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The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, was once a farmer's faithful companion in Scotland. Their duties included alerting their owners to approaching visitors, keeping animals out of the garden by barking at them, and helping to manage sheep herds with the help of Scottish herding dogs. Although they may resemble the Rough Collie at first glance, these two breeds are distinct from one another.

Shelties make loving family pets, including for children, but can be reserved or shy around strangers due to their protective nature. They are quick to bark if they sense something is not right in their territory, so training is necessary to prevent this trait from becoming a nuisance. On the positive side, they make excellent watchdogs with the ability to discriminate.

Shelties are highly intelligent and athletic, making them well-suited for performance events. In fact, they are often dominant in agility competitions among their size group. They also excel in competitive obedience, flyball, tracking, and herding. However, they require mental stimulation and a job to do, or they will become bored and may engage in unwanted behavior.

Shelties have a strong herding instinct and will try to "herd" small animals and children, which can lead to biting if not discouraged. They are relatively inactive indoors and can live in apartments if they are walked daily and not excessive barkers. They require a fenced yard to play safely and should be prevented from herding people, animals, or cars.

Shelties have a long, thick coat that sheds heavily. It is important to be aware of the shedding before adopting a Sheltie, as many are surrendered to rescue groups due to shedding. However, they can be good pets for working people who provide them with enough attention, playtime, training, and quiet patting. In return, Shelties will be loyal and loving companions.

HISTORY

The Sheltie is a breed of dog that originates from the Shetland Islands, situated between Scotland and Norway. These islands are home to other small animals such as Shetland Ponies and Shetland Sheep. The Shetland Sheepdog was initially called the Toonie, a name derived from the Norwegian word for farm. The breed was developed by farmers who crossed Border Collies with smaller dogs to herd and protect their flocks of Shetland Sheep, and possibly to protect them from birds. Today's Shelties still have a tendency to chase birds and even airplanes and helicopters.

In the early 1800s, the Sheltie was brought to England and Scotland, where it was called a miniature Collie. Back on the Shetland Islands, the farmers selectively bred their Shelties to be even smaller and fluffier, which made them appealing to tourists. It's rumored that Prince Charles Spaniels and Pomeranian dogs were crossed with the native sheepdogs, leading to much crossbreeding and loss of the original breed type.

By the end of the 19th century, the original type of Sheltie was disappearing, and breeders had different opinions on how to regain it. Some believed in crossbreeding with Collies, while others preferred breeding the existing Shelties closest to the original type. Others continued to crossbreed with other breeds to create small, attractive pets. All three types of Shelties were entered in dog shows up to World War I.

The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1909, with 28 Shelties registered as Shetland Collies. The breed's name was later changed to Shetland Sheepdog after Collie breeders protested to the Kennel Club. The first Sheltie registered with the American Kennel Club was Lord Scott in 1911.

The Shetland Sheepdog caused controversy in Great Britain and the United States due to rumors of crossbreeding and disagreements about the breed's appearance. This led to the formation of various Shetland Sheepdog clubs to support different viewpoints. In 1930, the Scottish and English clubs agreed that the breed should resemble a collie in miniature.

U.S. breeders imported Shelties from England until the 1950s, but American and British Shelties had diverged in type and size by that time. Today, almost all Shetland Sheepdogs in the U.S. are descended from dogs imported from England between World Wars I and II.

The Sheltie's popularity exploded in the 1970s and it appeared on the American Kennel Club's list of the ten most popular dogs in 12 of the next 15 years, peaking in the early 1990s. Today, the Sheltie ranks 20th in popularity among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club.

Ironically, the Sheltie is relatively rare in its native Shetland Islands, where it has been replaced by the Border Collie.

SIZE

The height of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder, although some may fall outside of this range. Similarly, while the average weight of a Sheltie is around 22 pounds, some can weigh as much as 35 or 40 pounds.

Personality

The Sheltie is renowned for its loyalty, gentleness, and sensitivity, with a varied range of personalities that can range from outgoing and boisterous to calm and sedate, or even shy and retiring.

Although it's typical for Shelties to be reserved with strangers, it's important to avoid dogs that display excessive timidity or nervousness. If selecting a puppy, it's acceptable if they don't immediately approach a stranger, but they should exhibit a happy curiosity and willingness to make friends with someone who sits on the floor with them.

Regardless of their temperament, Shelties prefer to remain close to their human companions and will trail them from room to room throughout the day.

As with all dogs, early socialization is crucial for Shelties and involves exposing them to a variety of individuals, sights, sounds, and experiences during their formative years. This socialization ensures that your Sheltie puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.

Health

Shelties are typically a healthy breed, but as with any other dog breed, they may be prone to certain health issues. Although not all Shelties will develop these conditions, it's crucial to be aware of them if you're considering getting a Sheltie.

If you're planning to purchase a Sheltie puppy, ensure that you find a reputable breeder who can provide you with health clearances for both parents of your potential puppy. These clearances certify that a dog has been screened for and cleared of a specific condition.

For Shelties, you should expect to receive health clearances for hips, thyroid, and von Willebrand's disease from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and certification that their eyes are normal from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

Because some health conditions may not manifest until a dog reaches maturity, health clearances are typically not issued to dogs under the age of 2. To ensure that you're purchasing from a responsible breeder, choose one who doesn't breed their dogs until they reach 2 or 3 years old.

