This FAQ is intended as a supplement to, not a substitute for, the general dog information found in other USENET dog FAQs.
Acknowledgements: Thanks are due the following individuals who contributed to this FAQ: Connie Byrnes; Anita Fahrenwald; Ed Faulk; Dee Flesher; Becky Golatzki, DVM; Ken Gravenstede; Peggy Hammond; John De Hoog; Pam Lunsford; Cheryl May; Cindy Tittle Moore; Vicki Wilson; and most of all, the Hearthside Shelties, past and present. There are probably others I have forgotten to mention and to whom I humbly apologize in advance. Any errors are, of course, mine.
Revisions
In fact, the incessant storms that sweep the North Atlantic, rather than pixies or fairies, account for Shetland's other- worldly aura, as well as the centuries of austerity endured by its inhabitants. With topsoil and vegetation constantly threatened by erosion, Shetlanders of necessity practiced economy in all things. The ponies, cattle and sheep so essential to the local livelihood were turned out to forage, while the few crops cultivated were sheltered in walled gardens on the tiny "toons" (from the Norwegian tun, for "farm"). However, the two means of subsistence often came into conflict when the nimble Shetland animals jumped the stone walls to feast on the tender sprouts growing within.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, the thrifty islanders had begun to breed small agile dogs, which they called "toonies," to keep the ponies and sheep off the "toons" and out of the crops. Little is known of the dogs' ancestry. An earlier, larger sheepdog of Shetland, various British working collies, the Icelandic Yakkie, and dwarf spaniels may all have contributed genes, but nothing is recorded of the Shelties' history until close to the end of the century.
British fanciers' interest in the toonies apparently coincided with the depletion of their numbers. By the late 1800's, sailors from whaling vessels were reportedly carrying many of the little island dogs off to serve as ships' dogs, or as gifts for loved ones back home. Maxwell Riddle has suggested that the first Shelties may have arrived in America this way. As they would have been pets, rather than show or breeding stock, their genes do not survive in today's AKC Shelties.
The first breeders to take on the task of "preserving and purifying" the toonies soon developed serious differences. Some sought to perpetuate the characteristics of the crofters' dogs, which were described in a publication of the day as 10-11" tall, weighing 6-10 lbs, "pretty, intelligent and hardy." However, other breeders saw the toonies as little more than mongrels, and in need of considerable refinement.
The latter group sought to strengthen what they perceived to be the toonie's best traits by crossing them with small rough Collies (at the turn of the century, British Collies were not nearly as large as today's American standard Collies). This practice was accepted at the time by the [English] Kennel Club, which required documentation for three generations before progeny could be registered. These "declared crosses" produced a somewhat bigger dog, which was called the Shetland Collie. Subsequent efforts to bring the dogs' size back down by selective crosses with toy breeds resulted in a loss of Collie type and were soon abandoned.
The Kennel Club recognized the Shetland Collie in 1909, and a year later, the first representative of the new breed was registered with the American Kennel Club. In 1914, following a series of objections by Collie fanciers, the Shetland Collie was officially renamed the Shetland Sheepdog. A World War I breeding ban in Britain significantly set back the Sheltie's progress, but after it was lifted, American fanciers began to import more Shelties, and by 1929, there were enough enthusiasts to form the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. ASSA held its first specialty show in 1933.
Imports from England continued until the 1950's, when American and British Shelties began to diverge greatly in type. This may be partly attributable to American Collie crosses which remain undocumented, as AKC has always forbidden cross-breeding. It may also result from the fact that the English standard has long declared an ideal height for all Shelties (14" for bitches; 14.5" for dogs), while the American standard does not give preference to any height between 13 and 16 inches. (Prior to adoption of the present standard in the 1950's, American Sheltie champions could be as tall as 18"). Today Shelties from the two countries are distinctly different, and U.S.-U.K. imports are rare.
