The Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie is one of the dog breeds around the world whose origin is not exactly defined. What’s certain, however, is the fact that the Sheltie is a supposed original resident of the rocky region of the Shetland Island in Scotland. Physically, this breed appears like a miniature Collie but in fact, the breeding was never intended to achieve this kind of result.
It is concluded that the main contributors for the development of the Sheltie are the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, Greenland Yakki (now extinct), and the King Charles Spaniel. During it’s prominence in Shetland Island, this little breed was believed to do herding tasks just like any other Collies. It was discovered though that while its larger look-alike herded stocks, this breed did the chasing and herding of smaller creatures such as ducks, squirrels and vermin.
Today, the Sheltie is a well-known family pet and companion and it excels in this field outstandingly. Moreover, additional likable disposition of the Sheltie is its eagerness to please the master, obedience and extreme loyalty. With proper and correct training, the Sheltie is a potential skillful dog and reliable household companion.
If not often exposed to people in the beginning, this breed has the tendency to become aloof towards strangers when it grows up. It does well around people especially children and therefore should be socialized at a young age. The Sheltie is a superb watch dog as well, barking as a signal when there is an approaching human or car towards the house.
It was mentioned that the Sheltie was not really meant for herding but curiously, it possesses a natural herding ability that it can’t help but chase and herd smaller creatures at home or in the outdoors. Because of this ability and energy, it is important to exercise them daily in the form of running and chasing in the open field. This is to keep them healthy mentally and physically and to utilize its unused herding energy as well.
The normal height of the Sheltie is 13 to 16 inches while its normal weight is between 14 to 27 pounds. It has an outer coat and an inner coat wherein the outer coat is long, coarse and dense and acts as a water-guard. The inner coat is somewhat softer and serves as a comforter against hot or cold temperatures.
The general colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. The sable is either golden or mahogany and the tri-colour is white, black and tan. The blue merle is composed of grey, white, black and tan.
In 1909, the English Kennel Club first registered the Sheltie. In 1911, the first Sheltie was registered in the American Kennel Club named Lord Scott. The Sheltie is an adorable and fascinating little breed and because of these and its many positive features, it became a favorite of many families around the world.
