tall from paw to shoulder
and a weight of 14-27 pounds.

The Shetland Sheepdog is renowned for their
loyal, affectionate and obedient character. They
are generally reserved with visitors and can bark
quite a lot at them, which often means they are
somewhat suitable as a guard dog.

The Shetland Sheepdog is also known to be
extremely intelligent - placing 6th compared to
other dogs when considering their ability to
learn obedience commands. They are additionally
known to be excellent with kids - which makes
them highly suitable as a family pet. The
Shetland Sheepdog is quite companionable with
other dogs and smaller animals who they may try
to herd without proper training.

The Shetland Sheepdog doesn't always need a yard
unlike many other herding breeds, so they can be
fairly suitable for apartment life so long as
they are walked on a regular basis. If you do
have a yard, be sure it is well-fenced to
prevent them escaping and chasing things like
cars due to their herding instinct.

The Shetland Sheepdog likes activities including
chasing after a frisbee or ball, taking part in
agility, herding, flyball and running free in a
safe open area. They possess a medium to high
degree of energy and require exercise each day
in the form of moderate walks to keep them happy
- though often they may achieve much of their
daily exercise needs by simply running around
the yard.

The Shetland Sheepdog can make the perfect breed
of dog for a family or active owner with plenty
of time to spend with a dog. They are
appropriate for anybody who is ready to carry
out a moderate level of grooming and allow time
to give them early obedience training and
ongoing mental challenges in addition to take
them on moderate walks each day and provide a
very high sum of companionship and devotion - as
with many herding breeds, they thrive on human
contact and do not do well if left alone all
day. Though they may be somewhat inappropriate
for those with less time to look after a dog, if
you are able to meet their need for attention and
regular mental stimulation then the Shetland
Sheepdog may perhaps make the ultimate dog for
you.

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