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The Shetland Sheepdog (nicknamed the "Sheltie" and originally named the "Shetland Collie") is a herding breed that resembles a smaller version of the Rough Collie and commonly features a sable and white, black, white and tan, blue merle, sable merle or black and white coat. The breed first appeared in the 1700s, and they were originally bred for the core goal of herding smaller livestock. Just a few of their most recognizable traits usually are high intelligence as well as their loyal and affectionate temperament - which in essence make the Shetland Sheepdog a common choice for competitive agility or as a family companion dog. Much of their early history is a mystery, though the Shetland Sheepdog is known to have come from the Shetland Islands of Scotland when Border Collies and other herding dogs from the mainland such as the Rough Collie or Pomeranian were brought there and cross-bred with the smaller local dogs as early as the 1700s. Their smaller size enabled better control over the smaller livestock found in this area and they were also often chosen or protecting the homes of farming families. Shetland Sheepdogs are classified as a small to medium-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the Shetland Sheepdog male and female is 13-16 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 14-27 pounds. The Shetland Sheepdog is recognized for their loyal, affectionate and obedient temperament. They are generally reserved with people they don't know and can bark quite a lot at them, which can mean they are somewhat suitable as a guard dog. The Shetland Sheepdog is also demonstrated to be extremely intelligent - ranking 6th compared to other dogs when taking into account their capability to learn obedience commands. They are additionally recognized to be excellent with kids - meaning they are highly suitable as a family pet. The Shetland Sheepdog is quite compatible with other dogs and smaller animals who they may try to herd without proper training. The Shetland Sheepdog doesn't always need a yard unlike many other herding breeds, so they can be fairly suitable for apartment life just as long as they are given daily exercise. If you do have a yard, be sure it is well-fenced to prevent them escaping and chasing things like cars due to their herding instinct. The Shetland Sheepdog benefits from pastimes such as chasing after a frisbee or ball, taking part in agility, herding, flyball and running free in a safe open area. They possess a medium to high level of energy and have a need for exercise every day in the form of moderate walks to keep them happy - though often they may achieve much of their daily exercise needs by simply running around the yard. The Shetland Sheepdog can make the perfect breed of dog for a family or active owner with plenty of time to spend with a dog. They are well-matched to anyone who is ready to do a moderate level of grooming and allocate time to provide them with early obedience training and ongoing mental challenges as well as take them for moderate walks each day and offer a very high quantity of love and attention - as with many herding breeds, they thrive on human contact and do not do well if left alone all day. Although they may be to some extent unsuitable for those with less time to look after a dog, if you are able to meet their need for attention and regular mental stimulation then the Shetland Sheepdog might make the perfect dog for you.
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