SHETLAND SHEEPDOG Breed Standards
Developed during the 19th century, the Shetland Sheepdog is almost certainly a descendant of the small working Collie; an Icelandic breed call the Yakki and a black and tan King Charles Spaniel may have also had a had in producing the modern Sheltie. The lack of vegetation on the Shetland Islands favored smaller animals, which helps to explain why the Shetland Sheepdog was able to establish a foothold. An all around farm dog, the Shetland Sheepdog was used to herd sheep, ponies and chickens.
Isolated on the islands off the coast of Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog remained relatively unknown and was not recognized as a breed until 1909, when the English Kennel Club dubbed it the Shetland Collie. In 1914, Collie breeders pressured the club into reclassifying it as the Shetland Sheepdog. Owing to their origins as shepherds, Shelties tend to be very successful in agility, obedience and herding competitions. Today, the Shetland Sheepdog is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and elsewhere.
Ironically, there are few Shetland Sheepdogs on the Shetland Islands; they have been largely replaced by Border Collies.
SKILLS: The Shetland Sheepdog, which, transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, was reduced to miniature proportions. Subsequently crosses were made from time to time with Collies. This breed now 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. Although the resemblance between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Rough Collie is marked, there are differences which may be noted. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog. He must be sound, agile and sturdy. The outline should be so symmetrical that no part appears out of proportion to the whole. Dogs should appear masculine; bitches feminine.
SIZE: The Shetland Sheepdog should stand between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. Note: 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.
Disqualifications - Heights below or above the desired size range are to be disqualified from the show ring.
In overall appearance, the body should appear moderately long as measured from shoulder joint to ischium (rearmost extremity of the pelvic bone), but much of this length is actually due to the proper angulation and breadth of the shoulder and hindquarter, as the back itself should be comparatively short.
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. The hair on face, tips of ears and feet should be smooth. Mane and frill should be abundant, and particularly impressive in males. The forelegs well feathered, the hind legs heavily so, but smooth below the hock joint. Hair on tail profuse. Note: Excess-hair on ears, feet, and on hocks may be trimmed for the show ring. Faults - Coat short or flat, in whole or in part; wavy, curly, soft or silky. Lack of undercoat. Smooth-coated specimens.
Color - Black, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany); marked with varying amounts of white and or tan. Faults - Rustiness in a black or a blue coat. Washed-out or degenerate colors, such as pale sable and faded blue. Self-color in the case of blue merle, that is, without any merling or mottling and generally appearing as a faded or dilute tri-color. Conspicuous white body spots. Specimens with more than 50 percent white shall be so severely penalized as to effectively eliminate them from competition. Disqualification - Brindle.
CARE REQUIRED: The coat is easier to care for than you might expect, but regular brushing is important. Mist the coat lightly with water before you begin and tease out the mats before they get bad, but use the comb sparingly. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder. The dense undercoat is shed twice a year: in the spring and fall. The coat readily sheds dirt and mud and Shelties are quite fastidious about their cleanliness. Bathe or dry shampoo only when absolutely necessary.
CHARACTER: 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. Faults - Shyness, timidity, or nervousness. Stubbornness, snappiness, or ill temper.
EXERCISE: This active, graceful dog needs lots of exercise, preferably running free; but be sure the dog is in a safe area.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Sheltie will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: Socialize extensively as a puppy. This breed needs people and must be raised in a home where he can have a lot of companionship. They like to be kept busy. The Sheltie is above all an intelligent herder, capable both of commanding large cattle and holding small sheep in check. The herding instinct is still very strong in many of them.
