Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
foremost. Breed rescue are great at matching the dog with best home and are passionate and know their breeds. link below and if none close to you, please do search - https://sheltienation.com/rescue-a-sheltie
The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, originated in remote windswept islands off the north coast of Scotland in the 1700. Like the Rough Collie, the Sheltie's history traces back to the Border Collie, which, after being transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent, longhaired breeds, was eventually reduced to miniature proportions. Over time, subsequent crosses were made with Collies.
These sheepdogs stayed with their shepherd in small stone cottages with thatched roofs and thick walls to keep out the freezing howling wind that blew in off the sea. The sheep often wandered of over the hills looking for pasture and it was the dogs' job to bring them back and guided them into the safety of walled pens made of rocks. They not only herded the sheep but also guarded them as well as acting like home protectors, watching over crofters' and cottages.
Shetland sheepdogs are small to medium petite, dainty working dogs that are very agile and sturdy. They have an abundance of long hair especially on the mane, chest and the neck. The best-known colours are golden-brown and white, but they come in a variety of colors, such as sable, tri-color, and blue merle. Blue merle Sheltie's may have blue eyes or one brown and one blue eye, but all others have dark coloured eyes.
Personality
The Shetland sheepdog is lively, intelligent, playful, trainable, and eager to please and obey. They are loving, loyal, devoted, and affectionate with their family, with a gentle and sometimes reserved nature. However they are excitable, energetic dogs who love to bark and let you know what’s going on.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Shelties thrive on the farm, but can adapt too many living situations and will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are good with any family especially an active family and do best with a sensitive, attentive owner.
This breed needs people, they need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They are prone to separation anxiety and this can translate to neurotic behaviours, destructive chewing, or chronic excessive barking (sometimes with a high-pitched, piercing voice).
These dogs have quick reflexes, which can make them overly reactive to loud noises and sudden touches. Indeed, quite a few individuals are highlystrung, startle easily, and do not do well in an environment with frequent tension, loud voices, or too much rough-housing. They are extremely sensitive to stress and may behave neurotically if the people in their home are having family problems. Shelties are peaceful dogs who need a harmonious home.
They can be reserved and sometimes timid with strangers and without proper exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds their natural caution can become outright shyness or fear. To build a confident temperament, the Shetland Sheepdog needs more extensive socialization from a young age than many other breeds.
Shelties are very alert to outside stimuli and will let you know of any that is going on, thus they make excellent watch dog as well as guard dogs. However they are in general very vocal dogs and some will bark incessantly, so they may not be the best breed for a home that is close to neighbors. With proper training the barking can be kept to a minimum.
Though on the small side, this breed has the heritage of an active herding dog and needs more exercise than many other smallish dogs. Although they don't need miles of running exercise, a half an hour to an hour walk or jog twice a day will be fine and they also love to run in wide-open areas - just make sure the dog is in a safe area. The herding instinct is still very strong in many of these dogs and they love to chase and herd things including squirrels, ducks, children, and if an owner is not watchful - cars. If they are running free near a road they may decide to chase a car or something else they see across the road, running a high risk of getting hit by a car.
In addition to physical exercise Shelties need mental stimulation as well, they are bright dogs that cannot just sit in the backyard and do nothing. At home this can be done by playing challenging games with them, or even by letting them fetch balls and find hidden toys.
Other ways to exercise them physically as well as mentally is by participating in dog agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, herding, guarding, and performing tricks.
Neglecting a Sheltie's need for exercise and intellectual stimulation can result in undesirable behaviours, including excessive barking, phobias, destructive chewing and nervousness.
Like a lot of small breeds the Sheltie is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. His can lead to behavioural problems such as separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping, biting, excessive barking and untrusting of children and sometimes adults. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell a Sheltie is for you if you
These sheepdogs stayed with their shepherd in small stone cottages with thatched roofs and thick walls to keep out the freezing howling wind that blew in off the sea. The sheep often wandered of over the hills looking for pasture and it was the dogs' job to bring them back and guided them into the safety of walled pens made of rocks. They not only herded the sheep but also guarded them as well as acting like home protectors, watching over crofters' and cottages.
Shetland sheepdogs are small to medium petite, dainty working dogs that are very agile and sturdy. They have an abundance of long hair especially on the mane, chest and the neck. The best-known colours are golden-brown and white, but they come in a variety of colors, such as sable, tri-color, and blue merle. Blue merle Sheltie's may have blue eyes or one brown and one blue eye, but all others have dark coloured eyes.
