Yes, Shelties do have some similarities in appearance to Miniature Collie dogs. The early Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, were bred by crossing larger Rough Collies with other small herding breeds and spaniels. As a result, Shelties have inherited some physical traits from the Collie breed. However, it’s important to note that Shelties are not considered miniature versions of Collies.
The size of Shelties is smaller compared to Collies. According to the Collie breed standard, female Collies are 22-24 inches at the shoulders and males are 24-26 inches. In contrast, Shelties of either sex stand 13-16 inches at the shoulders. Shelties also differ in weight, with the smaller Sheltie weighing between 15 and 25 pounds, while Collies weigh between 50-65 pounds for females and 60-75 pounds for males.
In terms of physical appearance, Shelties have a similar overall body structure to Collies, with a long, wedge-shaped head and a lush double coat. They often have a mane-like ruff around their necks, which is a characteristic feature of both Shelties and Collies. However, there may be some differences in eye shape, eye placement, and the stop (where the muzzle meets the forehead) between the two breeds.
While Shelties share some physical similarities with Miniature Collie dogs, it’s important to recognize that they are distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics and traits.
Both the Sheltie and the Collie are responsive and active breeds when compared to one another. The Collie exudes strength and grace, whereas the Sheltie has a watchful and agile demeanor, which distinguishes these two breeds. Both are wonderful family dogs, but the Collie is more likely to blend in and remain calm around strangers, whereas the Sheltie can be worn out and crave activity.
Store for Dog LoversJune 26, 2013Updated July 31, 2019Last Updated September 3, 2020.
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Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are relatively new to the world of purebred dogs. The breed, which originated in the Shetland Islands, was first registered in Lerwick in 1908 and with the Scottish Shetland Sheepdog Club in 1909. The UKC (English Kennel Club) subsequently recognized these registries and the breed in March of 1909. The Shetland Collie breed was initially registered there, but Collie enthusiasts objected, and by October 1909 the name had been changed to Shetland Sheepdog. As early as 1844, a visitor to the islands wrote a piece describing the dogs. The Sheltie has also been referred to as a Lilliputian Collie, Miniature Collie, Toonie Dog, Peerie Dog, and Fairy Dog.
A group of tiny islands exposed to the whims of the sea and north winds make up the Shetland Islands in the Northern Atlantic. They have sparse vegetation and are rocky and rough. Along with some of the native animals, such as the Shetland Pony and the Shetland Sheepdog, the inhabitants of the islands are rough and unforgiving.
It has long been hypothesized that the Scotch Collie, a King Charles Spaniel, the original Pomeranian, and other local dogs contributed to the development of this breed, as well as a Northern Spitz-type dog that the early inhabitants of the islands brought with them from Scandinavia. The precise mixture that resulted in the development of this breed is unknown and still under discussion.
When the dogs caught the attention of tourists looking for small, fluffy dogs as companions, they started to generate income for some Islanders. Any dog from the islands was welcome, regardless of type, color, or size. James Loggie of the Lerwick Kennel name was one of the first to capitalize on this interest. Later, in an effort to achieve greater uniformity of type and size, the breeders who promoted these dogs crossed the smaller dogs with standard Collies. These Collie hybrids came in a variety of known and documented forms. There are rumors and theories about possible breed-crossings. The exact origin of the blue, whether bi-blue or blue merle with tan, is unknown. Because of the smaller dogs or the larger Collie, there may still be size differences in any given litter today. These hybrids were legal in the UK at the time, provided the offspring was bred back three generations to a Shetland Sheepdog. The puppies would be registered as purebred Shelties after the necessary three generations. The first breed historian in the USA, Mary Van Wagenen (Sea Isle Kennels), determined that the American Shelties had roughly 50% Collie blood. There may have been additional unauthorized Collie crosses in the nation.
While not vicious, shelties can be reserved around strangers. They make good watchdogs because they are fiercely devoted to their families and are quick to bark when a visitor is nearby. Speaking of barking, this dog has a loud voice and enjoys barking a lot.
Dog owners are a devoted group who are frequently totally enamored with a particular breed. And there are many reasons for Shetland Sheepdog owners to extol this breed. Fans of the breed are sure to recognize these Sheltie traits: “Having a Sheltie is like having a best friend who is good at everything”.
The Shetland Sheepdog was bred to be an alert, agile, and intelligent herder in the untamed Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland, close to the Arctic Circle. He will actually attempt to herd almost anything, including squirrels, birds, and children.
As service and therapy dogs as well as canine medical alerts, shelties are employed. They also perform well in dog sports like obedience, agility, herding, and rally. The best canine competitors in the world include this tiny “Collie in miniature”.
While not vicious, shelties can be reserved around strangers. They make good watchdogs because they are fiercely devoted to their families and are quick to bark to alert you to an approaching visitor.
Dog owners are a loyal bunch, frequently completely enamored with a particular breed. Shetland Sheepdog owners have many reasons to extol the virtues of their breed. Fans of the breed are sure to recognize these Sheltie characteristics, making owning one like having a best friend who is good at everything.
The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, alert, and agile herder that was bred in the untamed
Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland, close to the Arctic Circle. He will actually attempt to herd almost anything, including squirrels, birds, and children.
Shelties are employed as service, therapy, and medical alert dogs. Rally, agility, herding, and obedience are additional dog sports in which they excel. In fact, this tiny “Collie in miniature” is among the world’s best canine competitors.
Shelties are devoted to their owners or their families, and they are very devoted.
