The Shetland sheepdog, often known by its nickname "Sheltie," is a popular dog breed because of its suitability as a family pet, its keen intelligence, and its natural knack for herding. Originally bred as a working dog, the Sheltie is now bred and owned primarily as a companion, although it is also still used in many parts of the world as a herding dog. These small, quick, agile animals are as fascinating as they are charming. Here are five interesting facts about the Sheltie.
1. Shelties are a type of collie…
The Shetland sheepdog is a type of collie, which is not a breed but a very broad and diverse group of breeds including the Welsh sheepdog, bearded collie, Australian cattledog, and up to a dozen others. A collie is one of many herding dogs originating in Scotland and Northern England, and the definition does certainly include Shetland sheepdogs.
2. But they're not "miniature collies."
Shelties look like miniaturized versions of the rough collie, a related dog breed that tends to be much larger. In the United States, people often use the term "collie" to refer specifically to the rough collie breed, which most famously includes the television icon "Lassie." However, unlike other "miniature" breeds, the Sheltie was not created by selectively breeding small dogs from one parent breed. It can not be correctly considered a small version of the rough collie.
3. The Shetland sheepdog began as a spitz.
Before it became well-known as an individual breed, the Sheltie didn't look much like a collie of any kind. The earliest Shetland sheepdogs were small members of the spitz family, which includes thick-furred, cold-climate dogs like the husky, spitz, and chow-chow. Shetland sheepdogs started out as small, rugged dogs that probably resembled sled dogs more than herding dogs. The Icelandic sheepdog is probably the most closely related living breed to the ancestral Shetland sheepdogs.
Before it became well-known as an individual breed, the Sheltie didn't look much like a collie of any kind. The earliest Shetland sheepdogs were small members of the spitz family, which includes thick-furred, cold-climate dogs like the husky, spitz, and chow-chow. Shetland sheepdogs started out as small, rugged dogs that probably resembled sled dogs more than herding dogs. The Icelandic sheepdog is probably the most closely related living breed to the ancestral Shetland sheepdogs.
4. The Sheltie's diminutive size is just right for the region it comes from.
Unlike toy breeds, the Sheltie wasn't bred to be small because it made it cute or convenient. In the Sheltie's homeland, small size is a matter of survival. The Shetland Islands are a rough, rugged archipelago where there is little food or space for animals, so they gave rise to many tiny animals that could survive with less food and resources. Shetland ponies and Shetland sheep were much smaller in size than their mainland cousins, so the Sheltie was bred to be small to match the needs of the region.
5. Shelties can come in surprising colors.
A Shetland sheepdog isn't always the sable dog that people typically expect. Some accepted variations include the attractive tricolor, with large and conspicuous black markings, and the blue merle, which is blue, black, and tan. Another variation is the bi-blue Sheltie, which is entirely blue and white and has pale blue eyes. Occasionally, a Sheltie will appear who is a "color-headed white," with a tan, black, sable, or blue head and an all-white body. There have even been a few Shelties with brindle coats, although no one is completely sure if these an be called "true" Shetland sheepdogs.
A Shetland sheepdog isn't always the sable dog that people typically expect. Some accepted variations include the attractive tricolor, with large and conspicuous black markings, and the blue merle, which is blue, black, and tan. Another variation is the bi-blue Sheltie, which is entirely blue and white and has pale blue eyes. Occasionally, a Sheltie will appear who is a "color-headed white," with a tan, black, sable, or blue head and an all-white body. There have even been a few Shelties with brindle coats, although no one is completely sure if these an be called "true" Shetland sheepdogs.
Sheltie breed enthusiasts are dedicated to preserving the intelligence, agility, and herding ability of this small and unique dog breed, and they are increasingly used as service animals, therapy animals, and in agility and flyball competitions. True to their origins as the herders of tiny sheep, Shelties retain all the traits of a fit and diligent working animal.
The American Kennel Club has more information about th
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