|
The Shetland sheepdog or Sheltie was first developed in the Shetland Islands, where just as the name implies they watched herds of sheep and sometimes ponies. The Shetland Islands are approximately 130 miles north of the Scottish mainland. The islands were originally the property of the Norwegians. The Islands became property of Scotland in 1468 when Princess Margaret of Norway married James III of Scotland. The Islands were given as a portion of her dowry. The Shetland Islands are comprised of approximately 100 Islands. The
land is said to be quite rugged and harsh. There are many sheer cliffs
and high hills and few trees. The soil is poor and the wind is strong.
The Islands are not as cold as some neighboring areas because a portion
of the Gulf Stream affects them. Crofting was one of the main ways of life
for the people of the Shetland Islands. Crofters were people who rent land
to tend and cultivate if possible. Crofters bred and raised sheep, ponies,
and cattle. They were all miniature in size. The sheep were raised for
their exceptionally fine wool, which was woven into sweaters, scarves,
and various other items. The cows while small in size were said to produce
large amounts of milk. The ponies like the other flock animals can thrive
on hays and grasses that can exist on the islands. Unlike horses they do
not require grains to survive and thrive. These ponies did, however, have
a fondness for the crofters scant gardens. Shelties were also used to keep
ponies and sheep out of the gardens or toons. Shelties used their guard
instincts to watch the herds for this reason, and also move them to areas
with adequate grass or to move them to areas of protection during the many
harsh storms that occurred, not against predators. Predators did not exist
on the island due to the harsh conditions and lack of prey. The dogs that
lived on the islands and performed these duties were then called toonies.
These toonies were sometimes bred with Nordic herding dogs, Iceland dogs,
and Yakkie dogs that came from Greenland on visiting fishing boats. Yakkie
dogs were Spitz-like dogs that were also used for herding when not on fishing
boats. The Shetland dogs were also said to have been bred at some point
with spaniels and Pomeranians. The Pomeranians were larger and less refined
than Pomeranian of today. The resulting dogs were often sold to tourists
as souvenirs. Later measures were taken to preserve the little dog. Some
felt that the dog needed refining and attempted to do this by breeding
them with small collies. It then became acceptable to refer to them as
Shetland Collies. The Collie breeders were very upset to have them called
Collies at all and soon the name was changed to Shetland Sheepdog. Shelties
were accepted into The Kennel Club (the club governing purebred dogs in
England) in 1909. Shelties were first documented being imported to the
USA as early as 1917 after World War I.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This page was created with Netscape Composer
and is best viewed with Composer.
Susan Carol Losh March 30 2003
eBay's SheltieShrink
