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Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) as a breed are relatively new. As with many of the breeds we know today, the Shetland Sheepdog’s history is hidden in the mists of the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. The animals from this area had to be small because the rocky makeup of the islands left little food for people or livestock. A few of these sturdy, small animals are still around today. They are the Shetland Pony, Shetland Sheep, Shetland Cattle and of course the Shetland Sheepdog.
The foundation stock was probably of Norse decent but there is little evidence to support the theory. It is known that early late in the 19th century, many of the small herding dogs of the Shetland Islands were bred with some of the best imported dogs of that time. It must be remembered that the Collies at the turn of the century looked little like the show dogs we know today.
The English Kennel Club at that time had the breed registered as the Shetland “Collie”. The Sheltie was entered in the show ring as such until enough pressure by Collie breeders forced the name changed to Shetland Sheepdog. It was in 1915 that the Sheltie entered the ring for the first time under his new name. World War 1 affectively put a temporary end to dog breeding in the British Isles for several years.
Although the first Sheltie to be registered with the AKC was Lord Scott in 1911, nor official organization was developed until the American Shetland Sheepdog Association was formed at the Westminster dog show in 1929. It was another four years before the Sheltie had its first specialty show.
The show standard at this time was for a “modern show Collie in miniature. As the number of clubs grew, so did the controversy over the height of the dog. Over the years the ideal changed from 12 inches to 15 inches and finally settled at 13 inches. Today, the AKC standards require show specimens to be between 13 and 16 inches.
Crossbreeding of the Shetland Sheepdog with show Collies continued until the late 1930's. There were some breeders who were suspected of Collie crossings by way of a Collie using Shetland registration papers even longer. This was never proven at the time and is a mute point at this late date.
It has been proven that the Shetland Sheepdog is a marvelous herding and companion dog. Their nature is to obey willingly which makes them an ideal dog for obedience competition. They are very responsive, agile, quick and eager to please. Their instinct to guard their masters and property is as strong today as it was hundreds of years ago. They can run swiftly and jump over obstacles with ease. Although their almost human intelligence often confounds the owner, their docile, loving nature ensure a spot in any owner’s heart.
The standard calls for the general appearance of a rough coated Collie, with the head being a long, blunt wedge that tapers from ears to nose. Their eyes are dark and almond shaped. Merled eyes are allowed in blue merle specimens.
The ears are small, placed high and tipped at the ends with prick or low hanging ears counting heavily against the dog.
The neck is muscular with a proud arch and heavily coated. The body will be slightly long in comparison to the height with a deep chest and strong sloping shoulders.
Legs should not appear to be heavy, short or too delicate. Feet are well arched and fitted tightly together.
Hips should be strong with a good with straight strong hocks.
The acceptable colors are bi-color (only black and white) tri-colored (black, tan and white), blue merle, and sable and white. Brindled colored coats are disqualified and dogs with more than 50% white are severly penalized.
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a double coat. The outer one is straight and harsh whereas the inner coat is short, furry and very dense. This undercoat should cause the outer one to stand out from the body.
The head, hocks and feet are smooth. The handler is allowed to trim excess hair off for the show ring.
The gait of these little dogs should be effortless and quick. The paws should just clear the ground during movement. There should be no sign of jerkiness, rolling, side to side or stiffness to the movement.
The Shetland Sheepdog is known to be loyal, loving and protective of his or her owner. They can be reserved around strangers but in the ring should show no fear or cringing from the judge.
Their small size and sweet disposition make them an ideal pet for apartment dwellers, children, and even the elderly.
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