Shetland Sheepdog

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
Kaylene Lutzow	Tesskatel shetlandsheepdogs	QLD	Contact
Lynne Merritt	Lamarilli	VIC	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)

Breed Profile