About the Shetland Sheepdog
Originating in the rugged
terrain of the Shetland Islands off the Northeast coast of
Scotland, this adorable breed breed used to be called the
'Toonie,' which comes from 'tun,' the Norwegian word for the front
yard of a farmhouse. This farm dog's job was to herd small flocks
of sheep and children, supervising them as they played. the
Sheltie continues to possess a strong sense of it's boundaries, no
doubt a trait developed from living in the hazardous land of the
Shetlands, where it was easy to fall off a cliff with one misstep.
Shelties are thought to descend from an Icelandic breed called the
Yakkie, (which was brought to the Shetland Islands by whaling
fleets), the Norwegian Buhund and the small collie.
Today's Shelties are much more attractive in
appearance than their ancestors, due to the efforts of British
breeders who refined it's type by selectively breeding the Sheltie
with a variety of
toy dog breeds. Originally know
in dog show circuits as the "Shetland Collie", the breed made it's
show debut in 1906 at the Crufts Dog Show. Breeders had the name
changed to "Shetland Sheepdog", more in keeping with the breed's
working ability.
Shelties make wonderful family pets, and are
suitable to almost any type of living arrangements, from small
apartments to large farms. Exercise needs are moderate; a good
daily walk is sufficient to satisfy this affectionate breed.
Shelties stand from 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder and have a
dense, double coat that requires a thorough daily brushing to keep
it smooth and tangle-free. The coat can be black, blue merle or
sable marked with white and/or tan. Shelties are hard working dogs
that have a strong desire to please their owners. They do
extremely well in obedience work and agility, as well as being
very good companions that are wonderful with children. |