While Sheltie numbers increased steadily in the United States, for many years they remained considerably less well known than their Collie cousins. By 1980, however, the situation had reversed, and in contrast to the larger breed, the Shetland Sheepdog has appeared on AKC's list of the ten most popular dogs twelve of the past fifteen years. By the early 1990's, however, Sheltie popularity seems to have peaked, and as with a number of popular purebreds, Sheltie registrations are now dropping dramatically. In 1992, they were the #9 breed with 43,449 individual registrations. In 1993, they were #10, with 41,113 registrations. The most recent AKC statistics (published in April 1995 for 1994) record Sheltie 36,853 registrations, putting the breed now at #13.
A Sheltie's height is not an indication of its health, soundness or temperament. Nevertheless, pet-owners may have legitimate concerns about size. Your best resource in this matter is a knowledgeable breeder. Both over-sized (over 16") and under-sized (below 13") individuals can appear in the same litter. This is particularly true when an ill-informed "breeder," lacking a working knowledge of genetics, mistakenly believes they can "average out" size by mating a big Sheltie with a small one. Moreover, different Sheltie lines mature at different rates: the biggest pup at six weeks may not be biggest at six months. A reputable breeder, who has invested years in studying both the breed and their particular line, will provide the best estimate regarding the size a given pup will reach at maturity.
Sable Shelties are brown or tan, with coats ranging from pale lemon or ginger through mahogany. The darker ones usually have black "guard" hairs over the brown. These are called "shaded sables" or "tri-factored sables." Some sables, both light and dark, have a red cast to their coats, hence the term "red sables." Sables usually have white markings, but these may vary from prominent to almost non-existent. Regardless of the amount of white, or the amount of black or red cast, all sables should be registered with the AKC as Sables.
Black Shelties are registered with the AKC as Tri-colors when they have white and tan markings, or as Bi-blacks when they are marked with white only. When black Shelties have a coppery cast to their coat, this is called "rusting." It is a fault in the show ring, but in no way affects their value as pets.
Blue Merles are genetically black Shelties whose coat color has been modified by the merling gene. This makes them appear to be dappled silver and black, usually with black patches. Blue merles also differ from other Shelties in that they may have blue or brown eyes (or one of each), or merle eyes, which appear to be both brown and blue. This does not indicate any vision deficiency. Blue merles are also usually marked with varying amounts of white, and may or may not have tan markings. Those without tan markings are called Bi-Blues.
There are two kinds of white Shelties. One type is called the "color-headed white." "White factor" determines the Sheltie's so-called Dutch or Irish markings (the white collar, bib and cuffs) which are associated with Lassie but are not required for the show ring. Some heavily white-factored dogs have white haunches and legs, a huge white collar, and completely white shoulders and forelegs. Such a dog may have so much white on its body that only a "saddle" or a few patches of color remain. Its head, however, contains no more white than any other Sheltie's might. (This is similar to what is called parti-color in other breeds). At present, the AKC Standard severely penalizes any show Sheltie that is over 50% white. However, color-headed white Collies have long been accepted in the show ring, and many fanciers believe color-headed white Shelties should be also. In any event, color headed whites are completely normal. They can be shown at non-AKC shows and are entirely suitable as pets or obedience dogs.
The same cannot be said for the white "double" or homozygous merles which result from merle-merle breedings. (Usually the parents are both blues, but there are rare sable merles as well. Sheltie color genetics are very complicated, and no one should attempt breeding without a thorough understanding of all the possibilities.) The "double merle" usually has a great deal of white on its head as well as its body. These dogs are blind unless a black patch appears over an eye, and deaf unless a black patch appears over an ear. They frequently have heart and other problems as well, and are not recommended as pets.
With the exception of the "double" merle described above, Shelties of all colors make equally satisfactory companions. There is no connection between a Sheltie's temperament or trainability and its coat color. Although the sables continue to be popular with the public, many breed fanciers prefer the blue merles and tri-colors.
