Shelties: Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) look like miniature copies of the rough coated Collie. When viewed from the side, their heads look like a blunt wedge, with their muzzles tapering slightly from their ears to their noses. Their teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Their noses are black. Their almond shaped eyes are dark, however blue eyes can appear in the blue merle coat. Their small ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. Their necks are arched and muscular. Their long tails are feathered, carried straight down, or at a slight upward curve. Their double coats are long and abundant all over their bodies but is shorter on their heads and legs and their coats form a mane around their necks and chests. Their outer coats are straight and can be rough, but their undercoats are alwys soft and tight. Coat colors come in blue merle, sable and black with various amounts of white and/or tan.

Shelties are loyal, willing and eager to please, and make wonderful companion dogs. Docile and alert with a pleasant temperament, Shelties are loving, loyal and affectionate with their families. In fact, Shelties love people. You should socialize them well starting at puppyhood. They are good guard and watchdogs, and are particularly sensitive to the tone of your voice. Shelties need their owners to be calm, but firm. Very intelligent, lively and trainable, Shelties are one of the smartest breeds. With intelligence comes the need to occupy their minds. Shelties like to be kept busy. Our Sheltie, Jack, is always "on duty." Shelties are very capable dogs, including beingintelligent herders, capable both of commanding large cattleand holding small sheep in check. Shelties also love to chase things. They should not be allowed to run free near roads as they may decide to chase a car or something else they see across the road, running a high risk of getting hit by a car.

Because of its beauty and kindness, Shelties have become popular companion dogs.

Shelties are related to the Rough Collie, both dogs descended from Border Collies that inhabited Scotland. The Border Collies were brought to the Scottish island of Shetland and crossed with the Icelandic Yakkin, a small island dog which is now extinct. By 1700, Shelties were completely developed. The dogs were used to herd and guard the sheep flocks of the Shetlands. This willing worker was very gentle when herding the miniature stock. Shelties were first recognized in England in 1909 and by the AKC in 1911. Shelties are one of the most popular companion dogs today. Extremely smart, Shelties excel at obedience competition. Some of the Shelties talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

The Sheltie Size:
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 14-27 lbs