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Herding breeds: Shetland Sheepdog
Origin
The Shetland Sheepdog is a working miniature Collie. This herding dog was bred originally in the Shetland Islands and brought to England in the early 1900s. It is thought that this breed is as old as the Collie breed, and those are assumed to be as old as the islands themselves. The first Shetland Collies were registered with the AKC in 1911. In 1914 they were registered as Shetland Sheepdogs at the insistence of both the Sheltie and Collie breeders. It was not until the 1930s that the English clubs settled on a proper size for the standard.
General description
Height: 13 and 16 inches
Weight: 14-25 pounds
Color: Blue merle (blue merle, tan, and white), tri-colored (black, tan, and white), and sable; marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan. Black and white or blue and white, with the absence of tan markings, is called bi-color.
Grooming requirements
Daily brushing, regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are required. This breed needs a slicker brush and a metal comb to keep its lustrous coat maintained properly. Problem areas for matting in this breed are behind the ears, the bib, neck and hind quarters. Be sure to start your Sheltie's grooming routine early in life so that it is a part of his schedule. The earlier you start him on this, the easier it will be for both you and the dog. Although they are a small breed, the brushing requirements can be quite involved due to the thickness of the coat.
Health considerations
Shelties are subject to autoimmune problems, skin and eye problems, hip dysplasia, and sometimes epilepsy.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Shetland Sheepdog is intensely loyal, affectionate, and responsive to his owner. The breed is generally healthy and hardy, generally even-tempered, and unusually intelligent. Shelties are good with children and make delightful family companions. Their desire to please makes them easier than many other breeds to train, so they are a delight to take on walks in the park, and they tend to travel well.
The Sheltie is a "watch" dog, not a guard dog; nor is it visually frightening. It will bark at intruders, but after giving warning, may either retreat or escort them through your house.
Daily exercise is also a must. The Sheltie can be a good apartment dog if exercised properly. However, a house with a fenced yard is recommended, as they will instinctively want to chase kids, bikers, joggers, cars, etc.
The Sheltie can be quite vocal. Proper training at a young age is highly recommended to prevent the barking from becoming a behavior problem.
There are instances of inherited shyness. Lack of socialization at a young age can result in an introverted pet where strangers are concerned.
Uses
The Sheltie was and still is a herding breed. Like the other dogs in their group, they need a job to do. This breed also excels at Obedience and Agility work. They enjoy performing for a crowd and make outstanding companion dogs.
Web links
AKC Shetland Sheepdog page
Dallas Shetland Sheepdog Club
Mid-Arizona Shetland Sheepdog Club
Shetland Sheepdog Club of Austin
Shetland Sheepdog Club of San Diego
Shetland Sheepdog Club of British Columbia
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