Breed Info

Physical Description

Height is measured at the shoulder. Show Shelties must have measurements between 13-16" but generally their size varies, with the majority of Shelties being on the higher end of the range. Their weight range is 25-35lbs, though larger Shelties may weigh more.

Colors:

Black Shelties	Black with tan and white markings (tri-color), or with white markings only (bi-black).	Blue Merles	Black and silver dapples (merles), often with black patches, and may have brown, blue or merle eyes which may not match. Bi-blues have no tan markings.

White Shelties	Color-headed whites have little white on their heads, but may have a lot of white on the body (collar, cuffs and bib). While too much white may be penalized in the showring, of the two "whites", this variation is much healthier. Double merles have great deal of white on their head and body. They are often deaf or blind in one or both eyes/ears, depending on their markings.	Sable Shelties	Variations of brown and tan, with varying amounts of white markings. Depending on the colors of the top hairs (guard hairs) they may be further broken down into red sables, tri-factored sables, and shaded sables.

Breed History:

The name Sheltie is a shortened version of Shetland Sheepdog. These diminutive, agile dogs originated in the Shetland Islands, in the mid 1800's to herd sheep and ponies. By the end of the 19th century though, they were already sought after as pets and working dogs by the British. As such, their "breed" was not officially preserved, and their physical characteristics varied widely.

Eventually they were cross bred with British Collies, resulting in a larger breed which were called Shetland Collies. At the turn of the century, these dogs were officially recognized both by the English Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club as a true breed, although the standards vary between the two clubs (even today). Shortly thereafter they were given the name Shetland Sheepdog.

Show quality scale of points (according to AKC standards):

Dogs which have heights which exceed the height range, or have brindle coats are disqualified.

General Appearance	Temperament	10
	Symmetry	10
	Eyes, ears, expression	5
	Skull and stop	5
	Coat (head)	5
Body	Loin, croup, tail	5
	Chest, brisket, ribs	10
	Neck, back	5
Forequarters	Forelegs, feet	5
	Shoulder	10
Hindquarters	Hocks, feet	5
	Hip, thigh, stifle	10
Gait	Smooth, efficient movement at trot	5
Total		100

More information on the breed:

HTTP://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/breeds/shelties.html This is the most comprehensive site you will find for information about the breed itself. It covers the following information: breed history, Shelties today (physical description, temperament), health issues, medications, as well as breed info from other countries. It is also a valuable source of further references (non-virtual).

HTTP://www.dogpatch.org/sheltieq.html Dogpatch has answers to commonly asked questions about the breed. Good reading, good links.

HTTP://www.akc.org/shetshee.htm Read what the American Kennel Club has to offer regarding the breed.

Copyright © 1997 Palisades Kennels
This site created by: WEBFeat!!		Last edited: Monday, January 05, 1998