1. History of the breed  |  2. Sheltie Breed Standard

History of the breed

The native land of the breed are the Shetland islands situated about 80 km northeast off the coast of Scotland. Until mid-XV century Shetland islands belonged to Norway and therefore it is supposed that sheltie's predecessors are some Scandinavian breeds of dog.

Presumed founding fathers of the breed are the "jakki" dogs named after the indigenous people of Greenland - the jakkis. In the process of forming the sheltie breed other breeds like spitz, schipperke and cavalier-king-Charles-spaniel also have their share. The ultimate goal of the breeders in those times was to improve the working abilities of sheltie. In the early XX century the exterior and height of sheltie were much different than now. The individuals then were variously colored and at the first exhibitions in Great Britain the breed was considered much curious.

Therefore on 28.November.1908 the fans of sheltie founded in Lerwick the "Shetland collie club", issued the first genealogical books of the breed and set the outlines of the standard. The first Shetland Sheepdog club in Scotland was established in January 1909.

In 1914 followed the Birmingham "Shetland Sheepdog Club of England" which is now the largest and most authoritative club of the sheltie fans in Great Britain. First champion titles for the breed were awarded to English dogs in 1916.

Last changes to the standard were proposed in 1948 and later adopted by FCI.

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Sheltie Breed Standard

1. General appearance:
   Small longhaired working dog with symmetrical and harmoniously set parts of the body.
   
   
2. Head:
   Should be a long, blunt wedge tapering slightly from ears to nose. Skull should be flat and moderately wide between ears. Skull and muzzle should be of equal length. Eyes should be of medium size, colored dark brown with almond-shaped rims. Blue color for one or both eyes is allowed for blue merle dogs only. Ears are relatively high placed, triangular, carried half erect, with tips breaking forward.
   
   
3. Teeth:
   Jaws proportional, definitely outlined scissors bite. Recommended full number of 42 level and evenly spaced teeth.
   
   
4. Body:
   Long. Chest should be deep and line of back should be level. Tail should be placed low with profuse hair. The coat should be double, the outer coat consisting of long, straight, harsh hair; the undercoat short, furry.
   
   
5. Height:
   Ideal height at hulk is 37 cm for males and 35.5 cm for bitches. Allowed diversions up to 2.5 cm.
   
   
6. Color:
   Sable-white, tricolor, black-and-white (bicolor), blue merle. White spots are allowed on forehead, neck, chest and tail tip. White body spots are not welcome.

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