The shetland sheepdog: from livestock guardian to trials star

The shetland sheepdog has come to have a global following, after having started out as a native of the Shetland Islands. But the sheltie, as the breed can also be called, bears a few personality traits that may spell headaches for the owner that does not take action while the dog is still young. Older dogs can of course still be retrained, but it is relatively easier to reign in the problem if the shetland sheepdog is still in its puppy years.

To the same extent that they worship their family members, some shelties are driven and propelled by occasions of obstinacy. Those that are will poke and poke at their owners’ resolve to make sure things are really black and white beyond question. What may be more baffling too, is that the sheltie can recall each and every bit of what it learned, which of its pranks went undetected and how these can be done again.

Despite itself, the shetland sheepdog is not some botched breeding experiment! The dog in fact has a rich working history. Working with livestock instilled in the dog a bravery that exceeds the dog’s size, and of a bark that is worse than the bite. But in the modern home, the dog has to be trained and motivated to bark only to give warning, and not to bark for the pure sake of barking. A young sheltie will be capable of understanding the distinction.

With their high degrees of intelligence and energy, Shetland sheepdogs are easily bored, particularly if they don’t have an opportunity to be active. Moreover, they’re people dogs, and if they’re denied sheltie training, or the opportunity to spend sufficient time with those they love, they’re apt to use their famous voices to demand attention.

One of the breed’s endearing traits is its zeal nad mission to be at its master’s beck and call. A sheltie turned away or treated as a wallflower grows up to be unhappy and likely very destructive.

While Shetland Sheepdogs have a host of charming qualities that make them oft-unparalleled companions, they have two traits that may warrant a careful lifestyle-review from pet-owners. They tend to shed profusely and they bark. Before getting a Sheltie, you need to carefully check if you are willing to assume the special responsibilities associated with these.