The Tiny Herder of the Shetland Islands, the Shetland Sheepdog
One of the mysterious dog breeds in the world is probably the famous Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie. Its direct ancestor is undefined and the reason behind its temperament is vague but whats certain is the fact that the Sheltie first appeared in the rocky terrains of Shetland Island of Scotland. The Sheltie looks like a small Collie but according to some, the Sheltie is not the result of intentional breeding that will result to a miniature Collie.
It is concluded that the main contributors for the development of the Sheltie are the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, Greenland Yakki (now extinct), and the King Charles Spaniel. During it’s prominence in Shetland Island, this little breed was believed to do herding tasks just like any other Collies. It was discovered though that while its larger look-alike herded stocks, this breed did the chasing and herding of smaller creatures such as ducks, squirrels and vermin.
Today, the Sheltie is a favorite pet of many families around the world and it is outstanding in doing this role. This breed is intensely loyal and obedient, biddable and an avid pleaser of its master. If trained properly with firm and imposing hands from the owner, this breed will expose its greatest ability that will make it a superb family pet and companion.
A Sheltie that was not properly exposed to new people when it is young will shy away from strangers during its adult days. This breed is a possible great playmate to humans especially to children therefore, it is best to socialize them whence they are young. Children should be instructed and guided, too, on how to treat the Sheltie so as to avoid accidents like trampling of the tiny dog.
It was mentioned that the Sheltie was not really meant for herding but curiously, it possesses a natural herding ability that it can’t help but chase and herd smaller creatures at home or in the outdoors. Because of this ability and energy, it is important to exercise them daily in the form of running and chasing in the open field. This is to keep them healthy mentally and physically and to utilize its unused herding energy as well.
Generally, the Sheltie stands 13 to 16 inches in height and weighs 14 to 27 pounds. Its long and thick coat consists of an upper coat that serves as a guard hair and an undercoat that serves as comfort against hot or cold temperatures. The outer coat is thick, long and coarse and is water-repellent while the undercoat is soft and shorter.
There are three main colors of Sheltie namely sable, tri-colour and blue merle. Sable can be golden or mahogany while tri-colour is composed of black, white and tan. Blue merle is made up of grey, white, black and tan.
The Sheltie was first recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1909 and in 1911, the American Kennel Club followed suit through the registry of the famous Sheltie “Lord Scott”. A herding breed or not, people believe that the Sheltie possesses a naturally active and affectionate disposition that is often manifested through its inclination in chasing small creatures and children. It is a great and dependable breed and these facts make it an excellent pet to all kinds of people around the world.
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