Despite their thick coats, Shelties are not suited to outdoor living. They should always be protected from extremes of heat and cold. Sociable animals, they hate being isolated, and Shelties who feel abandoned can develop behavioral problems. On the other hand, Shelties usually possess a strong denning instinct, and adapt well to crates. If a Sheltie must be alone during the day, a crate indoors is a far better solution than solitary confinement in the back yard or basement.
While some Shelties are sedate and enjoy the quiet life, many modern Shelties have relatively high exercise requirements. Some experts recommend a two-mile daily walk as ideal. Shelties often take great joy in such sports as obedience, fly-ball, frisbee, herding, agility, and tracking. However, although the breed has an impressive record of achievement in these activities, not all Shelties are built to work. Sporting enthusiasts may need to take greater care than in some breeds to insure getting a sound prospect for competition.
This makes choosing the right Sheltie a lot more difficult than one might suspect, seeing a sweet face in the pet store window. The perfect dog for obedience or herding might be a nightmare for a sedentary person, while their docile darling could suffer sadly in a family of rowdy pre-teens. When you seek out the services of a seasoned breeder, s/he will ask many questions in order to make the best possible match to your particular needs. Avoid dealing with anyone who is more interested in making a sale than in facilitating an informed selection. After all, with luck and good care, your Sheltie should be with you for twelve or more years (some have survived to twenty!) and it is worth investing a little extra time, effort and money at the outset.
The Sheltie is a double-coated breed and requires a minimum of one thorough brushing a week to maintain cleanliness and health. During sheds, daily attention is a must. Most adult, neutered Shelties cast coat once a year. When youngsters "blow" their puppy coat, it seems as if there is fur everywhere, but this only happens once. Generally, dogs (males) have heavier coats than bitches, and of course the bigger the adult Sheltie, the more coat there will be to deal with. However, unspayed bitches moult the most, shedding with each seasonal cycle, rather than annually -- one more argument for having your female fixed as soon as possible. (Bitches also lose much of their coat after each litter. Don't be disappointed if your pup's dam appears to be skimpily clad. Your spayed or neutered pet Sheltie need never look that naked!)
The other challenge to owning a Sheltie is that they are notorious barkers. To some extent, this varies with the individual, but as a breed they are known to be vocal. And unlike some smaller breeds which are barky but have "baby" voices, Shelties possess a penetrating bark. Your neighbors may not appreciate the fact that your dog's ancestors always lived within three miles of the ocean, and had to be heard over the sound of crashing surf, the call of sea animals, the bleating of lambs, and the howl of high winds. Train your Sheltie early to stop barking once you have determined that there is nothing to be concerned about. If you are unsure how to do this, ask your breeder or veterinarian for the name of a reputable trainer. Two or more Shelties can be next to impossible to keep quiet, which is why many multiple-Sheltie owners have some of their dogs de- barked. You may want to discuss this option with your breeder or veterinarian as well.
Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club for a copy of the Standard.
Alas, other inherited diseases found in Shelties cannot be so readily detected: epilepsy (canine seizure disorder); liver, kidney and pancreas conditions; two forms of Lupus; several skin diseases, and an occasional cancer have been reported to disproportionately affect some lines. See the Usenet Collie FAQ and Canine Medical Information FAQs for further discussion, as well as the Sheltie medical problems bibliography in the Information section that follows.
Before you buy a puppy, always ask the breeder about any problems found in their line. Breeders who deny the existence of Sheltie medical problems are not being honest: shop elsewhere. A reputable breeder will provide a written guarantee on the health of a puppy, and will want to know immediately about any medical problems that arise.
The Shelties coming out of the Page's Hill kennel fared much better. They were imported by the Green Hill kennel of the Japan Shetland Sheepdog Club (JSSC), and included Ch. Stronghold O'Page's Hill, the first American Sheltie champion to be brought to Japan. Mr. Ohashi of Green Hill imported this dog after careful research of the breed, and he subsequently imported other outstanding dogs from this line, in the process creating a strain of Japanese Shelties quite different from those that preceded it.
