Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, hails from Scotland's rugged Shetland Islands. This small, agile herder stands around 15 inches tall and weighs about 20 pounds. With a striking resemblance to their larger Collie cousins, Shelties boast a long, harsh, straight coat with a dense undercoat in colors such as black, blue merle, and sable, adorned with white markings. These intelligent and vivacious dogs are renowned for their quick learning abilities, making them top performers in obedience, agility, and herding trials. Highly sensitive and deeply affectionate, Shelties are in tune with their families' emotions and thrive on companionship. Known for their protective instincts, they make excellent watchdogs, often reserved around strangers and quick to bark when necessary. Their playful nature and high activity levels ensure they are always ready for fun, especially with children. While they require regular grooming due to their long fur, the joy and loyalty they bring to a household are well worth the effort. With an average lifespan of 13 years, Shelties are devoted and lively companions, always eager to be part of the family's daily adventures.