SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

FCI Group 1: Working, Herding and Herding Dogs
~ The breed is exceptionally friendly.
~ This is an easy-to-learn breed, where it is largely only the owner's limitations that put a stop to what the dog can learn.
~ This is a healthy breed that often ages.
~ A large dog in a small format.
~ The breed is often vocal.

Characteristics/Mentality:

The Shetland sheepdog, also called the Sheltie, is originally a herding dog. Today, the breed is primarily used as a companion dog, although it is still an excellent herding dog. The breed is alert, gentle, intelligent, strong and agile. It is devoted and attentive to its owner, can be reserved with strangers, but never nervous. The Sheltie is lively, sensitive and willing to work, and is today often used in dog sports such as exhibition, obedience, freestyle, rally obedience and agility. Shelties love exercise, but easily adapt to their owners. The breed is conflict-averse towards other dogs, both bitches and males.

Size and appearance:

This is a small and long-haired working dog that likes to charm with its beauty. The breed should not be bulky or coarsely built. It should have a dense and soft undercoat with harder and longer guard hair. Characterized by a symmetrical silhouette where all details harmonize with the whole. The breed should have plenty of fur. It has a well-shaped head and a graceful expression. Height at the withers for male dogs is 37 cm. Height at the withers for females is 35.5 cm.

Grooming:

The coat is easier to care for than you might think. As an owner, you should still go through the coat a few times a week. Regular brushing is especially important on the hind legs and tail, where the coat is coarse.

History:

The Shetland Sheepdog was originally used as a herding dog on the Shetland Islands. Farmer's who lived off fishing and sheep farming needed a small farm dog to protect their vegetable gardens. Because of the long and cold winters, these dogs had to be both hardy and have a coat that protected them from the cold climate and wind.

Pictures and drawings show a small, long-haired and sturdy dog ​​with a somewhat shorter and broader body than we see today, and with less fur. The first breed club was founded in 1906 in Shetland and in 1914 the breed was recognized by The Kennel Club.

Want to know more about the breed?

NKK recommends that everyone contact the breed club for the breeds they are interested in.

The breed standard describes the breed's physical and mental characteristics, and is also recommended reading material for anyone considering purchasing a puppy of this breed.