Most of the other Shelties that were introduced to Japan in later years came from American kennels. Around two-thirds of the Shelties now in Japan are registered with the AKC. A third are registered with the Japan Kennel Club and a mere handful (just over 3,000) with the English Kennel Club. Meanwhile, Japanese breeders have been producing their own strains, some quite lovely. AKC refuses to recognize any of these, so in this case the trade imbalance is all in America's favor.
The Japanese public soon fell in love with these dogs, and in the 1980's the Shetland Sheepdog became the most popular breed in Japan. The number of Sheltie registrations peaked in 1988 at 32,000, then started dropping. There were 27,821 registrations in 1991 and 24,230 in 1992. At that time the Sheltie was the third most popular dog in Japan, following the Siberian Husky (58,381 registrations) and Shih Tzu (44,322). (Many Shibas and other Japanese breeds remain unregistered in their native land).
The declining popularity of the Sheltie in Japan today is evident in the large numbers here that are elderly and not very healthy. Japanese tend to have fickle tastes when it comes to dogs. The Sheltie's looks and gentleness with children contributed to their initial appeal. Today there are fewer children, and the Sheltie's tendency to run around excitedly and to be rather noisy is a definite disadvantage in a crowded city like Tokyo. Today those who can afford the luxury of space seem to be turning to Goldens (whose registration doubled in 1992), while the toy breeds are becoming more popular with others. Still, the Sheltie is likely to remain as one of the top ten favorites in Japan for some time, even if the initial fad has come and gone.
John De Hoog dehoog@mail.st.rim.or.jp
Send SASE for publication list, which includes the annual ASSA HANDBOOKS,
the PICTORIAL STANDARD, "The Shetland Sheepdog," a pamphlet for new puppy-owners,
etc.
Baker has had Shelties since 1954 and with wife Sheila now runs
one of the leading Shetland Sheepdog kennels in the U.K. Pam Lunsford,
a dog book collector and Sheltie fancier, reminds us that recent British
books depict a different type of Sheltie than is produced in the U.S. today.
Although they began from the same roots, British and American Shelties
have diverged greatly, so that "our Shelties don't really look like theirs.
A new Sheltie person shouldn't expect an American Sheltie pup to grow up
looking like an English one."
To see if they have these informative charts still available, contact
the International at its latest address (see under Periodicals).
Beryl and Joan Herbert of Harrowgate, U.K., a famous English sister
team of Sheltie breeders, established their Shelert line in 1946.
A children's book about a litter of four Sheltie pups.
Available from Karen Hostetter, The Shetland Sheepdog Library, 4206
Dolphin Rd, Louisville KY 40220-3502. Karen also publishes Sheltie Kennelogs
and a ROM book; write for additional information.
Another children's book.
Highly recommended intro to Sheltie-owning from the Sheltie International
team.
Top-rated Sheltie book. Barbara Hagen Riesenberg co- authored the
first edition of this classic, touted by Sheltie-Listers as THE title to
buy if you only get one. Betty Jo McKinney produced the revised ed after
Riesenberg's death in 1980. This is now out of print as well. A third edition
is reportedly due out in summer of 1995.
Catherine Coleman (later Moore) was one of the founders of the ASSA,
and remained active in that organization into the 1970's. She produced
the first American-bred Sheltie champion, Miss Blackie, in 1931. Coleman's
Sheltieland Kennel was for many years one of the nation's most famous (see
note under Thynne). Her books have long been considered classics, and this
1960 title is today a rare collector's item.
Written under the author's maiden name, Catherine E. Coleman.
Nicholas is a Poodle and Beagle fancier who has written for the
AKC Gazette and other dog magazines, and authored books on many breeds.