ABOUT SHELTIESThe Sheltand Sheepdog is unquestionably a breed that does not work in every household. Shelties come in a variety of personalities, so they can’t all be “clumped” together. The breed as a whole does share some characteristics, though. They are barkers, but some Shelties can be quite vocal. They are naturally reserved, so early socialization is necessary to prevent shyness in them.
Shelties are fiercely devoted to a single person or one particular family. (Me, I love roast beef and the roast beef clan.
Shelties react to and are sensitive to sound. They have a herding history, which explains this.
These adorable little furballs are also known as Toy Shelties, Mini Shelties, and Miniature Shelties, but they are not recognized as an AKC dog breed.
Compared to standard Shelties, miniature Shelties are several inches shorter.
Shetland Sheepdogs must measure 13 to 16 inches at the withers, or the highest point of the dog’s back just above the shoulders, in order to compete in conformation shows in the US.
Why? Because these standards provide breeders with a goal-oriented ideal form. Without strict guidelines for behavior, gait, and appearance, the beloved Shetland Sheepdog breed would quickly change into new varieties.
Collie breeds include shelties. Shetland Collies was their original name. Shelties smaller than 13″ tall, also known as miniature Shelties, are bred by many AKC breeders. They experience the same health problems as taller Shelties.
A Shetland Sheepdog is not a “Miniature Collie,” despite looking like a tiny Collie. The Sheltie is not a bred-down version of the Collie, despite what the term “Miniature Collie” suggests. Known as the “Toonie Collie” or “Toonie dog,” the ancestors of the early Shetland Sheepdogs were small herding dogs.
If you do not account for the size distinction, the two breeds appear remarkably similar at first glance. Additionally, they must have similar appearances. To “refine” the small herding dog from the toons of the Shetland Islands, the early Shetland Sheepdogs were crossed with Collies. The Shetland Sheepdog does contain a small amount of Collie, though. There are differences in the history, appearance, size, and character of the two breeds, which evolved independently of one another in Scotland and on the Shetland Islands.
If you run into someone who says they have “Mini-Shelties,” they are only breeding Shelties that are too small. These dogs are no more valuable than any other pet-quality Sheltie, despite how frequently these people will assert that they are uncommon and more expensive. You would be better off simply looking for a small Sheltie from a reputable breeder if you want one because Shelties of various sizes are frequently born in a litter.
If someone claims to have “Miniature Shelties” or “Miniature Collies,” they either don’t really understand what a Sheltie or Collie is, or they’re intentionally misleading you. In any case, this is not a breeder from which you ought to purchase a puppy.
Collies are much bigger dogs with a wider range of colored coats. They may require less grooming depending on their coat type and drool more frequently than Shelties. Shelties typically have higher levels of energy and stronger guarding tendencies.
For more information on these herding breeds and how they differ from one another, keep reading.
Size, coat color, propensity to drool, temperament, level of energy, and grooming requirements are the main distinctions between Shelties and Collies.
Prices. Pricing varies between $1750 and $4000 depending on registration, sex, color, and size. The average cost of an AKC Toy Sheltie is $1850–4000, while non-AKC models cost $1750–2000.
Bella (above) is 12″ and 12lbs, and Blue is a typical Sheltie at 15″ and 24lbs.
Blue was actually five years old when I bought him from a breeder who claimed he was 11″ and 11 lbs. You can only imagine how shocked I was when I got to the airport. Since he WAS the smallest Sheltie they had ever had, the breeder refused to accept him back. They acknowledged that he might have been larger than my dogs after seeing the pictures.
Blue, despite having a kind heart, was not well socialized; she ran in circles and was terrified of other people and our horses. He was also a full brother and sister’s offspring (they claimed he had no closely related dogs in his pedigree). Fortunately, a kind family reached out and offered to adopt him. After a protracted meeting (to ensure Blue was at ease), they took him home, and he has been a wonderful addition to their family.
The Sheltie resembles a miniature Rough Collie in terms of general appearance. They are a small, sturdy, double-coated working dog. All other blue merle Shelties have dark eyes, though some may have one brown and one blue eye. They should have a gentle, sometimes reserved demeanor while maintaining a look of alertness. They frequently have great success with kids. They carry their tails low and only lift them when they are alert; they never carry them over their backs. They are a fiercely devoted
breed that can be reserved around strangers but should not, in accordance with the AKC breed standard, exhibit timidity.
Shelties have two layers of fur making up their coat, which is known as a double coat. A thick, soft undercoat is present underneath the long, coarse guard hairs. While the undercoat protects from both extremes of temperature, the guard hairs repel water.
The three colors are described as “tricolor, blue merle, and sable (ranging from golden through mahogany), marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan”. However, a blue merle dog is fundamentally a genetically black dog, either tricolor (black, white, and tan), or simply black. All other colors must have brown eyes in the show ring; only blue merles are permitted to have blue eyes.
Shelties, or Shetland sheepdogs, initially have a rough collies-like appearance. Although they may have shared ancestors, the Shetland sheepdog is a unique breed that was developed under special circumstances, despite the fact that they are frequently misidentified as Miniature collies.
Shelties are indigenous to Scotland’s Shetland Islands, which are also famous for Shetland ponies and other small breeds of animals. Smaller breeds of livestock and smaller dogs were preferred for herding them due to the harsh conditions and sparse vegetation of the area.
Shelties are most likely the offspring of small herding breeds and spaniels, as well as the larger rough collie of the era, and other island dogs. The Sheltie was allegedly created by 1700, according to some historians. Following its 20th-century introduction to mainland Scotland, the breed underwent refinement. In England in 1909, shelties were given official recognition, and in the US in 1911, they were first registered.
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