I’m a big fan of Shelties too! They are incredibly loyal and active dogs, making them an excellent choice, especially for older children. Although they can be a little shy and tend to bark, their intelligence and trainability more than make up for it. I got my first Sheltie when I was 9, and he became my constant companion for a wonderful 12 years.

After Sandy, I had the pleasure of having two more Shelties, Sherpa and Flurry. Flurry may not have been the brightest, but he was a great friend. However, it was during this time that I realized the importance of adopting rather than shopping for dogs. I searched far and wide, from the UK to France, Belgium, and Holland, but finding a Sheltie available for adoption was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Their rarity in rescue homes is a testament to their desirability. As a result, I now have rescued Shelties as they have become my preferred breed.

Oh, and contrary to popular belief, the Sheltie’s coat is not as high-maintenance as people might think.