| Shetland Sheepdog | ||||||||||||
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| Country of origin | ||||||||||||
| United Kingdom | ||||||||||||
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| FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC |
The Shetland Sheepdog (or Sheltie) is a breed of dog, originally bred to be sheep dogs. It resembles a miniature Collie; as a breed, however, it is unrelated to the Collie, but is instead a cross between the Norwegian Buhund and the Icelandic sheepdog.
Shown in the image are a male adult, 1 year 6 months, and a male puppy, 6 months. Professional grooming typically results in a more fluffy "cotton-ball" coat appearance than the left pictured. The right pictured shows a transitional coat, with younger "puppy fuzz" in the process of growing out to the adult longer coat. Both are sable coats; several other colorings exist.
Shelties are known for their loyalty and obedience to their masters. They are friendly and affectionate, but reserved around strangers. In their size group, the breed dominates dog agility competitions.