Collection: Personalised Shetland Sheepdog Gifts

Quite a niche breed with a very loyal following, the Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is often mistaken for a Rough Haired Collie and it's true, there is a similarity. But the Sheltie is its own distinct breed, named after the Shetland Islands from where they originate and the reason for their dense, shaggy coat.

Affectionate and agile, they excel at flyball and dog agility.

Developed on the Shetland Isles off the north coast of Scotland, this breed was used to herd livestock mostly sheep and also to act as guard dogs against birds and other predators. They were bred to work in the harshest of environments and weather conditions. The Shetland Sheepdog is smaller because generally, the livestock on Shetland was smaller both in size and number.

For many years, the Shetland Sheepdog was known as the Toonie which is a corruption of the Norwegian word for farm.

First recognised as an actual breed in 1840, no one can quite remember how long they were around before that. Sometimes, Shelties are called Shetland Collies and they do have Border Collie ancestry and do a Collie job but some people maintain that there is King Charles Spaniel influence in the breed as well.

By the 19th century, there was so much crossbreeding that the islanders took action as they realised the original Sheltie was fast disappearing. When the breed was registered with the Kennel Club, it was first recorded as a Shetland Collie but Collie breeders in England were unhappy about this and the name was changed to Shetland Sheepdog. There were many years of dissension amongst breeders before they finally reached an agreement on a breed standard. Popular in the States and across the world, rather ironically the breed is now quite rare in its native Shetland Islands.

Shelties have always ranked as one of the most intelligent of all the dog breeds in studies and research so a Shetland Sheepdog needs a home where there is plenty of occupation and mental stimulation. They are naturally a very energetic breed but make excellent companions and are happy and cheerful with children.