SHETLAND SHEEPDOGS
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By E. Katie Gammill
he Shetland sheepdog, often called the “toonie or town dog”, originated in the Shetland Islands o ff Scotland. Frequently referred to as a “miniature
Originally the Shetland sheepdog was used for protection and droving. Accus- tomed to mist and sea level climates, the sheltie’s sense of responsibility, courage, stamina, agility, and intelligence was greatly admired. Th eir thick double coat protected them from extreme elements and rough terrain. Th e rugged climate and sparse vegetation of the islands produced sheep, cattle and ponies of diminutive sizes. Although the crofter’s habitat and resources were limited, they valued the smaller dogs. Th e sheltie served as an e ffi - cient herder and fi reside companion. Th is double coated, sturdy breed can exist inside or outside, although their preference is the family unit. Th ey should never be tied out and they require a fenced yard for safety due to their “herding” instinct. Th ey herd children, cars, bicy- cles, squirrels, and love to play ball. Th e sweet sheltie expression and fl owing coat is something to behold. Th eir beauty and grace comes naturally; exuberant at times, they are polite and clean about themselves and are easily housebroken.
Shelties do not constantly shed, but do “blow coat” seasonally. Spayed and neutered pets tend to hold coat longer. Brushing is required. However started early, shelties enjoy the attention. Once the undercoat is removed, the coat will then grow back in for the next few months with little shedding. Unlike short coated dogs that tend to shed all year long, the blowing coat yearly is a positive. Proper care makes for a happy, healthy sheltie. Shetland Sheepdogs are exceptionally smart. One might say they are “people readers”. Th ey aim to please, are easily trained, and adapt to most situations. If one has young children, it’s best to pur- chase a puppy. Older dogs adjust to seniors easily, but shelties are somewhat reserved in a new situation. If one is fortu- nate enough to adopt a retired show dog, they will be rewarded with a perfect com- panion. Shelties are very sensitive and, if mistreated, will choose to avoid the per- son who corrects them in anger. Most are unforgiving. However, once they accept a new person, their a ffi nity for your moods
collie”, the sheltie may appear a reduced ver- sion of its ancestor the collie, but the collie and sheltie have diverse temperaments. It is up to individual preference which breed one chooses for their companion. Initially the Shetland sheepdog was the size of a large house cat and was called a “pixie” or “fairy” dog. Th eir genetic back- ground includes the Greenland Yakki dog, the King Charles spaniel, the Welsh and Scottish collie, and possibly the Pomera- nian. Upon occasion one may see prick or drooping ears, curly tails, wavy coats, or spaniel spots. Th is comes from the dispar- ity of the sheltie’s background. However, neither size nor genetic irregularities a ff ect the Shetland sheepdog’s ability to charm or its adaptability to perform many required tasks. Th e Shetland sheepdog can be a lap dog or a jogging companion.
232 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2014
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