Sheltie puppies otherwise known by their proper name of Shetland Sheepdogs are a smaller sized breed originally used in Scotland in the Shetland Islands for herding sheep. They are an energetic and hard working type of dog having an excitable and vocal nature, they are best suited to older children and adults, they are very loyal and make an exceptional companion dog.

In their earlier times they were a smaller breed being only around ten inches in height, until around the earlier part of the twentieth century when James Loggie crossed them with the Rough Collie. This helped increase their size to what it is now up to sixteen inches, and up to thirty pounds in weight. They became a recognised breed in 1909.

Sheltie puppies because of their background and herding instincts are quite intelligent and accept training with a willingness to obey and please their trainer. In a family situation they can show a strong tendency toward affection and loyalty towards their owner and those that live within the home. With a stranger they may be inclined to stand back and be more or less watchful, but not actually fearful or shy, timidness is not encouraged by the breeding standards nor is hyperactivity. They make extremely good watch dogs and will give warning barks when something which is not normal disturbs them.

These types of puppies are best raised in a situation where they can get plenty of exercise, they do however need a certain amount of containment if their owner lives near a road and cars. Having herding instincts they will be inclined to chase and try to herd things such as cars and other animals like poultry. If the young dog is restricted with its exercise then bad behaviour may result, such as a lot of barking, becoming nervous and have a strong dislike or fear of something. Giving the animal a good exercising each day with interaction by the owner will greatly help to lessen any of these problems where a dog is in a confined situation.

These Sheltie puppies have a long coat which is in two layers with the top having long guard hairs whilst being waterproof. The lower layer which is closer to the skin, because of it being soft it is able to help the dog withstand low as well as high temperatures. Their colors can range from white in the neck and chest area with mahogany through to golden in the rest, this being known as a sable color. There is the tri color and this can be white, tan and black. There is a shading of grey which is called a blue merle but this also includes other colors, and there are also other color variations which may be less common.

They have a number of health problems that a prospective owner should be aware of and one of these is an eye problem. It is advised that each puppy should be checked for this problem by a vet qualified in ophthalmology as it is an inherited risk, there are also a small number of other inherited problems and these should be checked as well before purchasing. Sheltie puppies make great pets and companion dogs if properly looked after and well cared for.