Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog, small herding dog developed to control the small sheep, poultry, and ponies of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom. Shelties, as they are frequently called, resemble a miniature version of the rough-coated Collie, but it is inaccurate to call them Miniature Collies, for Shelties descend from several breeds and are different from Collies in more ways than just size. For example, the head is shorter with a blunter muzzle, and they only come in a long-haired version. Shelties can also be more careful and cautious around strangers compared to Collies.

The Sheltie’s small size was a response to the Shetland Islands’ harsh, cold, rocky landscape, which produced sparse vegetation. With food scarce, Collies and other breeds brought to the islands were intentionally bred smaller so the resulting breed would need less to eat than larger herding dogs. This diverse genetic history makes the Sheltie, as the American Kennel Club explains, “difficult to breed true to type.” The early Shelties were smaller than today’s breed, standing only 8–10 inches, and called “Toonie dogs” (Shetland dialect for farm dogs).

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Sturdy, agile, intelligent, and alert, the Sheltie is noted for its herding ability and affectionate nature. The long straight coat is predominantly sable (brownish gold to mahogany), black, or blue merle (blue-gray with black mottling), often with bi- or tri-color markings of tan and white.

Care and upkeep

The Sheltie’s coat consists of a very dense undercoat and an outer coat of much longer hair. The dense undercoat can mat unless combed down to the skin regularly. During twice-yearly shedding periods, molting is heavy and may necessitate daily grooming of the dog with a slicker angle-bristled brush. Bathing the dog every few weeks will beautify the coat and perhaps reduce shedding.

Shelties require no special health care. Nails should be clipped every other week and teeth brushed daily, if possible. Puppies destined for the conformation show ring may need to have their ears trained to stand correctly—folded forward at the top.

Temperament

Shelties are athletic, high-energy dogs that need daily exercising; without it, they can become bored, resulting in excessive barking and destructive chewing. They love to play, enjoy physical and mental stimulation, and are among the most biddable of breeds. Smart, active, and eager to please, they are easy to train. They excel at a number of dog sports, especially obedience and agility, and make wonderful service and therapy dogs.

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Shelties are amiable family-oriented dogs that get along well with other pets and people of all ages. They are, in general, a sensitive breed that responds best to gentle handling. They can be timid around strangers and sensitive to noises and stress; they suffer separation anxiety more than other breeds and should not be left alone for long periods of time. The breed is very vocal, with a piercing bark, which makes it a wonderful watchdog.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.