The Shetland Sheepdog

Active, alert, intelligent and highly trainable, the Shetland Sheepdog deservedly has a big following of loyal fans!

Shetland Sheepdogs, informally known as Shelties, are often mistakenly called the "Miniature Collies". Although the rough collie played a part in the development of the modern Sheltie (as is evident from their similar appearance) the two breeds are very different in temperament. Other breeds behind the Shetland Sheepdog include the Pomeranian, the King Charles spaniel and a scandanavian dog called the Yakki.

This diverse background accounts for the wide range of sizes in Shelties. The Sheltie Standard calls for them to be between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder, however it isn't unusual to find Shelties as small as 11" or as big as 20". Even two well bred moderate sized shelties can produce these size extremes - sometimes in the same litter! While larger and smaller shelties cannot be shown (and shouldn't be bred), they make perfectly suitable pets.

Shelties come in a variety of colors - varying shades of sable (golden through dark brown, and can have varying amounts of black shading), black, and blue merle (a mottled black, gray and white with or without tan) are the most common. Black Shelties are correctly as "tricolor" or "bi-black", depending on whether or not they have tan markings on the sides of the face, knees, and "eyebrows". Blue merle shelties without tan are called "bi blue". Genetically, Blue Merles are black dogs with a merling factor which creates the random spotted color (sort of like spilling bleach on your laundry!). Dark sable shelties are sometimes erroneously called "tricolor" - a true tricolor dog has hair which is black to the roots. Those beautiful Sheltie coats require regular grooming to keep them in tip-top shape, but a correct coat tends to repel water and dirt and doesn't tangle as easily as you might think.

Shetland Sheepdogs are curious, energetic and intelligent. They can also be rather vocal. Shelties like to be with their human(s) and are happiest when involved in some activity with you. Personalities range from outgoing to reserved, highly energetic to couch-potatoes. A responsible breeder or rescue can help you find the Sheltie that's right for you.

For More Information about the Shetland Sheepdog:

The American Shetland Sheepdog Association - National breed club in the United States, with information, local clubs and resources, breeder referrals.

ASSA Rescue - The US national Shetland Sheepdog rescue network, a very well-organized network of volunteers in every state who rescue, evaluate, foster and place lost, abandoned and unwanted Shelties.