OFFICIAL BREED DESCRIPTION ICCF
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The Sheltie, or Shetland Sheepdog, originates from the Shetland Islands, where the breed developed as a small, hardy herding dog capable of managing sheep in harsh climatic conditions. The isolation of the region helped preserve its compact size, sharp intelligence, and strong working instinct. Early formation involved ancient local herding dogs, later influenced by Collies, which contributed to the Sheltie’s expressive appearance and high trainability. In the early 20th century the breed received official development and international recognition. Today the Sheltie is valued as an energetic companion, a confident herding dog, and an active participant in various sports, retaining natural attentiveness and working qualities.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Sheltie is a small, harmoniously built, elegant herding dog with a proportional body and light, smooth movement. The outline is slightly elongated; the body is strong but not coarse. The head is dry and wedge-shaped; the ears are small, semi-erect, emphasizing the breed’s expression. The chest is deep, the back level, the croup slightly sloping. The tail is long, carried naturally, never high. The coat is double: long, straight guard hair and a soft, dense undercoat forming characteristic volume. The overall appearance combines grace, alertness, and working type. A Sheltie should convey attentiveness, activity, and balance.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
The Sheltie has a slightly elongated format: body length from shoulder to ischial tuberosity exceeds height at the withers by approximately 10–15%, ensuring ease of movement. Chest depth is about half the overall height, giving adequate capacity for active work. Head length is proportional to the body and equals about one third of the dog’s total length. Muzzle and skull are equal in length, forming a correct wedge-shaped profile. Limbs are medium in length and harmonious, providing stability and freedom of movement. The tail should reach the hock. All proportions emphasize elegance and the breed’s working nature.
BEHAVIOUR AND CHARACTER
The Sheltie is lively, intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable. Deeply oriented toward humans, it shows attentiveness, sensitivity to tone, and a desire to cooperate. In work the Sheltie is energetic, focused, and quick to react, making it an excellent helper in herding and sports. Despite its gentle nature, it possesses a strong watch instinct and alerts to strangers. Toward unfamiliar people it is reserved but not aggressive. Excessive shyness or aggression is considered a fault. With proper socialization the Sheltie becomes balanced, trusting, and a reliable companion.
HEAD
The Sheltie’s head is proportional, wedge-shaped, dry, expressing nobility and softness. The skull is flat, of moderate width, with a smooth but noticeable stop. Skull and muzzle lengths are equal, creating a harmonious profile. The muzzle is refined, with a straight bridge, neither coarse nor overly long. Lips are thin and tight. The nose is black with strong pigmentation. Scissor bite, strong, even teeth. The expression is attentive, gentle, lively, reflecting the breed’s herding temperament. The head must not be coarse, heavy, or round, as such features disrupt type.
FACIAL REGION
The facial region is characterized by clean lines and expressiveness. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, tapering toward the nose yet maintaining enough volume for a firm grip. Lips are thin, tight, without looseness. Cheeks are smooth and moderately defined. Nose is well pigmented with open nostrils. Profile straight, without curvature or bump. Chin moderate, not protruding. The facial region should remain refined, expressive, neither overly narrow nor coarse. Excessively massive muzzles or weak structure are considered faults.
EYES
Eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, set slightly obliquely, giving a soft, attentive, lively expression. The usual color is dark brown, fitting the dog’s appearance; in merles lighter or differently colored eyes are acceptable if they do not disturb type. Eyelids are dry, tight, well pigmented; ectropion or entropion are unacceptable. Expression should be intelligent, kind, focused, reflecting herding qualities. Round, protruding, overly light, harsh eyes, or expressions of fear or aggression are faults.
EARS
Ears are small, high-set, triangular, with thin but strong cartilage. When alert, the upper third naturally folds forward, giving the characteristic semi-erect appearance and emphasizing expression. When relaxed, ears may lower slightly but remain mobile. Fully erect, fully dropped, oversized, or widely spaced ears violate type. Correct ear carriage highlights intelligence, attentiveness, and the breed’s noble outline.
NECK
The Sheltie’s neck is of medium length, dry, elegant, well-muscled, with a graceful arch enhancing head carriage. Set high enough to create a distinguished silhouette and support balance in movement. Skin tight, without folds; coat forms a characteristic mane. The neck must allow freedom of motion and equilibrium but not be overly long. Short, heavy, weak, or lacking required dryness and musculature are faults.
BODY
The body is harmonious, slightly elongated, strong and supple, reflecting natural herding ability. Topline level, stable; back firm, without dips or roach. Withers moderately defined, blending into a straight, strong back. Loin short, muscular, slightly arched for flexibility. Chest deep to the elbows; ribs moderately sprung, giving volume for endurance. Belly slightly tucked, emphasizing dryness. Croup smoothly sloping, broad, muscular, aiding rear movement. Overall body must convey lightness, strength, and endurance.
