Sheltie is short for Shetland Sheepdog, a herding breed that originates from the Shetland Islands off the northern tip of Scotland.
“What a cute miniature Collie!” “Look at the little Lassie!” “Is that a toy Collie?”
Every owner of a Shetland Sheepdog has heard and responded to countless comments such as these, but although Shelties bear a striking resemblance to Collies, they are a totally separate breed with differences in structure and temperament. And they are not a toy.

The standard for Shelties states that they should measure between 13" and 16" at the shoulder. Most fall into the upper half of this range. The old guy in this photograph is our own Sheltie. His name in Strolchi, a German name which means “Little Tramp”. He was the smallest among his siblings and is one of the more rare Shelties which measure only 13" at the shoulder. We got him almost 14 years ago when he was 10 weeks old.

Strolchi was not bred in a puppy mill but by an experienced, knowledgeable, European Shetland Sheepdog breeder, so his loyal, alert, enthusiastic, and charming personality is undisturbed. His luxurious coat as well as his sweet expression are only a few of his hallmarks, but we never bugged him with coaxing his ears into the correct carriage.

He, as all Shelties, is happiest when the whole family is together in one room, enjoying each other’s company. In the Sheltie’s mind, the family is its flock, and a family spread throughout the house can lead to a very restless, pacing Sheltie. He lives to please and spreads his love, and when he turns on the sheltie cuteness it is impossible to resist him.
We love him with all our heart.

Set of Two
Border Collie
(from the Herding Dogs Collection)

Featured in Paws n Claws 30.04.09