Behavior of a Sheltie

Shetland sheepdogs, or Shelties, look like pint-size collies with their distinctive coats, narrow snouts and smaller statures. A member of the herding group, Shelties make for popular family pets, but like any breed, they have their own behavior characteristics.

  1. Temperament

    • Shelties make excellent family dogs because of their gentle temperament. They tend to be friendly and polite to people and animals alike, though they can be withdrawn around strangers, and they require more socialization than most other dog breeds, according to Your Purebred Puppy website.

    Intelligence

    • Shelties are highly intelligent, like most herding dogs. Their intelligence can be an asset and a liability. They require "mental exercise" in addition to physical exercise. If they are not mentally stimulated, they may begin to act out and exhibit behavior problems out of boredom. Classes in agility or herding, or even challenging games, are ways to provide adequate mental stimulation to Shelties.

    Sensitivity

    • Shelties are known for their sensitivity, meaning they are quick to sense and respond to their owners' emotions. Shelties will know if you are upset and will exhibit concern through a whine or gentle licking. This sensitivity makes them easy to train, because they are eager to please their owners. However, if you become upset or impatient with them, they may become upset and confused in turn, leading to problems in training, according to WillowGlyn Shelties.