The Shetland Sheepdog, often affectionately referred to as the “Sheltie,” is a delightful and intelligent breed known for its keen intelligence, gentle demeanor, and stunning appearance. With their long, luxurious double coats and elegant gait, Shelties exude an air of grace and beauty. Originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, these dogs were initially bred as herders, showcasing their innate agility and herding instincts. Today, they are beloved companions cherished for their loyalty, affection, and versatility.
Activities
Shelties are versatile dogs that excel at many activities including:
- Conformation: Dogs shows evaluate each entry against the breed standard.
- Obedience: Basic obedience training teaches dogs good manners and acceptable behavior.
- Rally: Dog and handler teams navigate a course of numbered signs performing the skills indicated.
- Herding: A Sheltie’s original role was to work with livestock through instinctive herding behaviors and learned commands.
- Agility: A competition where a handler guides a dog through a course with obstacles like jumps, tunnels, and weave poles.
- Therapy dog work: Therapy dogs provide comfort and support to individuals in various settings.
- Scentwork: Dogs use their sense of smell to locate specific odors in different environments.
- Tracking: Similar to search and rescue, a dog follows a scent trail to locate an item.
Conformation
Obedience
Rally
Herding
Agility
Therapy Dog
Nose Work
