The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The original name was Shetland Collie, but this caused controversy among the Rough Collie breeders of the time, so the breed's name was formally changed. This hard-working small dog is intelligent, vocal, excitable and willing to please. Shelties were used for herding until commercial livestock farming required larger breeds. Shelties have a double coat, and often shed a lot of the time, no matter the season. This makes them much easier to groom and clean up after than many smooth-haired dogs, which leave loose fur in their space. Shelties can also be great therapy dogs for those who need comfort during hard times such as natural disasters or severe illness. This makes them much easier to groom and clean up after than many smooth-haired dogs, which leave loose fur in their space. Shelties can also be great therapy dogs for those who need comfort during hard times such as natural disasters or severe illness.