Personality
The Shetland sheepdog is lively, intelligent, playful, trainable, and eager to please and obey. They are loving, loyal, devoted, and affectionate with their family, with a gentle and sometimes reserved nature. However they are excitable, energetic dogs who love to bark and let you know what’s going on.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Shelties thrive on the farm, but can adapt too many living situations and will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are good with any family especially an active family and do best with a sensitive, attentive owner.
This breed needs people, they need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They are prone to separation anxiety and this can translate to neurotic behaviours, destructive chewing, or chronic excessive barking (sometimes with a high-pitched, piercing voice).
These dogs have quick reflexes, which can make them overly reactive to loud noises and sudden touches. Indeed, quite a few individuals are highlystrung, startle easily, and do not do well in an environment with frequent tension, loud voices, or too much rough-housing. They are extremely sensitive to stress and may behave neurotically if the people in their home are having family problems. Shelties are peaceful dogs who need a harmonious home.
They can be reserved and sometimes timid with strangers and without proper exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds their natural caution can become outright shyness or fear. To build a confident temperament, the Shetland Sheepdog needs more extensive socialization from a young age than many other breeds.
Shelties are very alert to outside stimuli and will let you know of any that is going on, thus they make excellent watch dog as well as guard dogs. However they are in general very vocal dogs and some will bark incessantly, so they may not be the best breed for a home that is close to neighbors. With proper training the barking can be kept to a minimum.
Though on the small side, this breed has the heritage of an active herding dog and needs more exercise than many other smallish dogs. Although they don't need miles of running exercise, a half an hour to an hour walk or jog twice a day will be fine and they also love to run in wide-open areas - just make sure the dog is in a safe area. The herding instinct is still very strong in many of these dogs and they love to chase and herd things including squirrels, ducks, children, and if an owner is not watchful - cars. If they are running free near a road they may decide to chase a car or something else they see across the road, running a high risk of getting hit by a car.
In addition to physical exercise Shelties need mental stimulation as well, they are bright dogs that cannot just sit in the backyard and do nothing. At home this can be done by playing challenging games with them, or even by letting them fetch balls and find hidden toys.
Other ways to exercise them physically as well as mentally is by participating in dog agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, herding, guarding, and performing tricks.
Neglecting a Sheltie's need for exercise and intellectual stimulation can result in undesirable behaviours, including excessive barking, phobias, destructive chewing and nervousness.
Like a lot of small breeds the Sheltie is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. His can lead to behavioural problems such as separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping, biting, excessive barking and untrusting of children and sometimes adults. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell a Sheltie is for you if you
- Don’t mind a dog that barks
- Want small dog that has lots of energy
- Are prepared to give it the exercise it needs
- Want a dog that is easy to train, and you are willing to put the time and effort into training the dog
- Want a dog that will go anywhere with you, just keep in mind that they are sensitive to stress and loud noises
- You are willing to spend time on brushing and combing them - daily.
- Don’t mind a dog that sheds a lot
- Are willing to spend money at the vet, these dogs have a potential for serious health problems
- You have the time or inclination to get your dog involved in agility, advanced obedience, tracking, or a similar canine activity.
- Are an active family that can give them the exercise they need, they need more exercise than many other smallish dogs.
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Please also consider rescue, especially breed rescue.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Shetland Sheepdogs?
Because of their sensitive nature the best breed to pair them with will be a breed that is calm, non vocal, not in your face, and active. They will get along with almost any breed but will be able to play easier with smaller breeds than bigger breeds.
Naturally a good choice will be another Sheltie or Shepherd breed, otherwise good breeds to look at are:
Breeds such as the Basset Hound and Dachshund will also work well but they both have an inclination to bark and you may end up with two dogs that like to bark.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
They're peaceful with other animals
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly of how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
These dogs are polite with everyone, though typically reserved and sometimes timid with strangers, so as much early and continued socialization as possible.
Shelties do well with children if they are reared with them from an early age; however, many Shelties feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that young children can't help making and their small size makes it easy for a child to accidentally injure them, so supervision is necessary. They do get along well with older children, especially if the child has learnt to handle them calmly and gently.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Please also consider rescue, especially breed rescue.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Shetland Sheepdogs?
Because of their sensitive nature the best breed to pair them with will be a breed that is calm, non vocal, not in your face, and active. They will get along with almost any breed but will be able to play easier with smaller breeds than bigger breeds.
Naturally a good choice will be another Sheltie or Shepherd breed, otherwise good breeds to look at are:
- Greyhound or Whippet - they are calm, laid back, easy going and don’t bark. They also have a lot of energy and will run around with the Sheltie.
