The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small version of the Collie.
He originated on the Shetland Islands where scarcity of food favored small
animals. He was introduced into England in the late 1800s and was recognized
by the English Kennel Club in 1909 as Shetland Collies and in 1914 as Shetland
Sheepdogs. The first dog of the breed was registered with the American Kennel
Club in 1911.
Despite his small size, the Shetland Sheepdog is a wonderful sheepdog. It
works keenly and enthusiastically, nipping the heels of the sheep to move
them along. Because of his intelligence and willingness to obey, he is an
excellent obedience dog. He is gentle and makes a good playmate for children
but he needs plenty of exercise.
The body of the Sheltie resembles a rough-coated Collie. The head is long
and v-shaped with very little drop off between the skull and muzzle. The
muzzle is long, straight and equal in length to the skull. The bite is scissors.
The nose is black. Eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped and dark in color
except for blue eyes being acceptable in dogs with blue merle coats. The
ears are button type and set high. They bend forward at three-quarters of
their length from the head. The chest is deep, extending down to the point
of the elbow. The back is short, straight and level. The legs are straight
and muscular with strong bone. The trotting gait denotes effortless speed
and smoothness. and should tend toward a single track as their speed increases.
The tail is long enough to reach the top of the hock with long coat furnishings
that may reach to the ground. The Sheltie has a double coat with a soft,
dense under coat and an outer coat that is long, straight and rough. There
should be abundant mane and featherings on the legs (except on the hocks)
and tail. Coat color is black, blue merle, tricolor or sable with markings
of white and tan. Average height at the withers is between thirteen and
sixteen inches while average weight is twenty pounds.
mutts2themax@aol.com of U.S. writes:
Beautiful and sweet dogs.
First off I would like to say that Shetland Sheepdogs are not miniature
Collies as many people think. They are a completely different breed. I love
Shelties and I will always love having them around. The bad points of Shelties
are: They like to bark. A LOT. Many owners choose to debark their Shelties,
so they can bark as much as they want without getting yelled at or disturbing
others. They really don't seem to know the difference. They can be clingy
(though some Sheltie owners consider this a good trait), especially males.
They are a one-family dog, they are wary and most take a while to get used
to strangers. They are extremely affectionate and loving protectors for
their family, though. They need to be socialized with people and dogs early
in life. Many Shelties are shy by nature, and need quite a bit of socializing
so they can become friendly, outgoing adults. They shed, a lot! Some Shelties
don't shed as badly as others during most of the year, but all Shelties
"blow" their coats once or twice a year, and during this time,
brush, brush, brush! Some puppies will nip at the heels of running children
in an attempt to "herd" them. They usually grow out of this. They
have caught the attention of backyard breeders and puppymills so you have
to take a lot of time to find a responsible breeder, just like with any
other breed. NEVER buy a Sheltie from a pet store. Those are unhealthy,
unsocialized puppymill puppies. "Rescuing" one from a pet store
just tells the puppymill owners that they need to breed more unhealthy dogs
in horrible conditions because people are still buying.
The good points (I think they outweigh the bad points, just with their personality!):
They have a wonderful, loving personality. They are very affectionate. They
look as sweet as they are. And they come in many colors, with beautiful
full coats. They are generally good with other animals and children. You
can do a lot of fun events with them. They are great at agility, obedience,
conformation, herding, "dog dancing" and everything in between.
They are great cuddlers. They seem to have an uncanny ability to sense what
you are feeling. If you are feeling sick, you hear pitter-patter, pitter-patter
and then you are greeted by a sweet Sheltie face coming to comfort you.
If you are happy, they are bouncing for joy. They are generally easy to
housetrain, they are very smart. They learn tricks quickly also. Shelties
are great dogs, enough said. They sure do steal your heart.
becki_giles@hotmail.com of Chicago, IL writes:
Wonderful little dogs, but choose wisely.
Having had Shelties since childhood, and currently mom to one terrific
"little man," I can tell you they are wonderful little dogs. IF
you choose wisely.
