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Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are a lively, smart and athletic herding dogs that also makes a great family pet.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

About this Breed

The Shetland Sheepdog, commonly referred to as a ‘Sheltie’, hails from the Shetland Islands which lie between Scotland and Norway. The Shetland Sheepdog was used to protect protect and herd sheep on the islands, while keeping hungry birds and sheep away from the farmer’s garden. They were bred by crossing the Border Collie with other smaller dogs. They were brought to England and Scotland in the early 1800s where they were described as a Miniature Collie. However, they were officially recognized by the England’s Kennel Club as ‘Shetland Collies’ in 1909. Collie breeders weren’t happy with the breed name which led to the the AKC first recognizing them as ‘Shetland Sheepdogs’ in 1911. Today, Shelties are bred as farm and family pets.

Shetland Sheep are excellent companions and excel in dog sports. The small, energetic Sheltie are loving family dogs with a willingness to please their owners. While being very loyal to their owner, they are known to be reserved with strangers. They are also highly intelligent, ranking 6th in intelligence in a study run by animal expert, Stanley Coren, out of 142 breeds. Their smart nature, combined with their desire to please and athletic ability, makes the Shetland Sheepdog a strong sports performer. Shelties often portray their natural herding instinct, chasing around small animals such as rabbits or squirrels. A notable feature of this breed is their loud, high pitched bark, which again displays their herding nature. The Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat which you can expect to excessively shed year round, particularly in spring.

Shetland Sheepdogs on Embark

Explore some Embark dogs that share Shetland Sheepdog ancestry.

  • Whiskey Cash Adams

    Whiskey Cash Adams

    Online

    Online

    Pixel

    Pixel

    Valentino

    Valentino

  • Smoky

    Smoky

    Kona

    Kona

    Simonina

    Simonina

    Phebee

    Phebee

  • Bailey Quinn

    Bailey Quinn

    Bling

    Bling

    Ryder Roche

    Ryder Roche

    Endo

    Endo

Favorite Names

For Male

  1. Charlie
  2. Milo
  3. Buddy
  4. Jack
  5. Max
  6. Toby
  7. Finn
  8. Loki
  9. Tucker
  10. Cooper

For Female

  1. Lucy
  2. Sadie
  3. Ellie
  4. Luna
  5. Bella
  6. Daisy
  7. Piper
  8. Zoey
  9. Gracie
  10. Sophie
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