This breed used to be called the "Toonie," a name taken from tun, the Norwegian word for "farm." Thus the Toonie was the farm dog whose workplace was the unfriendly terrain of the Shetland Islands that lie off the northeast coast of Scotland. To this day the Sheltie displays a strong sense of boundary, a legacy no doubt from these early working days when to overstep the line meant a fall from a rocky cliff into the cruel sea. In appearance, the early specimens were far from being the elegant "miniature Collies" of today. But after the end of the 19th century, when the breed reached the mainland, British breeders refined the type by means of various toy breed crosses. In 1906 the Sheltie made its debut at Crufts Dog Show under the name Shetland Collie. But Collie breeders objected and the name was changed to Sheepdog. The breed has become very popular as a family pet suited to almost any size home. Its exercise needs are easily satisfied with a daily walk, and regular, thorough brushing satisfies grooming needs. The breed measures 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder; the double coat is dense and may be black, blue merle or sable marked with white and/or tan. The Sheltie has a strong desire to please and excels in obedience work.
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