TAIL
The tail is long, at least reaching the hock, covered with abundant long hair that forms a distinctive silhouette. At rest carried low, slightly curved at the end. In motion may rise but never above the topline nor curl. The tail should move naturally and softly, aiding balance. Too short tails, kinks, high carriage, or stiff movement are faults. The correct tail emphasizes elegance, balance, and working functionality.
EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION
FOREQUARTERS
Forequarters are straight, dry, with well-developed bone, parallel and proportional to the body. Shoulder blades long, well laid back, close-fitting, allowing broad reach and smooth action. Upper arms muscular, with a well-defined shoulder joint angle for free forward extension. Elbows tight, directed backward, not turning in or out. Forearms straight, of adequate length, strong. Pasterns slightly sloping and elastic, absorbing impact. Forequarters must show lightness, stability, precision. East-west feet, cow-feet, or weak pasterns are faults.
HINDQUARTERS
Hindquarters are strong and well-muscled, providing powerful yet elastic drive. Thighs long, broad, with strong musculature. Stifles well-defined, with correct angulation—not overly straight nor too sharp. Lower legs moderate in length, directed backward, forming a balanced outline. Hocks short, vertical, strong, giving secure support. Rear limbs parallel, not cow-hocked or barrel-hocked. Weak ligaments, excessive angulation, or straight stifles disrupt functionality. Proper hindquarters allow smooth, energetic, even movement.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
Movement must be light, smooth, elastic, showing good ground coverage and correct coordination. Forelegs extend freely and evenly; hindlegs provide powerful, soft propulsion. Topline remains steady without sway or dip. The trot is the Sheltie’s principal gait: straight, dynamic, rhythmic, with natural amplitude. Stiffness, insufficient drive, narrow or wide movement, rolling, uneven rhythm, or signs of fatigue are faults. Correct movement highlights the breed’s working origin, endurance, and alertness.
COAT
The coat is double, abundant, straight, forming a voluminous silhouette and serving as a key breed feature. Guard hair long, straight, harsh, tight, not wavy. Undercoat soft, dense, thick, providing volume and protection. Neck and chest have a pronounced mane; limbs have feathering. Face coat short and smooth. Soft, curly, short, or close-fitting coat is unacceptable. Coat must emphasize elegance and herding character. Lack of density, incorrect texture, or excessive softness are faults.
PERMITTED COLOURS
Permitted colours include sable in all shades, tricolour, blue merle, black with white markings. White may appear on chest, neck, legs, and tail tip, and is allowed on the muzzle. Colours must be clear, rich, harmonious; pale, washed, dirty tones undesirable. In blue merles the pattern must be distinct and contrasting, without excessive black. Red patches in merles, entirely white dogs, or nonstandard combinations are unacceptable. Pigmentation of nose, eyelids, and lips must be dark. Colour should highlight elegance and expressiveness.
SIZE
The Sheltie is a small medium-sized breed balancing compactness with herding functionality. Height at the withers for males and females is about 33–41 cm, with medium height preferred. Weight typically ranges 6–12 kg depending on sex and build. The dog must appear proportional, neither too light nor heavy. Height deviations, especially significant ones, are undesirable as they disrupt harmony and working type. Correct size ensures easy movement, endurance, and quick reactions in herding work.
FAULTS
Faults include deviations disturbing harmony and working ability. Weak muscles, insufficient chest depth, soft pasterns, east-west feet or cow-feet reduce functionality. Uneven topline, short or high tail set are faults. Head faults include coarse skulls, overly long or short muzzles, light eyes, weak pigmentation. Incorrect coat—excessively soft, insufficient undercoat, or wavy—is unacceptable. Faulty movement, lack of drive, stiffness, narrowness, or instability are evaluated according to severity.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
Disqualifying faults include any signs violating breed type. Aggression, unwarranted fearfulness, or unstable behaviour exclude a dog from breeding. Undershot or overshot bites, major jaw deformities, absence of several essential teeth are unacceptable. Dropped ears, fully erect ears, serious limb or movement defects also disqualify. Pure white coat or large white areas not allowed by the standard are major violations. Incorrect merle shades, red patches in blue merles, weak pigmentation of nose or eyelids are disqualifying.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The Sheltie requires careful evaluation of temperament, movement, and coat structure, which define its functional and aesthetic type. Sexual dimorphism must be visible: males more expressive and masculine, females lighter and refined. Seasonal undercoat change is allowed, but the coat must retain its basic structure. Artificial alteration—straightening, thinning, or colouring the coat—is prohibited. Judges must consider the breed’s natural caution, not confusing it with shyness. Any sign of artificial modification or anatomical disruption reduces evaluation.
CONCLUSION
The Sheltie is an elegant, intelligent, highly organized herding dog, preserving natural instincts, agility, and remarkable intelligence. Its harmonious exterior, expressive coat, and light movement make it versatile: equally successful in sports, herding, and as a family companion. Breeding must prioritize working character, strong health, and correct temperament. The breed should remain functional, balanced, with strong breed expression. The Sheltie combines gentleness, loyalty, quick reaction, and emotional connection with humans, making it a valuable partner in any sphere.