- Bull Mastiff - these are huge dogs but are very placid
- Great Danes -they are also large dogs but very easy going
- Poodle - the Miniature Poodle will make a great companion
- Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever - they are very active when young but calm down from about the age of 3 years
Breeds such as the Basset Hound and Dachshund will also work well but they both have an inclination to bark and you may end up with two dogs that like to bark.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
They're peaceful with other animals
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly of how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
These dogs are polite with everyone, though typically reserved and sometimes timid with strangers, so as much early and continued socialization as possible.
Shelties do well with children if they are reared with them from an early age; however, many Shelties feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that young children can't help making and their small size makes it easy for a child to accidentally injure them, so supervision is necessary. They do get along well with older children, especially if the child has learnt to handle them calmly and gently.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
These dogs are exceptionally attentive and responsive, this along with their intelligence and willingness to please makes them very easy to train.
They are sensitive to the tone of your voice, and they need a trainer that has a calm voice and a light hand on the leash. They often only need verbal corrections, and they wilt or become defensive if you jerk them around. Praise, gentle guidance, and food rewards are the way to go with Shelties.
With proper and correct training this breed can easily dominate in dog agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding.
Grooming
Shelties have a double coat; the topcoat consists of long, straight, water-repellent hair, which provides protection from cold and the elements and the undercoat is short, furry, very dense and helps to keep the dog warm. Spaying or neutering can alter their coat texture, making it softer, more prone to matting and even more profuse.
Shelties are quite fastidious about their cleanliness, bathe or dry shampoo only when absolutely necessary and regular brushing, combing, and occasional trimming is important to keep their feathered coat free of mats. Mats can be commonly found behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the fluffy fur on the hind legs, as well as around the collar.
DO NOT shave these dogs, shaving them is very bad for their skin and some do not re-grow any significant amount of hair after being shaved, a condition known as alopecia.
Something to keep in mind is that they shed a lot. You'll find hair and fur is deposited all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, and under your furniture. Their dense undercoat is shed twice a year - in the spring and fall - and females will also shed right before or right after giving birth. It should however be noted that they shed in clumps which can be pulled or brushed out of the main coat, rather than individual hair. This makes them much easier to groom and clean-up after than many smooth-haired dogs, which leave loose fur in their space.
Health concerns
For the most part Shelties are athletic and healthy, however the list of health problems that can occurring regularly in Shelties is depressingly long.
Some health problems that can occur include: epilepsy, bleeding disorders, heart disease, skin allergies, displacement of the patella (kneecap) - which is thought to be inherited and easy weight gain - so you need to watch their food portions.
Although small breed dogs are not usually plagued by hip dysplasia, it has been identified in Shelties. Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur and the acetabulum do not fit together correctly, frequently causing pain and/or lameness. It is thought to be genetic.
Like the Rough Collie, there is a tendency toward inherited malformation and disease of the eyes. Each individual puppy should have his eyes examined by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist. The two basic forms of inherited eye diseases/defects in Shelties are Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Some lines may be prone to hypothyroidism, which is the under-functioning thyroid gland. It is an Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Clinical symptoms include hair loss or lack of coat, over or under-weight, and listlessness.
Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs - that are otherwise okay to give another dog.
Shelties are also highly susceptible to Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). TCC is a cancer of the bladder, and can be diagnosed early by regular urinalysis from a normal veterinarian. Causes are debated between breed susceptibility and female gender and exposure to insecticides.
Dermatomyositis may occur at the age of 4 to 6 months, and is frequently misdiagnosed by general practice veterinarians as sarcoptic or demodectic mange. The disease manifests itself as alopecia on the top of the head, supra- and suborbital area and forearms as well as the tip of the tail. If the disease progresses to its more damaging form, it could affect the autonomic nervous system and the dog may have to be euthanised. This disease is generation-skipping and genetically transmitted, with breeders having no clear methodology for screening except clear bloodline records. Deep tissue biopsies are required to definitively diagnose dermatomyositis.[19]
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder. In Shelties, affected dogs as a general rule are not viable and do not live long. The Sheltie carries type III of von Willebrands, which is the most severe of the three levels. There are DNA tests that were developed to find von Willebrands in Shelties. It can be done at any age, and it will give three results: affected, carrier and non-affected.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Interesting Facts
Training
These dogs are exceptionally attentive and responsive, this along with their intelligence and willingness to please makes them very easy to train.
