Breed Standards for the Shetland Sheepdog
General Appearance:
A small, agile dog, longer than it is tall
Head:
Head forms a long blunt wedge viewed from front or side; Almond-shaped eyes; Flat skull; Small ears, carried erect with top fourth tipping forward
Tail:
Carried low
Color:
Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan
Size:
Weight: about 20 lb; Height 13-16”
Gait:
Smooth, effortless, and ground covering, imparting good agility, speed, and endurance essential in a herding dog
Coat:
It has a double coat, with a short dense undercoat and a long, straight, harsh outer coat. The hair of the mane, frill and tail is abundant.
Temperament:
The Shetland Sheepdog is extremely bright, extremely sensitive, and extremely willing to please.