The Shetland Sheep dog, or "Sheltie" as it is affectionately known, originated from the Shetland Islands where it was used by crofters as a sheep dog. Few Shelties are used today for their original purpose as sheep dogs, but those people who have worked them vouch for their incredible stamina and instinctive ability to herd. They were first introduced into Australia in 1936. Often referred to as a miniature Collie, the Shetland Sheep dog certainly has the overall appearance of the Rough Collie, however, it is a breed in its own right and possesses some minor distinguishing features, apart from the obvious size difference.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Shetland Sheepdogs live from between 12 to 16 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
6kg to
7kg
BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT
Although rather a small dog, the Shetland Sheep dog is certainly not fragile. When feed was in short supply on the farms, the original Shelties were ferried on to small outlying islands with a flock of sheep and left for long periods to guard the flock and fend for themselves. Only the hardy would have been able to survive. When brought back to the farms after such isolation, the dogs would thrive on attention and affection. It is probably this part of their history that makes them so devoted to their owners, but suspicious of intruders and intent on protecting the family.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
Excellent. It can live happily with the family cat and will get along with most other dogs.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
The Shetland Sheep dog's glamorous jacket requires surprisingly little attention. A brush and a comb behind the ears each week will keep it in good condition. The breed's double coat enables it to adapt to both hot and cold weather, the second layer (undercoat) giving insulation against both heat and cold.
Please take note:
While the Shetland Sheep dog is certainly capable of barking, it is also smart enough to be trained not to bark unnecessarily. It makes an excellent watchdog and will alert you to visitors or unusual occurrences.
IDEAL OWNERS
Almost anyone will benefit from owning a Shetland Sheepdog. The ideal owner is someone who understands the need for occasional grooming.
IN CONCLUSION
If you have decided that the Shetland Sheep Dog is the dog for you and you realise that a brush and comb behind the ears is needed each week, contact one of the groups listed below:
Recommended Breeders
| Breeder Name | Kennel | State | |
|
Danielle Briggs
|
Stornoway
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Dorothy Hall
|
Cadvarni
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Sue Henley
|
Kaysview
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Shirley Fox
|
Shelmanna
|
TAS
|
Contact
|
|
Judy Docksey
|
Beauideal/Hilaire
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Jeanette Kania
|
Kirrimist
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Tenille Riordan
|
Sheldan
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Garry Dryburgh
|
Tezer
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Debbie and Doug Hedge
|
Inneslake
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Paula Rowden
|
ELECTRO
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Deirdre Bolwell
|
Daydream
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Kay Sullivan
|
Limbunya
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
John & Val Wishart
|
Abovin
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Hayley Lamb
|
Synrise
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Coral Young
|
Summerset
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Nicole Pearson
|
Hartly
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
christine klempel
|
charmhill
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Jenny HERD
|
Glenmurry
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Daisy Baker
|
Fairvyne
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
janet goodwin
|
nellabah
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Lyn Pearson
|
Lyndream
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Therese Dyer
|
Bluswell
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Janet Rainey
|
Jaemist
|
SA
|
Contact
|
|
Rachelle Belak
|
Brashelle
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Christine Hatzikiriakos
|
Hatztoo
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Veronica Royston
|
Juzvee
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Karma Holdings Pty Ltd Greg Mellor
|
Jmell
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Robyn Carroll
|
Gavend
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Cathryn Murdoch
|
Donriver
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Ashlea & Julie Stanton/Harris
|
Lurikeen
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Hope Innes
|
Harradei
|
SA
|
Contact
|
|
Lyn Vandeluytgaarden
|
Chillypark
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Jody Innes
|
harradei
|
SA
|
Contact
|
|
Elizabeth Thomson
|
Elizadale
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Ann Walters
|
Sharndah
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Ashlea & Julie Stanton & Harris
|
Lurikeen
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Brian Turner
|
Rimini
|
SA
|
Contact
|
|
Traci Addison
|
TBA
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Sandra Yearsley
|
Kasingal
|
WA
|
Contact
|
|
Lynne Merritt
|
Lamarilli
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Marita Biggs
|
Baelolu
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
Joanne Symonds
|
Uttercharm
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Rhiannon Anderson
|
Glenmurry
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Kerry McKay
|
Lochwind
|
SA
|
Contact
|
|
Brooke Williams
|
Majikblu
|
QLD
|
Contact
|
|
Michelle Young
|
Cheralay
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Kim Tresidder
|
Kelanmee
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Barbara Bosmans
|
Ashmont
|
VIC
|
Contact
|
|
JONENE RUSDEN
|
NEDSUR
|
NSW
|
Contact
|
|
Heidi Newbery
|
Kianti
|
ACT
|
Contact
|
*** We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time,
our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality
puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these
criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval
guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them.
We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or
their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all
appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a
specific breeder or puppy.
Canine Clubs
|
Australian Capital Territory:
|
New South Wales: |
Dogs ACT
(ACT Canine Association Inc)
PO Box 815
Dickson, ACT 2602
Tel: 02 6241 4404
Fax: 02 6241 1129
Website: www.dogsact.org.au
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
Dogs NSW
(Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd)
PO Box 632
St Marys, NSW 1790
Tel: 02 9834 3022
Fax: 02 9834 3872
Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au
(Details current as of 10/10/2013) |
|
Northern Terrority : |
Queensland:
|
Dogs NT
(North Australian Canine Association Inc)
PO Box 37521
Winnellie, NT 0821
Tel: 08 8984 3570
Fax: 08 8984 3409
Website: www.dogsnt.com.au/
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
Dogs Queensland
(Canine Control Council (Queensland))
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
Tel: 07 3252 2661
Fax: 07 3252 3864
Website: www.cccq.org.au
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
|
South Australia : |
Tasmania : |
Dogs SA
(South Australian Canine Association Inc)
PO Box 844
Prospect East, SA 5082
Tel: 08 8349 4797
Fax: 08 8262 5751
Website: www.dogssa.com.au
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
Dogs Tasmania
(Tasmanian Canine Association Inc)
The Rothman Building
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, Tas 7010
Tel: 03 6272 9443
Fax: 03 6273 0844
Website: www.tasdogs.com/
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
|
Victoria: |
Western Australia: |
Dogs Victoria
(Victorian Canine Association)
Locked Bag K9
Cranbourne, Vic 3977
Tel: 03 9788 2500
Fax: 03 9788 2599
Website: www.dogsvictoria.org.au/
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |
Dogs West
(Canine Association of Western Australia Inc)
Cnr Warton & Ranford Rds,
Southern River, WA, 6110
Tel: 08 9455 1188
Fax: 08 9455 1190
Website: www.dogswest.com
(Details correct as of 10/10/2013) |