Temperament of the Sheltie

Temperament

 

The Shetland sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog and is intensely loyal. It is lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey. Shelties are loving, loyal, and affectionate with their family, but are naturally aloof with strangers; for this reason Shelties must be socialized. The Shetland Sheepdog Standard from the AKC allows them to be reserved to strangers, but they should not show fear.

Shelties do well with children if they are reared with them from an early age; however, their small size makes it easy for a child to accidentally injure them, so supervision is necessary. Exercise caution when considering an adult Sheltie for a family with young children; they may not be compatible.

Shelties are vocal dogs. They are intensely loyal, affectionate and responsive to their owner; reserved but not shy or fearful.^[4] Some shelties display a terrier-like personality, which tends to be hyperactive and always on the go; however, this temperament is not sanctioned in the breed standard.^[3] Some Shelties can be very timid but this temperament is specifically discouraged by the breed standard.^[4] Tendencies towards shyness can be reduced through proper socialization.

The average Sheltie is an excellent watch dog, giving alarm barks when a person is at the door, or a car is in the driveway.

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