Unlike many people who are calculating, mercantile, manipulative, or have ulterior motives, the dog is without question a friend of the best kind. Not only does he not question your human failings, but would give his life without question to protect you from harm. They say when God gave man his best friend he named it 'Dog' because it was so pure and innocent and good that he simply reversed the spelling of his own name. These little dogs truly do have a 'Heart O' Gold'. In our 30 years of Sheltie ownership, we have never had one that was a problem.
Size is truly a benefit.
Shelties are very smart - always in the top 3 breeds by number in earning obedience titles. This intelligence equates to trainability, which relates to reliability - in the house, on the street, with children, and most other life situations to which your dog must adjust in today's ever changing world. Because Shelties are herding dogs the boundary instinct is present, which makes it possible to train this breed to certain areas of the house or yard. Although this is possible with other herding breeds, it is not possible with many other breeds. Try boundary training a hound or terrier.