Description of Breed
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, alert, long-haired, rough-coated herding dog, resembling the Collie in miniature. Shelties should be between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder.
Shelties have a double coat with the outer coat long, straight and harsh to shed the weather and the undercoat is short, furry and dense, giving the entire coat a stand-off quality. The hair on the face, tips of ears, and feet is smooth. The mane and frill abundant, particularly in males.
Sheltie forelegs are well feathered and hind legs heavily feathered, but smooth below the hock joint.
Sheltie temperament is intensely loyal, affectionate, and responsive to the owner. It may be reserved toward strangers, but not to the point of showing fear or cringing.
The head of a Sheltie is refined and its shape when viewed from top or side is a long, blunt wedge, tapering slightly from ears to nose, which must be black.
Sheltie eyes should be 3/4 erect with tips breaking forward. Expression should be alert, gentle, intelligent and quizzical. The body should appear moderately long, the back short, level and strong, a deep chest, ribs well sprung, and moderate tuck-up.
The Sheltie should be sound agile and study, with the outline so symmetrical that no part appears out of proportion to the whole.