Although uncommon, the following health issues may occur in Shelties:

Hypothyroidism results from the body's inability to maintain sufficient thyroid hormone levels. Signs may include weight gain, a thinning coat, dry skin, slow heart rate, and cold sensitivity. As hypothyroidism is a progressive disease, it's essential to take your dog to the vet if you observe any of these signs. Fortunately, daily medication can effectively manage hypothyroidism, which should continue throughout the dog's life. To determine whether the condition is present in a breeder's lines, inquire about the thyroid status of your puppy's grandparents.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. Typically, this condition is diagnosed before the dog reaches 2 years of age by a veterinary ophthalmologist. While both eyes may be affected, the severity may differ. Dogs with a mild anomaly can make great pets and may not lose their eyesight. On the other hand, severely affected dogs may become blind within a few years of diagnosis. There is currently no cure for CEA, but blind dogs can still live an active life. Since this condition is a genetic abnormality, it's crucial to notify the breeder if your puppy has the condition. Additionally, spaying or neutering your dog will prevent the gene from being passed down to their offspring.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a blood disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen (von Willebrand factor). The primary symptom is excessive bleeding after surgery or injury. Other signs, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or gastrointestinal bleeding, may also be present. Most dogs with von Willebrand's disease can lead a normal life. If you're concerned, your vet can perform tests to determine if your dog has the condition.

Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the femur doesn't fit snugly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. It can occur with or without clinical signs, and some dogs may experience pain and lameness in one or both of their hind legs. As the dog ages, arthritis may develop. Screening for hip dysplasia can be done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or using the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn't be bred. When purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder to provide proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, speak to your vet to determine the best course of action, such as medication or surgery.

CARE

Shelties were originally bred to withstand extreme weather conditions, but they have an affectionate nature and should be kept indoors with their human family members.

While they may not be very active indoors, Shelties were bred to be working farm dogs and require enough exercise. They love to go for walks, play fetch with kids, and run around the dining room table. Afterward, they will be content to lounge on the sofa with you.

Shelties are small in size, which makes them suitable for apartment living as long as their owners commit to daily walks, playtime, and training to prevent excessive barking. This requires gentle handling, as Shelties can be easily hurt. Instead of scolding them for barking, acknowledge their warning ("Thanks for alerting me about the squirrel in the yard") and offer a verbal reprimand only if they persist in barking. Generally, Shelties respond well to positive reinforcement such as praise, play, and food rewards.

To keep your Sheltie engaged, make training sessions fun. They get bored easily and may not see the value in repeating an exercise multiple times if they have already done it correctly.

Feeding

To ensure your Sheltie stays healthy, it's recommended to feed them 3/4 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food per day, divided into two meals. However, the amount of food your adult dog requires depends on various factors, such as size, age, metabolism, build, and activity level. As with humans, dogs are individuals and have different dietary needs. A dog that is highly active will require more food than one that is less active. The quality of the dog food you provide also matters, as better quality food will better nourish your dog, requiring less food overall.



To maintain your Sheltie's good health, measure their food and feed them twice daily instead of leaving food out continuously. To check whether your dog is overweight, conduct an eye and hands-on test. First, look down at them; there should be a visible waist. Then, place your hands on their back, with fingers spread downward and thumbs along the spine. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard; if you can't, they require less food and more exercise.


For more information on feeding your Sheltie, refer to our guidelines on choosing the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

In conclusion, the Shetland Sheepdog is an affectionate and devoted breed that boasts a fascinating past and a promising future as an adored household pet. Whether you seek a dog to help you manage livestock or a furry friend to cuddle up with, the Sheltie is certain to capture your affections. Their endearing temperament, sharp intellect, and relaxed demeanor all contribute to their widespread appeal among dog lovers.

FAQS

1. Where did the Shetland Sheepdog originate?

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They were originally bred to herd and protect sheep in the rugged terrain of the islands.

2. When was the Shetland Sheepdog first recognized as a breed?

The Shetland Sheepdog was first recognized as a breed in the early 20th century. The first Sheltie was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911.

3. What other breeds were involved in the creation of the Shetland Sheepdog?

The Shetland Sheepdog is believed to have been developed from several other breeds, including the Collie, the Icelandic Sheepdog, and the King Charles Spaniel.

4. What was the original purpose of the Shetland Sheepdog?

The original purpose of the Shetland Sheepdog was to herd and protect sheep on the rugged terrain of the Shetland Islands. They were valued for their agility, intelligence, and loyalty.

5. How did the Shetland Sheepdog become popular as a companion dog?

As sheep herding declined as an occupation, Shetland Sheepdogs became popular as companion dogs. Their affectionate nature, intelligence, and trainability made them ideal pets for families.

6. Have there been any famous Shetland Sheepdogs in history?

Yes, there have been several famous Shetland Sheepdogs throughout history. One of the most well-known is the character "Lassie" from the television show and movies. Other famous Shelties include "Ch. Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible," who won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2006, and "Ch. Misty Morn's Sunset," who was the first Shetland Sheepdog to win Best in Show at Westminster in 1929.