A Sheltie from a good, reputable breeder, that is raised properly, is one
of the best companions you could ask for. Smart, small, clean and brimming
with personality, a Sheltie will do anything you ask it or train it to do.
They are extremely loyal and intelligent. They think they are little people
and act like it too. Although not always friendly with strangers (they can
be shy) they will love their person/people with every ounce of their little
hearts. You MUST spend time with a Sheltie and train it or it will inevitably
find its own "job" even if that means barking at every sound to
"herd" it away or chewing holes in whatever it finds.
Research very carefully the breeder you get your Sheltie from. Along with
health problems, poorly bred Shelties can be hyperactive, neurotic, yippy,
and even aggressive, to name a few problems. The popularity of the breed
and puppymills have created some dogs that are true Shelties only in appearance
but not in personality.
Name withheld by request of Eastlake, OH writes:
The prettiest dogs.
I love Shetland Sheepdogs, they are the best breed. They are so intelligent
and bold. I have a three-year-old black, brown and white one. I believe
they are hard to give baths, but awesome pets. I got mine off a farm, the
lady told me I'd enjoy this one and I do. He's so funny, it's like he talks!
kellyblue122@yahoo.com of Vermont writes:
A great, but slightly quirky, dog.
I have a two-and-one-half-year-old blue merle Sheltie. She is one of
the great joys of my life. A great dog, very playful, and VERY smart. I've
never had a dog who learned things so quickly, and she understands so much
of what I say (I know this, because she responds appropriately to what I
say, regardless (for the most part) of the tone in which I say it). She
can be affectionate, and she also has moments when she just wants to be
left alone and have "her time," for which I can't say I blame
her. The most annoying thing about her is that she barks so much! Also,
she totally fits the stereotypical image of a Sheltie as very skittish and
very much OVERLY timid. We socialized her a great deal as a puppy, but it
hasn't helped. She's okay around women, but the only men she likes are those
who live with her. Despite her quirks, she is one of my best friends. She
is certainly the best of us all in the family. And she is more beautiful
than any other dog in the world!
Name withheld by request of Texas writes:
Beautiful, sweet, gentle soul, sensitive.
Smart, gentle, sweet-natured. Can't ask for a better dog. They are very
sensitive little dogs and you must not be harsh in your tone with them.
Quick to learn and easy to housebreak. Mine wasn't playful with toys but
would rather go on walks and be by my side. The only downside is heavy shedding
twice a year. I hear that some bark all the time, mine didn't. Great companion
for calm, gentle people. It would be cruel to have them in a wild, rowdy
home, they are too sweet and gentle.
Name withheld by request of Las Vegas, NV writes:
Very smart.
My Sheltie is six months old now. I've never owned a Sheltie before
or trained a dog but he is so smart, he understands so much. People say
Shelties are timid; mine isn't, he is very outgoing. I socialized him after
his shots and he has bloomed ever since. He loves kids and loves to play.
He will follow me around all day with a ball in his mouth. He has really
added a lot to my family and we love him very much.
Sassifrass7@hotmail.com of East Coast, USA writes:
Shelties are the most wonderful dogs in the world.
I have six Shelties, in all colors, and sizes and ages. I have had Shelties
for sixteen years. They always feel that pleasing their Mom or Dad, is the
most important thing in their world. Everything else comes second. Even
chasing squirrels or eating some special tidbit. They will listen no matter
what they are busy doing. All they want to do is the right thing, what you
want, so as to please you. Sometimes they even guess what you want, and
do it before you even ask! They do need to be socialized a lot though, when
young, or you can get a very shy Sheltie. Take them everywhere right after
they have had their shots. Another thing that is very important is to correct
them when they bark more than a few times. They can easily learn the word
"enough" and stop after just a few barks and a reminder that "that
is enough!" If you don't correct them when puppies, you can get an
extremely yappy adult dog. One that is hard to live with.
One very important thing to remember about Shelties is that they are very
sensitive, and any mistreatment will never be forgotten. They will forgive
you for anything, but will always remember that you got angry and not trust
you as much as before. You can destroy a Sheltie with too much anger, or
hitting them. A stern "no," and a frown are all they need most
of the time. They are "SOFT" dogs, gentle dogs with more love
in them than any other thing on this earth!
deb2055@webtv.net of U.S.A. writes on 10/31/00:
The most devoted dog I know.
