These doggies are highly energetic in nature and make fantastic family pets (As long as you’re an active family!). Not only are they excellent companions, but Shetland Sheepdogs are also extremely devoted and loving pooches. They are also extremely intelligent, which paired with their energy, makes them very high maintenance in terms of their need for physical and mental exercise. As a result, they need ‘hoomans’ who are around a lot of the day, to take them on lots of walkies and play games with them. They can form very strong bonds with their owners and can be nervous and wary of strangers, so socializing these guys as pups is best to help them get over their fears of new people! They are extremely cheerful and happy dogs who love human attention, so for those families and owners with enough time on their hands, they will make excellent pets.

This breed was first developed in the Scottish Island of Shetland, where they were used to herd livestock. The reason for their long coats was to protect them from the harsh and cold conditions that they lived in, thus allowing them to continue on with their jobs with ease. This breed in particular, are a lot smaller than other Sheep dogs, as the livestock that was kept on the Shetland Island was considered to be smaller than that found on the mainland. However, they are also referred to as ‘Shetland Collie’s’, due to their Collie ancestors. It’s also though that this breed may also be the result of the King Charles Spaniel as well! The first sheltie was registered by the AKC in 1911.