Chapter Two: The Sheltie Temperament and Traits

Chapter Two: The Sheltie Temperament and Traits 

 

Energy Level: Very energetic 

Tendency to Drool: Low 

Tendency to Snore: Low 

Tendency to Bark: High 

Tendency to Dig: Low 

Social/Attention Needs: Moderate 

 

Expression  

  

We can see the expression of the Sheltie by the combinations of its head, the shape, use, and set of its ears and eyes. Its usual facial expression should be alert, gentle, intelligent, and questioning. Toward strangers, the eyes should show awareness and calmness, but no fear. 

 

Intelligence and Training 

  

Like any other herding and working breed, Shetland Sheepdogs are very intelligent and are known for their success in obedience training. Foundations of this statement include many findings that suggest herding breeds, like the Sheltie, are one of the easiest breed types to train. Examples of the findings include a 2005 study by researchers Serpell and Hsu. By using the C-BARQ (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire) to assess the trainability of various breeds, they conclude the study to be so. However, some studies suggest the Shetland Sheepdogs fall in the middle when it comes to trainability for certain tasks. 

  Because they are super smart, fur parents of Shelties need to schedule training and playing time with them because they need the stimulation to keep them happy. If not, they might find other troublesome ways to use all of their brain energy, such as ruining furniture or harming other creatures, including humans.  

 

 

Shelties are Less Aggressive 

 

A study suggests that Shetland Sheepdogs have a low reactivity rate to new stimuli, such as a doorbell ringing, sounds of airplane zooming in the sky, or other loud sudden noises. The finding suggests Shelties are good at staying calm in surprising situations. 

However, another research showed that Shetland Sheepdogs scored higher than average on stranger-directed aggression. But they also garnered a lower than average grade on owner-directed aggression! The study supports the strong bonds that Shetland Sheepdogs are known to make to their close human companions. It also suggests that Shetland Sheepdogs are more prone to fear than actual aggression, which leads us to… 

 

Shelties Are Born to be Cautious of Strangers 

 

There is a survey that suggests that Shelties score higher than average on stranger-directed fear, which makes early socialization important when it comes to helping reduce this potential aggression towards unfamiliar people. Introducing your Sheltie puppy to as many new environments as possible while young will help them be happier and more outgoing around strangers as adults. Fear can result in unwanted aggression. And although we don’t want our dogs to show hostility, we also don’t want them to be scared or unhappy! 

  

  

Shelties with other Dogs 

If you want a new dog in your family but already own other canines, you’ll need a breed that likes their future siblings. Shelties score much lower than average on dog-directed aggression. They have the lowest mean score of the 11 breeds in this study! Shetland Sheepdogs tend to be a peaceful breed that gets along well with other dogs. However, if your other dogs are small you need to be aware of the Sheltie’s instincts. Speaking of instincts…. 

  

 Sheltie Natural Instincts 

  

Some Sheltie instincts can be tough to control, even with training. The Shetland Sheepdog temperament is affected by some strong instincts.  

Shelties are known for trying to chase things in motion, such as passing vehicles, bicycles, and even small running animals or children.  

Although Shetland Sheepdogs don’t mean any injury with these behaviors, they can occasionally even nip at heels when herding. Plus, if your Sheltie tries to chase vehicles, it can be dangerous for your pup! You can try to control these instincts by keeping your Sheltie on a leash and harness when walking outside.  

Also, Shelties are known for being vocal dogs. Herding breeds often use barking to assist in their job. So, don’t be shocked if you get a Sheltie that barks quite a lot! These instincts can be complicated to control in the home. If you have small children or other small pets that run around your abode a lot, consider these instincts before getting a Shetland Sheepdog and train them or have them enroll in a school for dogs. And if you can tolerate frequent barking. 

  

 Shelties are Mostly Outdoor Dogs 

 

 Herding breeds like the Sheltie enjoy lively playing and exercise more than other breed types. Your Shetland Sheepdog will appreciate nothing more than running around and having fun with you. So, if you’re looking for a dog that enjoys showing its love by cuddling up on the sofa with you all day, this isn’t the best choice. 

  

Sheltie as a Family Dog 

 

These spirited herding dogs make strong bonds with their families. So, they are excellent for those wanting a loyal dog. But, again, families with young children or other pets should be aware of instincts that can lead to chasing or nipping. Training a Sheltie to avoid nipping other pets and humans is possible but needs a lot of time and effort.  

Some parents do find the herding skills of the Sheltie useful when it comes to rounding rowdy kids. However, these parents need to make sure the Sheltie does not bite or nip.