by Troy Richardson

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.

Conclusively, the breeds behind the development of the Sheltie are the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, the now extinct Greenland Yakki, and the King Charles Spaniel. It was believed that the task of this breed was to herd stocks in Shetland Island but now, theories say otherwise. When the Collies herded and guided stocks, the Sheltie was chasing and herding smaller animals such as ducks and squirrels.

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.

Even though the Sheltie has never been bred to become herders, it still possesses a natural herding instinct and this brings puzzlement to a lot of breeders. This herding energy should be released through various activities such as running and chasing in a wide area. Doing this will also help the Sheltie become healthy and fit mentally and physically.

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 generally accepted colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. Sable can be golden or mahogany while tri-colour is a combination of black, white and tan. The blue merle color is composed of grey, white, black and tan.

The Sheltie was first recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1909 and in 1911, the American Kennel Club followed suit through the registry of the famous Sheltie “Lord Scott”. A herding breed or not, people believe that the Sheltie possesses a naturally active and affectionate disposition that is often manifested through its inclination in chasing small creatures and children. It is a great and dependable breed and these facts make it an excellent pet to all kinds of people around the world.

About the Author:
Know useful articles about Shetland Sheepdog from author and leading breeder Troy Richardson. Check out his website and read about Shetland Sheepdog breeders, Shetland Sheepdog puppies and Shetland Sheepdog rescue.

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