The Shetland Sheepdogs origins is most likely from the Scandinavian herding dog, perhaps a Spitz breed similar to the modern Icelandic Sheepdog. Their thick double coats made them well equipped to deal with the harsh winters and they were excellent working dog candidates for the islands of Scotland.

 

Once imported into the Shetland Islands in the 1700s, the Scandinavian Spitz breed was extensively crossed with mainland working collies. These included the Border Collie and Rough Collie, along with other breeds.

 

The Shetland Islands are famous for their miniature animals, including the Shetland Pony which stands at around one meter tall. Shetland Sheep are also smaller and lighter than their mainland counterparts.

 

By the 1800s, the people of the Shetland Islands found that they could make money by selling the Sheltie breed to rich tourists.

 

A Sheltie breed standard was accepted by the Kennel Club in 1911 under the breed name of Shetland Sheepdog.