They are sensitive to the tone of your voice, and they need a trainer that has a calm voice and a light hand on the leash. They often only need verbal corrections, and they wilt or become defensive if you jerk them around. Praise, gentle guidance, and food rewards are the way to go with Shelties.
With proper and correct training this breed can easily dominate in dog agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding.
Grooming
Shelties have a double coat; the topcoat consists of long, straight, water-repellent hair, which provides protection from cold and the elements and the undercoat is short, furry, very dense and helps to keep the dog warm. Spaying or neutering can alter their coat texture, making it softer, more prone to matting and even more profuse.
Shelties are quite fastidious about their cleanliness, bathe or dry shampoo only when absolutely necessary and regular brushing, combing, and occasional trimming is important to keep their feathered coat free of mats. Mats can be commonly found behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the fluffy fur on the hind legs, as well as around the collar.
DO NOT shave these dogs, shaving them is very bad for their skin and some do not re-grow any significant amount of hair after being shaved, a condition known as alopecia.
Something to keep in mind is that they shed a lot. You'll find hair and fur is deposited all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, and under your furniture. Their dense undercoat is shed twice a year - in the spring and fall - and females will also shed right before or right after giving birth. It should however be noted that they shed in clumps which can be pulled or brushed out of the main coat, rather than individual hair. This makes them much easier to groom and clean-up after than many smooth-haired dogs, which leave loose fur in their space.
Health concerns
For the most part Shelties are athletic and healthy, however the list of health problems that can occurring regularly in Shelties is depressingly long.
Some health problems that can occur include: epilepsy, bleeding disorders, heart disease, skin allergies, displacement of the patella (kneecap) - which is thought to be inherited and easy weight gain - so you need to watch their food portions.
Although small breed dogs are not usually plagued by hip dysplasia, it has been identified in Shelties. Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur and the acetabulum do not fit together correctly, frequently causing pain and/or lameness. It is thought to be genetic.
Like the Rough Collie, there is a tendency toward inherited malformation and disease of the eyes. Each individual puppy should have his eyes examined by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist. The two basic forms of inherited eye diseases/defects in Shelties are Collie eye anomaly (CEA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Some lines may be prone to hypothyroidism, which is the under-functioning thyroid gland. It is an Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Clinical symptoms include hair loss or lack of coat, over or under-weight, and listlessness.
Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs - that are otherwise okay to give another dog.
Shelties are also highly susceptible to Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). TCC is a cancer of the bladder, and can be diagnosed early by regular urinalysis from a normal veterinarian. Causes are debated between breed susceptibility and female gender and exposure to insecticides.
Dermatomyositis may occur at the age of 4 to 6 months, and is frequently misdiagnosed by general practice veterinarians as sarcoptic or demodectic mange. The disease manifests itself as alopecia on the top of the head, supra- and suborbital area and forearms as well as the tip of the tail. If the disease progresses to its more damaging form, it could affect the autonomic nervous system and the dog may have to be euthanised. This disease is generation-skipping and genetically transmitted, with breeders having no clear methodology for screening except clear bloodline records. Deep tissue biopsies are required to definitively diagnose dermatomyositis.[19]
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder. In Shelties, affected dogs as a general rule are not viable and do not live long. The Sheltie carries type III of von Willebrands, which is the most severe of the three levels. There are DNA tests that were developed to find von Willebrands in Shelties. It can be done at any age, and it will give three results: affected, carrier and non-affected.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Interesting Facts
- Some Shelties get so excited or anxious that they perform a fast series of tight spins without chasing their tails - a behaviour unique to the breed.
- Shelties have a high level of intelligence. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence, the Shetland sheepdog is one of the brightest dogs, ranking 6th out of 132 breeds tested. His research found that an average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it was given 95% of the time or better.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sheepdog
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shetlandsheepdog.htm
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shelties.html
http://www.akc.org/breeds/shetland_sheepdog/index.cfm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080506142111AA1Mcr9
Do’s
- Providing sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Start socialisation and training at a very young age, socialisation is very important to prevent the dog from becoming fearful towards strangers. This breed needs more extensive socialization from a young age than many other breeds.
- Groom them daily to prevent your house from accumulating with hair
Don’ts
- Let them run loose in an area that is not safe to prevent them from getting hurt when they decide to chase something.
- Leave the dog with nothing to do, they need be kept occupied otherwise behavioural problems can occur.
- Leave them alone without human companionship for long periods of time
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sheepdog
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shetlandsheepdog.htm
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shelties.html
http://www.akc.org/breeds/shetland_sheepdog/index.cfm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080506142111AA1Mcr9