This is a large, lavish book, profusely illustrated with many photos not
found elsewhere. However, it has not been generously received in the "Sheltie
press," with reviewers complaining that her version of American Sheltie
history is distorted and incomplete.
Margaret Osborne of Shiel Shelties (England) began showing the breed
in 1925. Maxwell Riddle, in the first edition of his book (q.v.) calls
her kennels "world famous."
Riddle is a distinguished breeder-exhibitor (but not of Shelties)
and judge who is Past President of the Dog Writer's Association and currently
President of AKC's Board of Directors. In 1972, he travelled to Shetland
to collect material for the first edition of this book.
The Misses Rogers (Patience was the other sister) established their
Riverhill Shelties in England in 1932, after becoming acquainted with the
breed through an uncle, who owned a Sheltie as early as 1914. Their dogs
earned many accolades and Felicity judged several times at Crufts and in
the U.S. Like many of the older British books, this volume, with its rare
photos of early Shelties, is a treasure trove for the breed historian.
Barb's Happy Glen Shelties include BIS and champion show dogs, as
well as obedience, agility and herding titled dogs. She has studied art
and here combines her interest in grooming and illustration to provide
a very useful guide.
Probably published in the early 1960's.
A pioneering study based on 20 years' research, its major contribution
was providing scientific evidence for heredity's effect on canine traits,
and documenting the fact that breeds differ significantly in their emotional
and motivational characteristics. The team of scientists chose representatives
from each of the (then) five AKC groups for their study: Basenjis, Beagles,
Cockers, Wire- haired Fox Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
This collection of tips won an award from the Dog Writers Association.
The author of this book about an obedience Sheltie was a former
high school English teacher who wrote for Dog World and breed magazines
and trained her Shelties in obedience.
Thynne was an important figure in early Sheltie history. She registered
some of the first "Shetland Collies" in England in 1913, and her Kilravock
Kennels would later be one of the few to preserve their breeding stock
through the British ban during WWI. In the early 1920's, her dogs began
to be imported to the U.S, and Maxwell Riddle has contended that one of
these, Kilravock Lassie (owned by Catherine Coleman) "should probably be
given credit for establishing the breed in America."
In 1931, breed pioneer W. W. Gallagher contracted a Pennsylvania
Collie breeder-handler named Betty Whelen to show his English Sheltie Ch.
Helensdale Laddie at Westminster. Laddie became the foundation for Gallagher's
famous Page's Hill Shelties, and inspired Whelen to import Syncopating
Sue, which started her Pocono Shelties. Whelen's dogs are behind many modern
lines and she continued breeding into the 1980's. Her presence at the ASSA
National was an annual event until she died in 1995. This title consists
of her memoirs. Whelen also provided much of the background material for
Nicholas' book.
Caveat:
A few of the above titles are designed for sale in pet stores. They
encourage readers to purchase puppies in such shops, and recommend that
you buy pet supplies (which they advertise by brand name) there as well.
Some also suggest that you breed your pet Sheltie. None of these notions
is endorsed by the author of this FAQ.
Write for price list of in-print issues, or see ads in the Sheltie
magazines (below). Mrs. Christiansen also buys out-of-print ASSA Handbooks
from those who no longer want them, and matches them with her list of people
who wish to buy these older editions as they become available.
These earlier Sheltie magazines had all ceased publication by the early 1980's:
A National Cancer Institute scientist's retrospective study (1964-75) of 114 dogs in which diagnoses of primary bladder cancer had been confirmed by biopsy. Of the 28 breeds represented in the study, "four... were identified with ex- cessive risk for bladder cancer and may serve as models for future research into genetic determinants." The breeds (in order): Cairns, Shelties, Scotties and Collies.
Contains tabulations of OFA data for breeds with over 100 evaluations, Jan 1974-March 1979. During that period, 733 Shelties were OFA'd, 6.1% of which were found to be dysplastic.
