Shetland Sheepdog: Personality

The Sheltie is intensely loyal, gentle, and sensitive. There's a wide range of personalities in the breed, from outgoing and boisterous to calm and sedate to shy or retiring.

It's normal for Shelties to be reserved with strangers, but steer clear of dogs that seem overly timid or nervous. If you're choosing a puppy, it's fine if they don't always come right up to a stranger, but they should be happily curious and ready to make friends with someone who sits down on the floor with them.

Whatever their personality, Shelties prefer to be with their people at all times and will follow them from room to room during the course of the day.

Like all dogs, Shelties need early socialization--exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences--when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Sheltie puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

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