Hi, I am the proud owner of two shetland sheepdogs, called the Sheltie.
I must tell you that they do require a lot of exercise, but make a wonderful
dog to have in an apartment. I had each of them housebroken within two days.
They are very eager to learn, and spend their time right by your side. I
find they alert me if strangers are around, or someone comes to the door,
but other than that, mine do not bark alot. I discouraged it from the beginning.
THey are shedders, and require alot of brushing, but I think most dogs do.
If you consider a Sheltie make sure you have the time for them, as they
need their humans, and rely on your company. They also have alot of energy
so make sure you have time for play. I find them extremely intelligent,
and although I live in the country, and have neighbors that have other animals,
I have never had to leash mine as they respond to voice command. I have
been told they like to chase things, but mine care more about pleasing me
it seems!! Well I love them dearly and I think they make wonderful pets.
They are great with my cat and 10 yr old stepson, and 2 yr old grandson.
IF you do get a Sheltie I think you will be pleased. I do also find them
kind of babies, meaning they also rely heavily on alot of attention. Everywhere
I go, they are right behind me!
diharris@mediaone.net of Florida writes on 9/3/00:
Beautiful, bright, behaved and bonded!
Shelties are almost perfect. So lovable and loving. So trainable. So totally
dedicated to their owner. They are safe with children. Their grooming needs
are greater than some dogs because of the need to maintain their beautiful
coats and get those ears to bend. But basically they are magnificent pets
who enjoy working, travel, and fetch games. When trained properly from puppyhood,
they are nearly flawless. They bond with other family pets. Even abused
shelties can be rehabbed into the right environment. But shelties are companion
dogs. Not yard dogs. They need to be in the house with their beloved family.
charliemcoy@hotmail.com of Grandview, Manitoba writes on 7/23/00:
If you need love and companionship there is nothing like a Shetland Sheepdog.
I'am not a breeder of the Shetland Sheepdog, I do not show Shetland Sheepdogs
but I do live with one and she has brought joy, fun, love, and loyalty to
my life. The Shetland Sheepdog is a kind and loving dog, their temperment
is gentle and inquisative. They are also great watch dog's letting you know
when anyone has arrived at your home. There is not a mean bone in the Shetland
Sheepdog's body and they are so smart. They do shed and most have quite
a heavy coat, but that, I feel is a small price to pay for all the other
benifits of this breed. The Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie as they are known,is
a sensitive little dog, they will lay at your feet or go with you on your
walks. They ask for nothing in return for your love except to love you back
so fircely, so loyal that if the whole world loved like a Sheltie it would
be a very beautiful place, this world. No I can not give you a long list
of Champions, I can not reel off bloodlines I don't know how they are in
a show ring. What I can tell you is that if you are looking for companionship,
loyalty, love and a good friend get a Shetland Sheepdog, you won't regret
it.
Name withheld by request of Flagstaff, AZ write son 2/29/00:
Sweet-natured, intelligent, eager to please.
The Sheltie is a very sweet natured, affectionate dog, they don't have a
mean bone in their body. My Sheltie gets along with everyone, human or otherwise.
He shares a home with two other dogs (a Dobie, and German Shepherd), 11
horses and a Llama, and he has never had problems with any of them. Usually
when my Sheltie meets a stranger he will stay by my side at first and act
sort of aloof or shy, however if the stranger just acknowleges hime softly
he will soon be at their feet acting like a clown or leaning against them
to be petted. When at home on the ranch, he helps me take care of the other
animals, following me all around, I never need a leash, (I live on 40 acres).
But when he is on a leash, such as when we are at a park or KOA campsite
he does very well. Basically he ignores other people, pets or wildlife unless
we are interacting with them. He is naturally well-mannered and very clean.
