The Shetland Sheep dog, or "Sheltie" as it is affectionately known, originated from the Shetland Islands where it was used by crofters as a sheep dog. Few Shelties are used today for their original purpose as sheep dogs, but those people who have worked them vouch for their incredible stamina and instinctive ability to herd. They were first introduced into Australia in 1936. Often referred to as a miniature Collie, the Shetland Sheep dog certainly has the overall appearance of the Rough Collie, however, it is a breed in its own right and possesses some minor distinguishing features, apart from the obvious size difference.

Shetland Sheepdogs live from between 12 to 16 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

Although rather a small dog, the Shetland Sheep dog is certainly not fragile. When feed was in short supply on the farms, the original Shelties were ferried on to small outlying islands with a flock of sheep and left for long periods to guard the flock and fend for themselves. Only the hardy would have been able to survive. When brought back to the farms after such isolation, the dogs would thrive on attention and affection. It is probably this part of their history that makes them so devoted to their owners, but suspicious of intruders and intent on protecting the family.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Excellent. It can live happily with the family cat and will get along with most other dogs.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Shetland Sheep dog's glamorous jacket requires surprisingly little attention. A brush and a comb behind the ears each week will keep it in good condition. The breed's double coat enables it to adapt to both hot and cold weather, the second layer (undercoat) giving insulation against both heat and cold.

Please take note:
While the Shetland Sheep dog is certainly capable of barking, it is also smart enough to be trained not to bark unnecessarily. It makes an excellent watchdog and will alert you to visitors or unusual occurrences.

IDEAL OWNERS

Almost anyone will benefit from owning a Shetland Sheepdog. The ideal owner is someone who understands the need for occasional grooming.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Shetland Sheep Dog is the dog for you and you realise that a brush and comb behind the ears is needed each week, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Don and Jenny Herd	Glenmurry	NSW	Contact
Sue Van	Sunland	WA	Contact
Danielle Briggs	Stornoway	NSW	Contact
Fiona Brown-Elkner	Tobenlee	VIC	Contact
Carolyn Vicary	Sheltalyn	NSW	Contact
Dorothy Hall	Cadvarni	QLD	Contact
Sue Henley	Kaysview	WA	Contact
Pauline and Joey Lim and Brennan	Aliste	SA	Contact
Carol Payne	Sheltijoy	NSW	Contact
Shirley and Terry Fox	Shelmanna	TAS	Contact
Ian and Cheryl Spangler	Shelsian	SA	Contact
Judy and Veronica Royston and Docksey	Beauideal/Hilaire	NSW	Contact
Jeanette Kania	Kirrimist	VIC	Contact
Bill and Lexie Aberline	Aberjoy	VIC	Contact
Tenille Riordan	Sheldan	NSW	Contact
Maureen Gostelow	glenkinchie	VIC	Contact
Christine Luxford	Ambermoon	WA	Contact
Gary and Danielle Dryburgh	Tezer	NSW	Contact
Glenyse Acreman	Hillacre	VIC	Contact
Debbie and Doug Hedge	Inneslake	NSW	Contact
Paula Rowden	ELECTRO	QLD	Contact
Kay Tonkin	Arajento	WA	Contact
Deirdre Bolwell	Daydream	NSW	Contact
Chris/Scott Hill/Sandford	jessbear	SA	Contact
Kay Sullivan	Limbunya	VIC	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)