Home Page Health Small Dog Breeds Shetland SheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog is a Smart CookieThe Shetland Sheepdog is beautiful, affectionate, active, very intelligent, loyal, sensitive and always eager to please you. Alas, he is not quite perfect, because his long, silky double coat sheds like crazy but if you are prepared for a little daily grooming, this problem can be overcome. I'm not trying to sell you one of these wonderful little dogs, I'm just giving you the facts. 
The Shetland Sheepdog is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. He is ranked number six, out of all the dog breeds in the world, as shown by the extensive research of Dr Stanley Coren. He is described as "one of the brightest dogs, with exceptional understanding of new commands". He is a herding dog. As a group, the herding dogs are some of the most intelligent in the world. The Border Collie, The German Shepherd, The Shetland Sheepdog, The Australian Cattle Dog and The Pembroke Welsh Corgi are all in the top twelve most intelligent breeds, as researched by Dr Stanley Coren. The Shetland Sheepdog originated in the Shetland Isles, situated to the north of Scotland, so he is bred to withstand cold, rough weather. He stands about fifteen inches tall, at the shoulder and weighs between twelve and twenty pounds. He is the 19th most popular breed in the United States, based on the breed registrations to the American Kennel Club during 2010. Grooming The Shetland SheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat, a thick, soft undercoat and a long, rough topcoat. The topcoat is water-repellent, while the undercoat provides relief from both high and low temperatures. The Sheltie is an extremely high shedder, so this could be a major problem if you are concerned about dog hair all over your furniture and carpets. There is a simple solution. If you take the dog to a convenient place (outdoors is best) and brush him, then you can collect the hair and dispose of it safely, before it spreads everywhere. If you have to do the job indoors, stand him on a sheet and bundle it up after you've finished. This will become a daily routine. Exercising & Training The Shetland SheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent working dog, so he needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. By combining his training with his walks and romps, you make his exercise more interesting and his training more enjoyable. He is a high energy dog, who needs a job to do. If you can't provide the time and energy for this, then he is not the dog for you! He is a sensitive dog, who is eager to please so he will not react well to harsh commands. Encouragement and praise is all he needs, together with constant stimulation, because he learns so fast. He is a most accomplished performer in agility, obedience and herding competitions. He is a good watchdog, which makes him prone to excessive barking but he is smart enough to learn to stop when told. You have to teach him when it's appropriate. The Shetland Sheepdog's TemperamentThe Shetland Sheepdog is a strong, active, agile dog but he has a very gentle nature and is devoted to his family. As a herding dog, he is very protective and makes an excellent watchdog but he may be aloof and reserved with strangers. He may be nervous and snappy with boisterous young children but if they are taught to be considerate with him, he will be fine. Need To Learn More?
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