Sheltie Info

• General: Small, long haired, working dog of great beauty, free from cloddiness and coarseness. Outline symmetrical so that no part appears out of proportion to whole. Abundant coat, mane and frill, shapeliness of head and sweetness of expression combine to present the ideal.
• Charactistics: Alert, gentle, intelligent, strong and active.
• Temperament: Affectionate and responsive to his owner, reserved towards strangers, never nervous.
• History: Sometime around 900 A.D., the islands off the coast of Scotland were colonized by Norse people who brought with them the ancestors of the Shetland Sheepdog. These ancestors were Spitz-type dogs, probably similar in type to today's Iceland Dog and the Swedish Vallhund. Over time, the Shetland islanders developed a small, highly intelligent dog, capable of herding with little or no supervision. The island's harsh climate required a hardy, small dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat. In the 15th century, Shetland became part of Scotland and began importing sheep from the mainland. The Scottish Collie, then slightly smaller than today's breed, was crossed with the Shetland dogs to give the island breed a more distinct Collie-like appearance. Today, the Shetland Sheepdog is a popular companion and working dog, excelling at all events requiring intelligence and agility.
• Origin: The Shetland Islands and the United Kingdom
• Utilization: Herd dog, sheepdog, pet, or companion
• Good with Children: Definitely
• Good with Other Pets: Yes (but not with hamsters or guinea pigs)
• Classification: Herding group and related breeds
• Size: Small
• Height: Minimum height - 13 inches; Maximum height - 16 inches
• Weght: Minimum weight - 14 pounds; Maximum weight - 25 pounds
• Grooming Needed: 2 times per week
• Exercise Needed: At least one hour per day
• Activity Level: High
• Trainability: Very quick learner and is eager to please
• Protectiveness: Fairly protective and makes a great watchdog
• Average Life Expectancy: 12 years
• Average Food Cost: About $40 per month
• Minimum Living Space: House with a large, fenced yard