Shetland Sheepdog, a small dog breed.

The Sheltie dog is named after the Shetland Islands which lie off the cold barren northeast coast of Scotland, from whence it originally came. The breed traces its ancestry back to early herding dogs of Scotland and to several other small breeds. By the turn of the century, they were a rather nondescript lot and it wasn't until some cross breedings to small Collies that the appearance of the Shetland Sheepdog breed really advanced. The breed was given recognition by the Kennel club, England, in 1909. The early breed name adopted, the Shetland Collie was objected to by many of the Collie breeders of the day, and so the Kennel Club, in 1914, recognized the breed name, Shetland Sheepdog. The AKC registered the first Sheltie dog in 1911. The Canadian Kennel Club CKC recognized the breed in 1930. In the United Sates and Canada, the breed standard calls for a slightly taller height than in Britain.

The duties of the Sheltie were to tend small flocks of sheep and to keep them out of the home garden. Albeit a tireless worker and very attractive, it is the personality of the Shetland Sheepdog which endears it to man. The Sheltie dog lives to please. It is intensely loyal, affectionate, intelligent, a very quick learner, highly trainable and very obedient. Although inclined to be reserved with strangers, it must never be shy or timid. A Shetland Sheepdog requires a lot of exercise, several times per day. They shed quite a lot and so grooming three times per week is recommended. A Sheltie puppy bonds with the whole family, and is excellent with children. Instinct to protect personal property and give watchdog warnings, are an extra bonus with this calm, obliging breed. Shetland Sheepdogs come in three colors, sable, black and blue merle with varying amounts of white and/or tan. A Shetland Sheepdog puppy is an excellent choice for an urban or rural family.