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Sheltie
Shetland sheepdog, a breed of small yet rugged and agile herding dog once used to herd the miniature cattle, dwarf sheep, and small ponies of the Shetland Islands; coat is long, straight, and dense everywhere on the body except the face and lower legs; coat colors may be either black, sable, or blue merle, any of which may be marked with white or tan streaks; ears are large, round-tipped, and fold slightly forward at tip; tail is long, bushy, and hangs straight down; eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and normally black, though blue eyes are sometimes found in dogs with blue merle coats; adult stands 13-16 in. (33-41 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 14-16 lbs (6-7 kg); reserved with strangers but very loyal and affectionate with owner; often called apartment-sized collies because they look like small collies, to whom they are probably related.
History.The Shetland sheepdog originated in the Shetland Islands as a working sheepdog. Shelties are small and rough-coated and must be sturdy and agile. The coat is similar to the collie's, consisting of a long, straight, harsh outercoat and a short, dense undercoat. The breed has long been one of the most popular in the United States. Shelties were first recognized by the English Kennel Club as Shetland collies in 1909 and as Shetland sheepdogs in 1914. The Sheltie, as it is known, is still used as a guardian of flocks and family throughout the British Isles.
Shetland Islands. The Romans once named the Shetland Islands Ultima Thule, meaning "the farthest land," or end of the world. But to the Vikings of Norway and Sweden these islands were near neighbors. There are many reminders of those days--burial mounds, stone circles for Druid rites, and crumbling stone watchtowers. The islands are a region of fogs, storms, and long winters, where little except potatoes, oats, and barley can be grown. The islanders live principally by fishing, but they also raise Shetland ponies, a small breed of cattle, and sheep. They make excellent knitted goods and tweeds from native wool. The harshness of life on the islands is offset by ruggedly beautiful surroundings. The ocean crashes against brilliantly colored cliffs, and no point on land is more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the sea.
The Shetland Islands, lying 170 km (105 mi) northeast of Scotland in the North Sea, consist of about 100 islands and islets, most of them uninhabited. The northernmost point of the British Isles, the Shetlands have a total land area of 1,430 sq km (552 sq mi) and a population of 22,017 (1991). Lerwick, the present capital, and Scalloway, the ancient capital and a fishing center, are located on the largest island, Mainland. Economic activities include cattle and sheep raising, fishing, the North Sea oil industries, and the export of Shetland ponies. The local sheep produce the well-known Shetland wool. Poor soil and gales hinder agriculture, but some vegetables, oats, barley, and potatoes are grown.
The Picts, who colonized the islands in about 200 BC, were converted to Christianity during the 7th century AD. In the 8th century the islands were invaded by Vikings who ruled until the 15th century. Since 1472 the Shetlands have belonged to Scotland.