"Eye Diseases of the Shetland Sheepdog in Australia." Australian Veterinary Practitioner 22 (1992): 22
Shook, Larry. The Puppy Report. Lyons & Burford, 1992.
Shook's tabulations of 1989 CERF data reveal that in that year, 1576 Shelties were tested by CERF ophthalmologists in the U.S. & Canada. 24% of the males and 27% of the females were found to be affected with some kind of eye problem. Altogether 221 conditions were found in the males, and 309 in the females (some Shelties had more than one condition).
This group reviewed epidemiologic features of 523 cases of dogs diagnosed with PDA which had been submitted to the National Cancer Institute's Veterinary Medical Data Program. They identified four breeds at high risk for PDA: Miniature and Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
Avgeris et al tested 30 dogs, half of which were suspected to have low thyroid function, and found these dogs to have lower mean vW factor:antigen than those with normal thyroid function. vWF:Ag increased in hypothyroid dogs treated with thyroxine.Brooks, Marjory W., W. Jean Dodds, and Sharon L. Raymond, "Epidemiologic Features of vWD in Doberman Pinchers, Scottish Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs," JAVMA 200 (April, 1992): 1123- 1127
Between 1985-88, this team tested 4,249 Shelties and found 28% had abnormal vWF:Ag concentration (less than 50%). Moreover, during this period, significant increases in prevalence of this problem were observed among Shelties. Mean age for symptoms to show up in Shelties was 1.9 years. In affected dogs, bleeding was most commonly seen from mucosal surfaces and sites of surgery or trauma. In Shelties, mucosal bleeding typically came from the oral or nasal cavities.Raymond, Sharon, Douglas W. Jones, Marjory B. Brooks and W. Jean Dodds. "Clinical and Laboratory Features of a Severe Form of von Willebrand Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs." JAVMA 197 (Nov 15, 1990): 1342.
This study focuses on 10 Shelties w/the most severe form of vWD, but also reports that 23% (1428) of the more than 6000 Shelties screened at their facility tested within the heterozygous carrier range for the most common type (I) of vWD.
Describes the case history, clinical signs, diagnostic procedures and treatment of a Sheltie pup presented for a facial dermatosis.Hargis, Ann and Alan C. Mundell. "Familial Canine Dermatomyositis." Compendium On Continuing Education For The Practicing Veterinarian 14 (July 1992): 885.
Noxon, James O. and Ronald Myers. "Pemphigus Foliaceus in Two Shetland Sheepdog Littermates." JAVMA 194 (1989): 545
What, you may be wondering, does this have to do with Shelties? Well, Shelties were the original "rats," and this report provides a rare example of a breeder who worked with the scientific community to solve a problem. The rat study was initiated at Moribrook Shelties in Allegan County MI as part of an investigation launched after 115 litters either were born deformed, or died shortly after birth. Moribrook was an old, established kennel, and the problems had come on suddenly. Moreover, when the sires and dams involved were shipped to other kennels, they reproduced normally. This suggested an environmental cause, and raised concerns about human health as well. Because some Shelties had developed mottled teeth and bony growths after eating food containing fluoride, the scientists wondered if fluoride was also implicated in their fertility problems. However, the study failed to bear this out, and the culprit later turned out to be chemicals polluting the water supply.Nakahata, K; Yuji Uzuka and H. Matsumoto. "Hyperkinetic Involuntary Movements in a Young Shetland Sheepdog." Journal Of The American Animal Hospital Association 28 (1992): 347.
Drug therapy did not improve the condition. Histologic examination of the brain revealed no significant abnormalities.Mauterer, J.V, Jr, R.G. Prata, C. Carberry and S. Schrader. "Displacement of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle in dogs: 10 cases." JAVMA 208 (1993): 1162-1165.
Reports on 10 cases this team saw between 1983-91, four of which were in Shelties. Dogs did not respond satisfactorily to exercise restriction, bandaging and anti-inflammatories, but normal function returned following surgical reconstruction of the supporting soft tissues.