Our Shetland from group 1 is, of course, a sheepdog. Originally, the breed's main function was primarily that of guarding and helping to manoeuver sheep herds. Rustic and energetic, this dog would rush headlong into working with his master. He would often be seen to run over the backs of the sheep when the herd was packed tight, rather than running around them, thus gaining time. Today we can understand better why so many Shelties succeed so well in agility competitions thanks to their speed, tenacity, passion, love of their masters and the wish to please them. This explosive mixture worked perfectly with the herd.

Today the transformation of his natural capacities for sheep herding is the result of two important factors, the development of the pedigree on the one hand in order to satisfy a popular demand for his many qualities but not specifically with the aim of sheep herding, and, as a result of the prevalence of the border collie with professional breeders. Consequently his natural capacities for sheep herding have weakened generation by generation. Indeed, it would be reasonable to think that only about 10% of these capacities for sheep herding remain in many subjects. In any case, this is the percentage that I have noted as a result of the tests I have made during the ' SCF' events I have attended.

Having carried out these observations, many very positive points remain, and it is easy to awaken the Sheltie's interest in the herd again by stimulating him individually or collectively. The most important criteria remains to obtain a Sheltie from a line of dogs with strong temperaments, good morphologies and behaviour. Thus by initially choosing a dog from these origins we should be able to revive and accentuate this basic instinct necessary in order to carry out substantive work. The second criteria would be to begin working with herds well before the age of one year. A young dog is very playful and if we use this approach we will awaken and encourage his ancestral capacities. However, once again, nothing is automatic, magical or predictable and only passion along with perseverance will allow us to make progress.