Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Shetland Sheepdog
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Height
- 35.5 cm
About the Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, commonly called the Sheltie, is a herding dog breed that originated in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Its listed origin is the United Kingdom, and its listed height is 35.5. The breed was formally recognized by the Kennel Club in 1909. It was first called the Shetland Collie, but that name led to controversy with Rough Collie breeders, so it was changed. The Sheltie is described as small, clever, vocal, willing to please, and trustworthy. These traits and its herding background are useful points for anyone considering the breed. Its name and history connect it to the Shetland Islands, while its formal recognition and later name change form part of its documented background. The Shetland Sheepdog is classified as a dog and a herding breed.
What stands out
- Originated in Scotland’s Shetland Islands
- Described as clever and willing to please
- Described as trustworthy
- Formally recognized in 1909
Worth knowing
- Described as vocal
Who it suits
The Shetland Sheepdog may suit people interested in a small herding dog described as clever, vocal, willing to please, and trustworthy.
In short
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small herding breed with a clear connection to the Shetland Islands. Its vocal nature and other listed traits are worth considering when deciding whether it suits you.
More dog breeds from United Kingdom
Airedale Terrier United Kingdom Height 56 cmLives 12 yrs Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Copyrighted free use 
Bullmastiff United Kingdom Height 61 cmWeight 41 kg Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- Shetland Sheepdog — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Airedale Terrier — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Copyrighted free use · file page
- beagle — Jonatan De Geest · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Border Terrier — Floris16 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Bulldog — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Bullmastiff — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Mapovfille · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- collie — Karen Arnold · CC0 · file page
- Curly Coated Retriever — Mattias Agar · CC BY-SA 2.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.