The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small herding dog. Like the Collie, the Sheltie traces back to the Border Collie of Scotland. Transported to the Shetland Islands, they were crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, reducing the Sheltie to miniature proportions. Today, the Sheltie bears the same relationship in size and general appearance to the Rough Collie as the Shetland Pony does to some of the larger breeds of horses.

Ch. Shadow Hill's Air Force One
Beautiful blue merle Sheltie

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog. Because of its small size, the Sheltie is very adaptable to city living, as long as he is given proper exercise. Shelties are good with children and make delightful family companions. The Sheltie is a "watch" dog, not a guard dog; nor is it visually frightening. It will bark at intruders, but after giving warning, may either retreat or escort them through your house!

The Shetland Sheepdog should stand between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. Over or under the desired range is grounds for disqualification from the show ring. Height is measured at the withers - "Height is determined by a line perpendicular to the ground from the top of the shoulder blades, the dog standing naturally, with forelegs parallel to line of measurement." -- Shetland Sheepdog Standard

One of the lovely attributes of the sheltie is the long harsh coat. The coat should be double, the outer coat consisting of long, straight, harsh hair; the undercoat short, furry, and so dense as to give the entire coat its "standoff" quality. Brushing the coat for at least a half an hour each week can keep the Sheltie looking his best. The hair on the Shelties face, tips of ears and feet should be smooth, while the mane and frill should be abundant, and particularly impressive in males.

 
CH Sterling's Lovely Odds    AM-CAN CH Oakcrest A Kick InThe Grass
Gorgeous sable and white bitch.    Spectacular tri-color dog, note the abundant mane.

The forelegs are well feathered, with the hind legs heavily so - but smooth below the hock joint. Hair on the tail is profuse. The Sheltie will shed at least once a year, the shedding process can be sped up by a warm bath and more complete and more frequent brushing. Coat color's are black, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany); marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan.

The normal expression of the Shetland Sheepdog should be alert, gentle, intelligent and questioning . . . toward strangers the eyes should show watchfulness and reserve, but no fear. The eye color must be dark, with blue or merle eyes permissible in blue merles only. The deep, well-developed underjaw is rounded at the chin, should extend to the base of nostril. Nose must be black.

 
CH. C-MAR N' FORMAL COLORS  Ch. Shadow Hill's Star Wars
Elegant bi-black.Stunning bi-blue.

The Shetland Sheepdog is intensely loyal, affectionate, and responsive to his owner. However, he may be reserved toward strangers but not to the point of showing fear or cringing in the ring. Shelties are good with children and make delightful family companions.

To learn more about this delightful companion and life-long friend,
please contact the
American Shetland Sheepdog Association.