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Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are closely related to Border Collies and other working dogs.

Short History of the Breed

Shelties originated in the Shetland Isles of Scotland as a herding dog. This breed is a mix of several breeds, including Pomeranians and Collies. Shelties gained popularity as pets in the 20th century when they were imported from Scotland and it was discovered that they were one of the best breeds for obedience competition.

The Shetland Sheepdog was first registered with the AKC in 1911.

Physical Description & Size

Shelties have small, compact, and graceful bodies with long noses, wedge-shaped heads, and rough long hair. They are often described as miniature versions of the Rough Collie, though the temperament of the Sheltie is much different from that of the Collie. There is only one breed of Shetland Sheepdog, and "toy" or "miniature" are not recognized as versions of the breed.

The beautiful long double coat sports a lion-like mane and frill around the neck, and comes in blue merle, sable and black with various amounts of white and/or tan. The outer coat is lined with a dense, woolly undercoat.

On average, Shetland Sheepdogs are about 13-16 inches high and weigh from 14 to 18 pounds.

Temperament

Like other herding breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs are very alert and intelligent. Some Sheltie owners who have to deal with mischievousness and boredom might say these dogs are a little too intelligent! Because of their intelligence, they are very trainable and are very motivated to work for food.

Due to their alertness and tendency to bark, Shelties make good watch dogs. Their friendly nature prevents them from being good guard dogs, however.

Shetland Sheepdogs are very affectionate and loyal with all members of the family and live well with children and other pets provided that they are socialized as puppies or properly introduced in adulthood. Shelties are timid with strangers and can bark when frightened or provoked.

Shelties are sound-sensitive and can be spooked by noises. When spooked they are a high flight-risk and once lost, they are very difficult to bring back home. Extra caution must always be taken when a Sheltie is in an unfenced area, and it is wise to use a leash or lead at all times in that situation. A no-slip collar will help to prevent the Sheltie from backing out of a collar.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

First and foremost, Shelties need plenty of vigorous exercise and are best suited for homes with a yard for running around. They make great pets for an active family that can give these dogs the time and attention needed to burn of excess energy and prevent a barking problem.

As a herding dog, Shelties love to chase things, most notably cars. It's imperative that Shelties are confined to a yard or other safe area to protect them from their instinct to run around.

The coat is easier to care for than you might expect, but regular brushing is important. The coat readily sheds dirt and mud and Shelties are quite fastidious about their cleanliness. Bathe or dry shampoo only when absolutely necessary. The Sheltie's coat protects him from the cold in winter and from the sun in summer, and should therefore not be shaved.

Shelties love food and are prone to obesity. Care must be taken to measure the amount of food fed and to feed at scheduled feeding times. Shelties who are allowed to free-feed will quickly become overweight, resulting in a number of health issues. Training treats should be counted toward the total daily intake of food.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

Like the Rough Collie, there is a tendency toward inherited malformation and disease of the eyes. Each individual puppy should be examined by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist. Some blood lines may be prone to hypothyroidism. It can also be affected by displacement of the kneecap, which is thought to be inherited.

Given proper care, Shelties can live 12 to 15 years or more.

AKC Group

The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed in the AKC Herding group. Other dogs in this group include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Australian Shepherd, and the Border Collie.

Additional Resources

• Sheltie Information & Community - PurebredPups.org
• Shetland Sheepdog Online Community - DogBreed.org
• Yahoo! Pets
• AKC
• American Shetland Sheepdog Association
• Sheltie Nation
• Sheltie Bloodlines and Border Collie Quirks