The Sheltie, as it is commonly known, is actually the Shetland sheepdog. Resembling a miniature collie, these perky little bundles of long fur are witty, loyal, protective yet docile, easily trainable and are as active as any working dog could be. Natural herders by trait and consistent barkers to a fault, those in and of themselves may be the reasons why so many are turned over to Shetland sheepdog rescue organizations.

Standing approximately sixteen inches tall, and weighing up to twenty five pounds, the Shetland sheepdog is a beautiful package. His fur may be amber, caramel, brown or black with white, and the coat is doubled and very thick with the long, rough part on top, and softer fur beneath. His eyes are brown, small, and alert. His nose is long as is his tail, which is very furry and marked with a variety of colors. On a farm, where allowed to perform their herding instincts, Shetland sheepdogs are the perfect working dog, but for those who are raised in apartments or homes with little exercise and room to run, some may turn into barkers, nippers, and even attempt to herd their family members and other household pets. Agility training and fun exercises in addition to daily walks, will help keep them from becoming bored. Some shelties wind up being neglected, abandoned, unwanted, or lost. But thankfully, there are places of refuge for them within the Shetland sheepdog rescue organizations located in many states.

Originating in Scotland, and related to the Border collie group, the Shetland sheepdog was created after Border collies were bred with smaller, long haired, collie breeds. Eventually, the result became a smaller version of the larger, hard working collie. Considered a working breed with herding instincts, the sheltie is a highly intelligent dog who is eager to please his master, and this is what makes this magnificent little animal a favored farm dog. Without a job to do though, this furry little dog may become temperamental and irritable. Sometimes they may be difficult to manage, which in turn may cause them to be surrendered to a Shetland sheepdog rescue group.

If you would like a dog who is a little dynamo, yet docile and obedient, who is a great little watchdog, and wants to do a job, whether it's walking or running with you or working on a farm, then hopefully you will consider adopting at a Shetland sheepdog rescue near you.