The
Shetland Sheepdog, like the Collie, traces to the Border Collie of Scotland,
which, transported to the Shetland Islands and crossed with small, intelligent,
longhaired breeds, was reduced to miniature proportions. Subsequently crosses
were made from time to time with Collies. This breed now bears the same relationship in size and general
appearance to the Rough Collie as the Shetland Pony does to some of the larger
breeds of horses. Although the resemblance between the Shetland Sheepdog and the
Rough Collie is marked, there are differences which may be noted. The Shetland
Sheepdog is a small, alert, rough-coated, longhaired working dog.
(above description courtesy of
American Kennel Club)
The
Shetland pony can be seen in all colours (except spotted) - black, chestnut,
grey, bay, dun, roan, piebald and skewbald. Up to recently the heavy black
Shetland probably dominated the in-hand show classes on the British mainland due
to the fact that many Shetland ponies on the mainland may have derived from the
heavy black pony as exported for the coal mines. The pony preferred by the
islanders was of any colour and tended to be slightly lighter boned and free
moving to fit in with the natural conditions. The Shetland is the smallest of the British native breeds with
a maximum height of 42" (107cm) and is seen as small as 28" (72cm) or so. It is
hardy and resilient being very strong for its size. It has a medium sized head,
a rather dished face with a well shaped muzzle and a jaw capable of grazing poor
growth over an extensive area. The ears are medium sized and the eyes large and
kindly. The coat is thick with a heavy mane and tail offering good protection
against the local weather conditions.
(description above courtesy of
Shetland
Pony Stud Book Society)
The
Shetland is one of the smallest of British breeds of sheep. It is akin to the
northern breeds of China, Scandinavia,, Ireland and the Faroe Isles and retains
many of the characteristics of wild Sheep. It is noted for the fineness and
softness of its wool and the excellent quality and flavour of its mutton. As a hill breed of sheep it has retained the essential
characteristics of an active habit, hardiness, milking qualities and longevity
and is therefore well suited to the exposed Shetland weather conditions and the
rocky, heather clad grazing many of which are of poor quality. As with other
hill breeds, the Shetland ewe is capable of spectacular results when given the
opportunity of better pastures and a higher feeding level.
(description above courtesy of
Shetland
Flock Book Society)