It took me little more then a week to housebrake him, and even though he
is a male, he
has never marked inside the house. He practically taught himself how to
heel on and off the leash and he quickly learned (and preforms consistantly
well) all the basic obedience commands (sit, stay, down,...) as well as
many tricks including shake, roll over, and he does a perfect beg. He also
loves attention. If I am reading or otherwise not paying attention to him
he will sometimes come over, put a paw on my leg, and watch me until I pet
him and tell him what a good boy he is, then, satisfied that I still love
him, he will leave me to do what ever it was I was doing. Shelties are also
not that difficult to groom. They need no clipping etc., just a thourough
brushing about once a week to keep them mat free and healthy (as well as
reduce the amount of fur on the carpet). The places that will mat most if
you aren't careful include behind the ears and on the rear end. Though most
people picture a sable color when they hear sheltie, they come in many other
colors as well, including black and white (like my dog), tri-color, color
headed white, and blue merle, all very pretty. I would reccomend this breed
to someone looking for a dog that loves to learn and is sweet, mild-mannered,
gentle, and maybe even a little shy.
bygman18@hotmail.com of Brenham, TX writes on 11/8/99:
A great dog for the family!
Having all types of breeds growing up, my wife and I decided on a Sheltie
for our first dog. We fell in love with our first so we soon opted for a
playmate for him. They both have adapted immeditatley to each other, us,
and our large extended family. I would caution that you check out your breeder
well. We had no problems with our first Sheltie, but the second has given
us costly bills had we investigated our breeder more effectively we could
have avoided. Still, our second, the bitch, has an infectous personality.
One that is beyond reason, and a lover of all! Both dogs have been "kid
handled" and passed the no biting test. With serveral nieces and nephews,
that range form 2 to 10 in age, the dogs were outstanding! They do shed,
but with little effort in grooming, they are beautiful show dogs. As for
barking, ours have only notified us of guests and strange noises. What should
a dog bark at? Each dog has its own personality; they are poles apart. The
common thread is that they are loyal to their owners, and love affection
and give affection readily. We will have more shelties, but we will adopt
from our local rescue. Rescues are easy to find on the web, and I recommend
this breed and the adaptablity of the rescued Sheltie!
Name withheld by request of Canada writees on 11/4/99:
A sophisticated but fun little sweetie.
Shelties are little ladies and little gentlemen of the dog world. They are
beautiful, kind dogs, extremely willing to please, easy to housebreak and
quick on the uptake. They do shed a good amount and need a detailed grooming,
which includes ear training, trimming and very thorough brushing but the
results are gorgeous to beyond. They are very good with children if they
are exposed to them early and often. My sheltie was a great retriever, excelled
at obedience and was a dignified companion. Some do bark a heck of a lot
but it usually can be controlled or minimized by good training. One of the
finest breeds around, but please be aware of genetic problems in the breed
that include, eye, hip and skin conditions.
ritchies@gte.net of Sumner, WA writes on 10/20/99:
My obsession, but not for everyone.
I have had Shelties for 15 years, and between rescue, breeding (2 litters
of three), showing and titling them in agility, obedience, herding, the
breed ring, and having them hang around and be best friends and cuddle bugs,
I can say that I would be hard pressed to change to a different breed. Shelties
can be smart, or not so smart (smart usually prevails). They tend to learn
very quickly, and have been known to develop bad habits due to boredom.
This is not a breed to be left alone in the backyard for 10 hours a day
while you work, as they will find something to do. Yes, they shed, yes they
shed, yes they shed. They shed "differently" than short haired
dogs, in that the hair sits on top of whatever is shed upon, instead of
weaving itself in as short dog hair does. This makes it easy to vacuum,
and easy to "roller" with a tape roller off of your clothes.
Shelties bark. Some a lot more than others, but it can be a problem. Debarking
(or alter barking as it is sometimes referred to, because the vocal cords
are not removed, but altered just a bit) is not an unheard of surgery for
Shelties because of this. Whether the excessive barking is caused by poor
ownership or an uncontrollable instinct dogs can always be argued. Regardless,
it is something to consider when looking at a puppy or older rescue dog
(often this tendency can be seen in puppies and avoided). Another issue
is that Shelties, as most breeds, have hereditary health issues that MUST
be addressed. *If* you get your dog from a breeder, be sure they produce
current (within the last 24 months) CERF eye paperwork on both parents.
