Shelties, Family, and Dreams…
Shetland Sheepdogs…their story has an amazing past, a wonderful present, and a bright future.
The Shetland Sheepdogs breed started as petite herding dogs in the Shetland Isles. According to legend, they were called “toonie dogs.” As the dogs were brought to more southern regions of the British Isles, their personality was appreciated, although it seems that their looks had room to be improved.
The AKC breed standard reads that a Shetland Sheepdog is “to resemble a Rough Collie in miniature.” Although, the Sheltie is more than just a miniature Collie.
Both Border Collies and standard Collies were added into the breed, and some Pomeranian to reduce the size again. The goal was to select for intelligence, submissiveness, herding instinct, and, lastly, improved looks. The result is that Shelties rate higher in intelligence than even Collies, with an eager desire to please. As breeds go, the Shetland Sheepdog is a fairly young one, and has few breed health issues. Although they are not usually asked to brave the harsh weather that the original herding dogs faced, some Shelties have an excellent herding instinct.
My first Sheltie learned to herd cows, and would grin and loll her tongue out as if to laugh, when she would get the first command. She was the happiest girl, and would always be at my side. If I had to leave, she would wait at the door that I went out, for me to arrive home. She taught me so much, and we learned herding training together.
My Grandmother brought her first Sheltie into the family when my Mom was two years old. After that sweet girl, my family has only had Shelties, and we love seeing how individual each one is! In the 80’s, the University of Georgia had a program where a champion male was available at stud, to improve the Shelties in Georgia. When my parents found out that they were expecting me, my Grandmother took her girl to be bred. So my first Sheltie was actually born 4 months before I was born. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from my Grandmother, and other Sheltie mentors.
My goals are to have the best Shetland Sheepdog bloodlines that I can, with the most love and care for each Sheltie, and to have quality Shelties available for normal families who love the breed.