Origin
Shelties were first bred on the Scottish island of Shetland as a herding dog, according to Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana. The Border Collie was bred with the Yakkin from Iceland to eventually produce the sheltie. The breed was recognized in 1911 by the American Kennel Club.
Herding Instinct
Shelties have retained their herding instincts and love to bark and chase. They must be trained to obey, kept on a leash or fenced yard to prevent them from running loose, especially near traffic.
Health Problems
The sheltie gains weight easily and may have an inherited tendency towards displacement of the knee, hypothyroidism, and eye problems.