There is nothing more fun than choosing the family dog. It is a great way to bring the whole family together for quality time and it brings new life into your home. Having a dog is good for your mental health, and in some cases, physical health. One of the cutest small dog breeds out there today is the miniature Shetland sheepdog. These pups look like the traditional Collie breed, but actually come from the Border Collie breed. These little pups are very agile and quite the jumpers. Typically, for show purposes, the male of this breed should appear masculine and the female feminine.

How great are these dogs with the family? Much like the Collie and the Border Collie, this breed is very intelligent, loyal, loving and devoted to its family. They are happy in an apartment or a big house as long as they have the love and attention they need. The miniature Shetland sheepdog is the perfect gentle, loving and easy to train family dog. This dog is so cute, you will be tempted to spoil it and let it get its way, but you must, absolutely must, make sure it knows you are the master in order to avoid any behavioral problems. They can have some tendencies to snapping, biting and barking that can be controlled with proper training. If you have small children, this dog breed is not recommended unless you train your pup and your child to respect each other.

Since the miniature Shetland sheepdog is a small dog, it stands to reason that it comes with some small dog characteristics like developing small dog syndrome which is usually caused by its master and family. Again, proper training and love will help thwart this problem. Some of these dogs can experience eye problems, kneecap displacement and/ or hypothyroidism. Make sure to find a reputable breeder before choosing your pup, as this breed is in high demand and has led to inferior breeding in some circles.

The only thing left to say about this breed is that the grooming is not as bad as it may seem. You will need to brush them regularly, but bath only when necessary. Overall, the miniature Shetland sheepdog is a great little dog breed for the family.