Shelties Shelties, a smaller version of the collie is descended from sheep herding dogs native to the Shetland Islands off of the Scottish coast. These low lying islands, cut by many inlets and swept by strong winds, feature  damp, cold weather, The climate is so unfavorable it is thought to be the cause in the bantamization of the breed, down from the larger size of the collie-type sheepdogs.                           Sheltie Colors Sable ranges from golden to mahogany and is the most common color. If you are confused as to whether you have a mahogany sable or a tricolor, part your dog's hair. If you see brown under the black, you have a mahogany sable. If you see only black or gray, you have a tricolor. Tricolor is a black body coat with tan and white markings. Tricolor is sometimes confused with mahogany sable, see "sable" above. Bi-black is also a black coated dog, but without the tan markings. Blue merle can range from powder blue to gun-metal gray, with varying amounts of black, white and tan markings. Genetically, a blue merle is a tricolor with a dilute gene (the merle gene) applied over the base coat of black. In effect, where the dilute gene touches the black, it dilutes to a shade of gray. Bi-blue is the same as a blue merle, but without the tan markings. Sable merle is a sable dog with the dilute merle gene applied over it.                                   Coat Double coat of harsh, textured, long outer coat with soft undercoat.                                  Size Shelties are small dogs. Size varies- usually between 13-16 inches at shoulder. Sometimes a little larger, sometimes a little smaller.                          Temperament Intensely loyal, VERY intelligent, affectionate, good with children, a GREAT watchdog as he is always "aware" [take note- watch dog- not guard dog]. Wonderful with children and will make a wonderful family addition!! Adapts well to "city" living as a daily walk and house play will do for exercise.