HISTORY OF THE SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Shetland sheepdogs, often erroneously called “miniature collies”, had their beginnings in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland.  These small agile shelties, originally known as “Toonies”, were bred in the 19^th century to herd the small ponies and sheep and to protect the crops of the farmers from these animals.  The islands were harsh and better suited to supporting smaller animals rather than the larger collies of Scotland.  A number of different breeds contributed to the gene pool of these dogs but records were not kept until the end of the century.  Small collies were crossed with these “Toonies” to give a somewhat larger “Shetland Collie” that was later refined and renamed as the Shetland Sheepdog in 1914.

 After World War I, American enthusiasts got together and  in 1929 formed the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, ASSA, which still exists today as the parent club and in 1933ASSA held its first specialty show.

 Original imports came from British sheltie breeders but rumored cross-breeding in the United State with small collies has changed the look and size of the American Shetland sheepdog making it larger and giving the dog a more “collie” look than the British dogs.

 ABOUT THE SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

American Shetland Sheepdogs come in a range of sizes and colors.  Many wonderful, healthy and beautiful companion animals can be found as show standards hold “breeders” to a rigid standard not required for the family looking for a sheltie to love.  Show standards require shelties to measure in the range of 13” – 16” at the shoulder.  Many shelties therefore are too large or too small to show but just right to be loved.  The size of the dog is no indication of its health or temperament.  Large and small puppies can be born into the same litter.  These sizes can change, depending on the “line” of the pups and a small puppy can catch up while a larger puppy can slow down.  A breeder usually knows their line and can give a good estimate of the size that a puppy will be when it becomes an adult.  The most important criteria is – is the puppy healthy, do you trust the breeder, and is a sheltie the right dog for you!  Your breeder should be available after you purchase your Shetland sheepdog puppy to answer questions and offer his/her expertise.

 Shetland sheepdogs come in a variety of colors (with more variations than in Collies)

1. Tricolor: black and white with tan markings on the face and usually on the legs

2. Bi-black: black and white with no tan markings

 3. Sable: light to dark brown or tan and white

 a. Red sables have a red shading to their coats

 b. Mahogany or tri-factored sables have black guard hairs

4. Blue Merle: Tri-color dogs who have an additional “merling” gene which caused patches of the black to be silver in color

 a. These dogs can have brown or blue eyes or one of each.  This does not make their vision “defective”

5. Bi-blue: Bi-Black dogs who have an additional “merling” gene which caused patches of the black to be silver in color.

 a.  These dogs can also have blue or brown eyes or one of each

6. Sable Merle: Sable and white with the “merling” gene present which give patches of  different shades of sable

a. These dogs can also have blue or brown eyes or one of each

7. White: White dogs with colored heads and colored body spots (often called a “color-headed” white) White markings can result in large white collars, white legs and white face markings down to little or no white on the dog at all.

Temperament: Shetland sheepdogs are bright and alert and spirited and make excellent family members for they are very willing to please.  Their intelligence and athletic ability makes them good obedience and agility dogs as well.  They are good watchdogs and will alert the family to any intruders.  Shelties tend to be aloof to strangers and strongly bond with their family but should not be timid.  Puppies should be exposed to many different sights and sounds and have consistent handling and training.  These dogs love to please and are not dogs happy to be ignored.  They do need exercise, as they are active and bright dogs.  They can be noisy if ignored or not trained.  A responsible breeder can answer your questions and “fit” a puppy to your lifestyle.  They can also tell you whether this breed is right for your situation and whether you and your lifelong companion will be happy.