Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): The Diminutive Herder of Shetland Island, Scotland
May 18, 2009 by Matthew Houston · 3 Comments
The Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie is one of the dog breeds around the world whose origin is not exactly defined. What’s certain, however, is the fact that the Sheltie is a supposed original resident of the rocky region of the Shetland Island in Scotland. Physically, this breed appears like a miniature Collie but in fact, the breeding was never intended to achieve this kind of result.
The Sheltie was said to be the result of various breeding between the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, Greenland Yakki (now extinct), and the King Charles Spaniel or is a direct descendant of one of these breeds. In Shetland Island, the Sheltie was believed to do herding tasks just like the other Collies. Contradictions supply, however, that the Sheltie was not used for herding but rather for chasing small creatures such as ducks and squirrels.
Presently, this dog is popular around the world as an outstanding family companion and children’s pet. This breed is very loyal, docile and highly trainable and it intensely wills to please the master. With a firm and confident training and treatment from the owner, the Sheltie will definitely become a superiorly fantastic household companion and reliable family pet.
If not often exposed to people in the beginning, this breed has the tendency to become aloof towards strangers when it grows up. It does well around people especially children and therefore should be socialized at a young age. The Sheltie is a superb watch dog as well, barking as a signal when there is an approaching human or car towards the house.
Although never really believed to be a herder then, the Sheltie of today has an eager herder instinct that most of the time comes out through its irrepressible desire to chase and herd other creatures. Because of this, it needs to be always kept busy and so activities such as running and chasing around within a wide spaced area is necessary. The Sheltie is not hyper active; just make sure to give it the right amount of activities in order to keep its physical and mental health in shape.
The normal height of the Sheltie is 13 to 16 inches while its normal weight is between 14 to 27 pounds. It has an outer coat and an inner coat wherein the outer coat is long, coarse and dense and acts as a water-guard. The inner coat is somewhat softer and serves as a comforter against hot or cold temperatures.
The general colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. The sable is either golden or mahogany and the tri-colour is white, black and tan. The blue merle is composed of grey, white, black and tan.
In 1909, the first Sheltie was first registered in the English Kennel Club and in 1911; the first Sheltie was registered in the American Kennel Club. This breed, even if not intended to be a herder, has a natural affinity in herding smaller creatures which is often seen through its chasing smaller animals. What’s certain, however, that herder or not, the Sheltie is still recognized as an outstanding pet of families around the world.
