| 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 has origins dating back to the 1700s, and was first raised for the main goal of herding smaller livestock. Several of their most typical features are often described as high intelligence as well as their loyal and affectionate temperament - which all help in making the Shetland Sheepdog a regular breed for competitive agility or as a family companion dog. Much of their early history is a mystery, though the Shetland Sheepdog 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 classified as a small to medium-sized breed. The suggested standard size for the Shetland Sheepdog male and female is 13-16 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 14-27 pounds. The Shetland Sheepdog is recognized for their loyal, affectionate and obedient manner. They are usually 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 accepted to be extremely intelligent - scoring 6th compared to other dogs when considering their capability to be taught obedience directives. They are additionally known to be excellent with kids - which means they are highly suitable as a family pet. The Shetland Sheepdog is quite friendly 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 are fairly suitable for life in an apartment if they are exercised enough. 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 enjoys hobbies that include 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 amount of energy and need exercise every day in the shape 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 suitable to anyone that is willing to perform a moderate amount of grooming and take time to provide them with early obedience training and ongoing mental challenges in addition to take them for moderate walks each day and give a very high quantity of companionship and devotion - as with many herding breeds, they thrive on human contact and do not do well if left alone all day. Although they can 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 can make the ideal dog breed for you.
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