Shetland Shepherd Dog

History, origin & features

Originally from the Shetland Islands, this breed was used as a sheepdog for the islands' famous sheep and ponies. Descended from the Working Collie, the Yakee and then the Spitz, the Sheltie was exported to the U.S.A. and Anglo-Saxon countries around 1910, then to France in 1935. It is sometimes confused with the longhaired Collie. The Shetland is characterized by its gentle, obedient character. Very affectionate, they love the company of children and their owners. They can be used as herding dogs, but are best seen as pets in their own right. Shetland Sheepdogs are small to medium-sized dogs with a harmonious, elegant physique. They are distinguished by their elongated muzzle. Their topcoat is long, with a soft, short undercoat. There are several coat colors: fawn and white, black fawn and white, blue merle, black and white or black and fawn.