| Country of origin: | United Kingdom (Scotland) |
| Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
| Occupation: | Herder, companion, performance sports |
| Size: | 6–7kg (13–15lb), 35–37cm (14–15in) |
| Longevity: | 14 to 16 years |
| Exercise: | Active; more is better |
| Training: | Easy; hard to keep challenged |
| Grooming: | Lots of brushing |
| Colors: | Tricolour, diverse bicolours, and blue merle |
The Shetland Sheepdog is a highly trainable, affectionate dog that thrives on, and is superb at, agility, obedience, Flyball, or just showing off in competition. Its ancestral home is on the remote Shetland Islands in the North Sea. Traders, visitors, and settlers to these islands brought with them a variety of dogs including Scottish Rough Collies, the Sheltie’s main ancestors, and spaniel and spitz-type breeds. Shelties are, in essence, perfectly miniaturized Rough Collies and retain the working abilities of their ancestors. While they can be both timid and wary of strangers if not socialized properly as pups, Shelties are natural watchdogs and, when given the opportunity, equally natural sheep herders. Miniaturization has brought with it an increased risk of legbone fractures. Two hereditary conditions, collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), are potential problems. Its dense, rough coat needs routine brushing, but like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (see pp.84–85), the Sheltie is an ideal dog for both young families and older, more sedentary households.