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"You think dogs will not be in Heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us."
Robert Louis Stevenson
It is a rare thing to find a breed of dog that is at once companionable, hard working, loyal, and of lap-dog size as well, but the Shetland Sheepdog is all of these things. Although resembling the collie in miniature and originating from some of the same stock, the Sheltie was not bred down from the full-size Collie. The breed evolved from hardy ancestors which lived in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. Due to the harsh living conditions and close association with the people of the Shetlands, the Sheltie evolved into a miniature herding dog, small and sturdy, a true working dog with a "special something" still evident in his personality today.
Size: The ideal Sheltie, according to the English Breed Standard should stand between 14 1/2 and 15 1/2 inches at the shoulder for males, and 14 and 15 inches at the shoulder for females. Because the Sheltie is still a young breed with many kinds of dogs in its background, size is still one of the most tenacious problems plaguing the breeder today, with both oversize and undersize Shelties appearing, sometimes in the same litter.
Personality: The Sheltie may be reserved toward strangers, but not shy. He is generally a very happy and lively dog, willing to please his owner. He is affectionate and loyal, and easily adaptable to his owner's moods. He excels in obedience and in agility. His intelligence level ranks among the most highly developed of all canine breeds.
Male or female: Male Shelties are apt to carry more coat than females, therefore requiring a bit more grooming. Females should be more feminine, with a closer, more fitted coat. Both sexes are much the same in both disposition and character, and both make equally good pets.
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Coat: Shelties have a double coat, the outer layer consisting of long, straight, harsh hair, and the undercoat short, furry and very dense. The mane should be abundant, and more impressive in the males.
Colours: Sheltie coats can be Sable (ranging from golden to mahogany), Blue Merle, Tri-Colour, Black and White and Blue and White. They can be marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan.
Tricolour Blue Merle with Tan
Sable-Mahogany Sable - Golden
Grooming: How much grooming your Sheltie will need depends on the individual dog. The Sheltie is a very clean dog, and with a minimum of effort can be kept beautiful and comfortable. On the average, a daily once-over, combined with a weekly vigorous brushing, is all that's required. Shelties also require periodic nail trimming, ear care, and teeth cleaning to prevent early tooth loss or gum disease. Male Shelties normally shed their undercoat about once a year, while females usually shed twice a year, shortly after their "heat" cycles.
Exercise: Your Sheltie will adapt himself to your way of life. If you lead a quiet life-style, with no exercise, so will he, but it will not be healthy for him. If you have a fenced-in yard, where he can run around, fine. Shelties will do well in any environment as long as the necessity for regular exercise is understood.
Socialisation: This is the way you teach your Sheltie puppy how the world works. This is done by going on "field trips" to the park, playground, shopping center, a friend's home or gatherings where your puppy is welcome. A puppy that is not given this frequent away-from home experience between 12 and 20 weeks of age may not develop that outgoing, friendly Sheltie temperament.
Training: Shelties are extremely intelligent, and quick to learn. They are happiest when they are participating members of the family.
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Availability: If you decide a Shetland Sheepdog is indeed the dog for you, the best way to go about finding one is to contact an established breed club or the Dogs New Zealand, or if you have a chance, to visit a dog show and talk to the exhibitors after the show.
