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SHETLAND SHEEPDOG |
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During the 1700s fishing boats arrived regularly on the Shetland Islands, bringing black and tan King Charles Spaniels, "Yakki" dogs from Greenland and spitz-type herding dogs from the Scandinavian countries. These dogs were allowed to "stretch their legs" during their onshore leave, and often left little remembrances of their visit on the islands. The Shetland Sheepdog is obviously related to the other collies, either directly or through a common ancestor. The progeny of these "sailors" and the native island dogs proved to be alert, eager working stock and came to be known as Toonie dogs, for the toon or town (or from tun, Norwegian for farm). Obviously, they were good workers in town or on the farm. The Shetland
Islands are bare and rugged. The terrain furnishes inhospitable territory
for raising stock, but its natives were rugged, too, and developed animals
that didn't need lush flora to survive. Their miniature cattle, dwarf
sheep and tiny Shetland ponies were herded by correspondingly small sheep
dogs. The small farms were known as crofts, and the crofters thought highly
of their gentle little herding dogs. The Shelties' gait carried them lightly
over rough terrain, and their easygoing manner made them gentle with stock.
Early literature
refers to the dogs as "nondescript." Eventually a Shetlander
named Loggie standardized type for the show ring, and the breed was entered
in Crufts in 1906, where they were shown with the Collies, as miniatures.
After the destructive years of WWI, a fancier introduced a Collie into
the surviving lines, and created the type known at this time.
Quick workers,
Shelties are highly intelligent and willing to please, making them one
of the outstanding obedience breeds in the ring today. These "apartment-size"
collies make ideal pets—they are amiable, healthy, docile and great with
children. As with the other collies, a regular grooming schedule keeps
their plush coats looking attractive.
The Sheltie
standard is precise in height and marking requirements. Due to the relatively
recent cross with the Rough Collie, a tendency exists for some specimens
to be larger than desired. Puppies termed as "mismarks" and
youngsters that go over-size, however, still make delightful companions.
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