Shetland Sheepdog

Size: Small | Average lifespan: 12+ years | Character: Playful, gentle, and obedient | Coat: Long | Origin: Scotland.

The Shetland Sheepdog is a gentle and affectionate dog, which makes them incredibly pleasant pets.

The origins of the Shetland Sheepdog

As their name suggests, the Shetland Sheepdog originated in Scotland, however their history still remains a bit unclear.

Little-known origins

The Shetland Sheepdog is thought to be the result of a cross between different types of shepherd dogs, including the Collie, and Eskimo dogs such as Icelandic Sheepdogs, brought from the north during the 19th century. Whalers in Scotland at the time had imported these dogs on their travels. Many specialists still believe that Norwegian Spitzes were also involved in the creation of this breed.

According to many historians, the Shetland Sheepdog may also have descended from another breed: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. From its earliest days, this dog was used to herd cows, ponies and sheep. In the 19th century, this dog was very popular with breeders. As a result, a number of kennels sprang up, and various selections were made to best preserve the small size of this herding dog.

During the 20th century, the dog breed abandoned its role as a guardian to become a pet. The Sheltie began its conquest of the world in neighboring England, then spread to the rest of Europe and the rest of the world.

A Sheltie enthusiast

No matter the exact origins of this breed, we must mention one major player in its evolution: James Loggie. He perfected the breed’s various criteria after introducing the Collie blood to the breed’s DNA. His Lerwick kennel was the most famous, producing numerous champions as early as 1910. The first Shetland Sheepdog club appeared in 1908, again under his impetus. The Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1914 as distinct from the Collie.

The Shetland Sheepdog’s character

The Shetland Sheepdog is a small dog with a big heart. They like pleasing their owners and have an exceptional character, in addition to their great beauty.

What are the Shetland Sheepdog’s qualities?

The Sheltie has so many qualities: it’s an intelligent, affectionate, playful, loyal, gentle, and obedient dog! However, the Shetland Sheepdog can sometimes be a little wary of strangers. It’s not a question of fear or shyness, but rather of reserve. The dog will study the unknown person before trusting them. This reserve can sometimes turn into fear if the dog is poorly trained. In this case, you need to be very careful so that they do not run away on walks.

The Shetland is non-aggressive, so it can live happily with other animals and a family with children. As they are full of life, they love to play and spend quality time with their owners. They also understand very quickly, and if a room is forbidden to them, they’ll never try to get in.

Are there any downsides to having a Shetland Sheepdog?

While it’s hard to find downsides about this breed, it’s worth mentioning that these dogs are hypersensitive. They are particularly sensitive when it comes to their owner, and they can absorb all their emotions, whether sad or angry. If you’re upset, they’ll think they are the cause. A Shetland Sheepdog owner must know how to channel their negative feelings so as not to stress their dog, as they truly connect with their owners. They require love and gentleness.

The Shetland Sheepdog’s physical characteristics

The breed is made up of two types of Shelties. The first is the English Shetland, the second the American Shetland. The American Shetland differs from the English Shetland in that its body is larger and its head much thinner than that of the English Shetland.

Head

The Sheltie’s head is flat with a faint stop. The muzzle is long and thin, and the small ears are set on top of the skull. The Shetland Sheepdog’s eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown. The outer rims are black.

Body

The Shetland Sheepdog’s body is taller than it is long. In addition, the back is straight. The chest is deep and the ribs well sprung. The croup slopes gradually, giving the body a harmonious silhouette of elegance and finesse.

Coat, colors, and grooming

Shelties are known for their grace, but also for their physical characteristics that are unique to them.

Coat

The Shetland Sheepdog’s coat is made up of two layers. The first layer is made up of long hair. When it rains, the outer coat doesn’t retain water. The undercoat, on the other hand, is made up of dense, tightly-packed hairs that provide a shield against the cold. Male dogs have a more abundant coat than female Shelties.

Colors

The accepted standards from the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) include several coat colors. These colors include sandy, fawn, tricolored (generally black with fawn markings and white markings), bi-black (black with white markings), blue merle (blue with black and fawn markings) and bi-merle or bi-blue merle (blue with black and white markings).

Caring for and grooming a Shetland Sheepdog

To provide your Shetland Sheepdog’s beautiful coat with appropriate care, it’s recommended to brush them weekly. The ideal brush for their coat is a stiff-haired one. A comb is essential to avoid matting that can occur behind their ears, on the inside of their thighs and on their elbows.
As the undercoat tends to mat, it is important to air it out well during brushing sessions.

During the molting period, their hair loss can increase. To manage this, you can brush your dog every day. However, don’t forget to trim the hair under their paw pads. Doing this will prevent your dog from slipping on smooth surfaces, but also from getting their hair caught on objects that could injure them (such as spikelets).

Did you know?

Paul McCartney, from The Beatles, is a huge fan of Shetland Sheepdogs. In one of his band’s songs, the star included a whistle that only his dog, a Sheltie, could hear. This sound is in the song “A Day in the Life.”