Other tests are nice to have too (such as an OFA hip rating), but the eyes
are a must. If they say they do not test because they do not have problems,
or if they say they only test "random" dogs in the household,
RUN the other way. They should not be breeding a dog they have not tested.
I have tried to lay out the bad stuff first, so if you get this far, you
get the good stuff!
Loyal to a fault, loving, bright, fun to train, adaptable, most really like
kids, and if you are thinking of a Performance dog, they are tough to beat,
as Shelties consistently place in the top rankings of agility, obedience,
herding, and tracking. Another nice thing about Shelties is that they come
in a variety of colors! Sable & White, Black and White, Blue Merle&
White (some have tan also), Tri Color (Black Tan and white, the tan marking
similar to what you see in a Doberman), and on occasion, some that are mostly
White with other spots of color. NONE of these colors are RARE. If someone
tries to sell you a "rare" color, leave, and go to another breeder.
There is also no such thing as a "Miniature Sheltie". Some are
small, some are tall, and a good breeder should be able to give you a ballpark
adult height, because they measure their puppies every week, and follow
a "Growth Chart". They should have one of these charts available
for you to see. Don't forget Rescue Shelties! These are dogs that have been
abandoned for a variety of reasons, most often having nothing to do with
the dog in question, just poor ownership. These dogs get a second chance
at life through rescue, and they do appreciate it! Many rescue Shelties
have gone on to earn titles in herding , agility, obedience, and tracking!
Others do what they are best at, and that is providing love to their family.
To find out more about all of the above, you can visit the home page of
the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. It is very informative, and
easy to navigate. They also offer breeder referrals and rescue referrals
for your area. You can also visit the AKC (American Kennel Club, which is
a registry) to find out more about shows in your area, where you can meet
breeders and see the dogs that are in the ring. http://www.assa.org/ and
http://www.akc.org/
-chriss@excite.com of Rome, New York writes on 10/8/99:
Just the best
My first Sheltie saved my nephew from certain death. Even since that time
I have loved the breed more and more. I have had two more Shelties and they
just get better and better. The Sheltie will give you all the love and enjoyment
anyone would want. They are just the best.
casaheart@aol.com of New Orleans, Louisiana write on 10/1/99:
Good-natured, intelligent, adaptable dog suitable for families
After having 5 Shetland Sheepdogs, over a period of almost 13 years, I can
state that this breed is a great one for almost all families or singles
looking for a good-natured pet.
1. Shelties are very intelligent, which means that they're easily trained
and relate well to each individual in their family. They communicate easily
with other dogs and humans, both verbally and nonverbally.
2. They are compact, which means that they do not require a large yard or
consume huge amounts of food. They are easily transported because of their
light weight and small stature.
3. They are beautiful, yet do not require huge amounts of grooming time,
(unless they are being entered at dog shows). An occasional brushing, which
they love, is all that's really required.
4. They are very clean; rarely, if ever, smelling "like a dog".
This means bathing only every 2 to 4 months for dogs kept indoors.
5. They are protective little watchdogs. They will carefully guard their
"flock" from predators or strangers. They will sometimes circle
and herd groups of children to keep them organized!
6. They are adaptable: learning to live indoors, outdoors, swim in a pool,
accept the new baby or puppy, live in an apartment or a huge house. We take
them with us wherever we can on vacations.
7. They are very loyal and loving dogs, which means that your friends and
family are their friends and family. They don't seem to bond with one family
member over another, loving everyone equally.
The only negatives that need to be mentioned with Shelties are: 1. Barking:
They can be very talkative: we refer to it as "sheltie talk".
They bark to communicate and it might be perceived as a problem by some.
and 2. Shedding: They shed their winter coats in the spring and shed their
summer coats in the fall. The rest of the year, they shed very little, if
at all, unlike many breeds that shed continuously all year.
We love them, currently have 2 shelties and have vowed to never be "Sheltieless"
again.