Shetland Sheepdogs

The popularity of Lassie and the suburbanization of America undoubtedly have had a joint effect on this country's love affair with the Shetland Sheepdog. Just as a small herding dog was required in his native islands, a small Lassie dog was in demand by the U.S. population, mesmerized by the famous Collie, yet living increasingly on smaller homesites and in crowded communities. The Shetland Sheepdog's small size, Collie-like appearance, and even his likelihood to sport the signature Lassie white blaze that had fallen out of favor with the Collie breeders of the day, all combined to bring notice to a breed that might otherwise have remained more obscure in the early decades. As people brought these little charmers home and made them part of their families, they soon discovered reason to love the breed on its own merits. Thus their popularity increased even more dramatically. By the 1980's, the breed was holding the number one spot in popularity, according to AKC registration numbers, and remained in the top ten for well over a decade. As of 2006, they still remain in the top twenty among the 155 breeds recognized by the AKC. Worldwide, the breed's popularity is similarly high, and there are few places where one of these little dogs from a tiny northern island chain will fail to be recognized today.

I remember being at a dog show one Saturday and having a leisurely lunch with a group of fanciers representing a number of different breeds. The topic of conversation was "competing in the Group and Best in Show ring". Several people lamented the difficulty of getting the judge's attention in strong competition. One fellow, who was himself an accomplished professional handler, stated, "Every time I think I have have a good chance with a really nice dog, in walks a kid with a puppy - and it's a Sheltie puppy to boot!" The whole group laughed and nodded in agreement. The image of a child with a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog puppy was something they all knew would easily grab the admiring attention of everyone - even the most discriminating dog show judge! Shetland Sheepdogs have been grabbing admiration and attention since the breed began. It almost proved to cause the demise of the breed in the earliest days, when tourists took so many of them home from the islands that they nearly disappeared from Shetland altogether! Their popularity today is primarily as a well-loved, loyal pet and house dog. Many Shetland Sheepdog pets and show dogs, however, now take part in herding events as a recreational sport and still serve their ancestry with pride! They are also very popular in obedience and agility competitions as well as flyball, frisbee, and the new canine sport of freestyle dance. Intelligent, lovable, and unmistakably beautiful, the Shetland Sheepdog has certainly found his place in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere!

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