Sheltie Nation

The Sheltie FAQ

Got questions?  We got answers!  Our Sheltie FAQ covers the most common questions.  It is a great place to get started! 

History of the Sheltie

The modern Shetland Sheepdog owner is often met with cries of “Oh look! A mini Lassie!”  That is understanable because it resembles the famous Rough Collie, Lassie made famous in movies and TV.

But did you know Shelties come from different breeding lines, with Collie crosses only in the last 100 years? Take a look at the mysterious development of the Shetland Sheepdog from its origins in the Shetland Islands.

The Sheltie Colors

There are two primary Sheltie colors: sable and black.  All other colors in the breed are determined by other genes acting upon these primary colors. But there is a lot more to coat colors than that!

Check out our pictures of these beautiful coats and learn more about what influences the rainbow of beautiful colors.

The Truth About Miniature Shelties

Miniature Sheltie or Miniature Collie? – There is no such animal. These terms are often used by uneducated & unethical breeders who end up  lowering the quality of the Shetland Sheepdog breed. What’s worse, many “toy Shelties” or “teacup Shelties” are prone to more health problems because they are created by breeding the smallest runts. Learn more by reading this article.

The Sheltie Family: Collie Cousins

The Sheltie family includes many types of Collie breeds. Shelties were mainly crossed with Rough Collies and during the 19th and 20th centuries, which is why they share much in common today. Take a look at the different types of Collies and the characteristics of some of them.

10 Things I Love About Shelties

I decided to write 10 Things I Love About Shelties to convey my personal opinions as to what make Shetland Sheepdogs such wonderful companions.

See if you agree!

How to Find a Lost Sheltie

Your Sheltie is lost!?  What should you do next? Here is a time line for immediate action, what to do after two hours, two days and beyond. 

Top 10 Dog Breeds

What are the Top 10 Dog Breeds in America and where do Shelties feature on this list? It all depends.

The two most common methods are by popularity based on dog registrations with the American Kennel Club and by breed intelligence. Here are those two lists of the top dog breeds for 2011.

The Shetland Sheepdog Breed Standard

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. It defines the ideal animal and provides goals for breeders in improving stock.

Learn more about the Sheltie breed standard and what it takes to to successfully breed and show quality Shelties.

Why Breed Standards Matter

The Breed Standard is by definition, the definition of a breed. Without it our beloved Shelties have no identity.

This article is my 2 cents on this very important subject and the reasons why I believe people should endeavor to breed Shelties correctly and ethically.