ipawprints.com Shetland Sheepdog

GROUP: Non-sporting
ORIGIN: Scotland

History

The Sheltie developed on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. Unlike many miniature breeds, which are selectively bred from their larger counterparts for smaller and smaller sizes, the Sheltie’s size is the result of the intermingling of Border Collies and several other herding breeds over the past several centuries. Unlike their name suggests, the Shetland Sheepdog is now rare in Shetland, having been largely replaced by the Border Collie.

Exact origins of the breed are not known, but the Sheltie’s most likely predecessors include the Border Collie (or its ancestors), the Yakki (also Yakkie or Yakkin), which was a dog kept and bred in Greenland by whalers, and the Icelandic sheepdog. During the 19th century, small, fluffy dogs became popular in Europe, and there are mentions of crosses between Shelties and Pomeranians, which were larger then than they are today, as well as with the now-extinct Prince Charles Spaniel, and possibly with the King Charles Spaniel. Some Shelties in the early 20th century had brindle coats, which may have come from a Terrier or Corgi breed.

The English Kennel Club first recognized the Sheltie as a breed in1909. In 1911, a dog named “Lord Scott” was the first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club.

The Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog, being intensely loyal, and having a pleasant temperament. It is lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey. Shelties are loving and affectionate with their families, but are naturally aloof with strangers and might not appreciate being petted by someone they do not know. For this reason Shelties must be socialized extensively. Most Shelties, if encouraged, will warm up to strangers in time, however, some can be quite reserved, and others have varying degrees of shyness. Shelties do especially well with children if they are raised with them from an early age, although the breed’s characteristic small size makes it easy for a child to accidentally injure them, so supervision is necessary.

Shelties have a reputation as vocal dogs, but that might be undeserved. Ill-bred dogs often display a terrier-like personality, acting hyperactive, yappy, and always on the go. However, they may just as easily be overly timid and may become fear-biters. In most cases, the intelligent Sheltie makes an excellent watchdog, giving two or three barks to alert its owner to a person at the door.

Unlike some dog breeds, males and females make equally good pets. The main difference is that males tend to have more impressive coats, and unspayed females will ‘blow’ coat after every heat cycle. Well-bred males should appear masculine, and females feminine.

The herding instinct is still strong in many Shelties. They love to chase things, including squirrels, ducks, Bichons, and children. When people are milling around the yard, Shelties sometimes try to "herd" the people into a group by running around, barking, and nipping at heels. This tendency appears most when children run around the yard in a group. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas, although attention should be paid to ensure that the space is safe and they do not get too far away.

Shelties usually love to play. They do best with a sensitive yet firm owner. Above all, Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent herders, and they like to be kept busy, although their activity level usually coincides with their owner’s level. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable.