| By :
Brent McCoy
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 first appeared in the 1700s, and was initially bred for the chief intention of herding smaller livestock. A few of their most unique attributes typically include high intelligence as well as their loyal and affectionate temperament - which essentially make the Shetland Sheepdog a popular preference 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 first appeared 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 recommended 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 recognized for their loyal, affectionate and obedient temperament. They are often reserved with people they don't know and can bark quite a lot at them, which can make them somewhat suitable as a guard dog. The Shetland Sheepdog is also demonstrated to be extremely intelligent - ranking 6th compared to other dogs when taking into account their ability to be taught obedience instructions. They are additionally renowned to be excellent with kids - meaning they are highly suitable as a family pet. The Shetland Sheepdog is quite well-suited 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 life in an apartment if they are taken for daily walks. 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 is made happy with hobbies which include chasing after a frisbee or ball, taking part in agility, herding, flyball and running free in a safe open area. They have a medium to high quantity of energy and need to be given daily exercise in the manner 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 could make the perfect dog breed for a family or active owner with plenty of time to spend with a dog. They are appropriate for anybody that is ready to perform 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 every day and bestow a very high amount of company and devotion - as with many herding breeds, they thrive on human contact and do not do well if left alone all day. Although they may be to some extent out of place for those with less time to look after a dog, if you are capable of meeting their need for attention and regular mental stimulation then the Shetland Sheepdog may perhaps be the best dog for you.
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