There seem to be as many Sheltie-lovers that claim that the Sheltie is not a herding dog as there are that says he is. Early Collie crosses in the making of the breed makes him carry the herding instincts in his blood, though. It is these herding characteristics that makes the Sheltie to what he is today, a soft, gentle, alert, attentive, responsive dog who doesn't want anything but to work together with his owner. Well, you can't breed out a natural instinct, so if it is true that Collie is crossed in, he will have herding abilities. Back then the Collie was much more of a working dog than todays showdog and pet. Important to remember is that the Shetland Sheepdog is herding like a Shetland Sheepdog. Any comparison to the Border Collie is wrong.

In USA the Sheltie is common in herding trials, they are even supported by the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. But here in Europe, herding with the Sheltie is highly unusual. Anyway, I wanted to test Kim on sheep, to see if he would get "turned on". One of our neighbours have sheep that walks around on the acres totally free. He said it is OK to let Kim "hunt them", as he said ;-)

Today we found the wild-walking sheep by the road when out driving. I took Kim out of the car, put on the lead and started to walk with him towards the flock. The sheep slowly started to move away from us, but we followed in their path. Kim closely explored the scents from them and ofcourse tasted what they left behind... At the same time he kept his eyes on the strange, fluffy animals in front of him. Suddenly they stopped and turned towards us, staring. Kim also stopped and stared back. He was now in front of me and that surprised me a little, because he has been very careful and cautious in all new situations earlier.

Kim just stood there, keeping eye-contact with the sheep. After a while he lowered his head, probably to scent them better. Like on a given command, all sheep turned around and ran away at high speed. Their hooves clattered on the newly frozen ground and Kim got really excited, definately wanted to follow! I wonder if he would go for their heads to stop them if I had let him? Or would he just chase them in the direction the sheep chose?

Sheltiekisses from Karin & Kim, the sheepdog!