Aside from a bit of extra work for grooming, Shetland Sheepdogs are great companion dogs because they are loyal, affectionate, intelligent and very willing to please. They are excellent family members and do great with children in part because they are an active dog with a kind temperament.

The only caution with children is that the Sheltie is a small breed of dog and can be easily injured so supervision is necessary. They are also prone to nipping at ankles because of their herding instincts.

Shelties are somewhat wary of strangers which makes the breed good watch dogs. There is a need for the Shetland Sheepdog to be well socialized from the start of ownership so they are trained when to guard and when it is acceptable for a stranger to the dog to be in the home. Often a Sheltie can be trained to give 2 to 3 barks to alert you to a visitor at the door or a stranger on the property.

Most Shetland Sheepdog puppies learn to socialize well as long as they are often put in social situations where they can learn how to adapt to people and other beings they are not used to seeing. Some Shelties have the undeserving reputation of being too vocal, however as they are very intelligent dogs this can be quickly over come with good training and become great watch dogs because they are so loyal.

The Shetland Sheepdog is considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds available ranking around 6th out of 132 different dog breeds tested for intelligence. The Sheltie can be an excellent pet no matter the gender of the dog as both male and female dogs are much the same in their kind temperament and inherent need to please their owner.

The sweet disposition of the Shetland Sheepdog will make it a great pet as well as a vocal watch dog that will add security and peace of mind to your home and family. The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed that will alert you to strangers in its territory, however it is not a dog that will aggressively attack unless repeatedly provoked by someone or something.

The herding instinct will cause most Shelties to nip at ankles and chase cars so supervision is necessary if there is no fence or with very young children. The nipping and chasing of this breed is not an aggressive act simply a herding mechanism and instinct and is most often without injury and generally not painful.