Range of old Shetland Sheepdog Cards (Cigarette, Tea, Weighing, Play Cards...)

There is a breed description on the back of most dog cards. Here are some examples:

"The Shetland Sheepdog is almost a miniature of the perfect Collie, and on broad lines a Collie description would fit him with the obvious exception of height and weight.
He stands 12-15" in height and is sprightly, stouthearted, intelligent and very affectionate.
Used for keeping sheep from trespassing, he is known at the 'Tounie' or 'Peerie' dog throughout the Outer Hebrides and the Orkneys." (DOGS - A Series Of Fifty, 35, Distributed By CBT, London W2, Issued By Kane Products Ltd.)

"The Shetland Sheepdog should resemble a Collie (rough) in miniature, from 12 to 15 inches, the ideal height being 13 1/2 inches." (CHAMPION DOGS - A Series Of Real Photos, No. 25, Issued By John Sinclair Ltd., Newcastle-On-Tyne)

"The existence of a hardy and old-established breed of sheepdog hardly more than a foot high may sound surprising. It serves to remind us, however, that our sheep have grown during the last two hundred years to be very much larger than they previously were, and no doubt dogs were in proportion. In the Shetlands, the sheep are still very small, and they are managed by these excellent miniature Collies, which is what they really are." (DOGS, Second Series Of 48. No 24 - Sissued by Gallaher Ltd., Virginia House, London & Belfast)

"The Shetland Isles have always produced miniature animals particularly cattle, sheep and ponies. The 'Sheltie', a typical product, is a Collie in miniature, known in fact as the 'Shetland Collie' until1909. Despite small size can still work sheep very successfully. Character is provided by the head, which is fairly long, tapering towards nose, surmounted by ears thrown back in repose but carried semi-erect with drooping tips when alert." (DOGS, Edited by Stanley Dangerfield, Photographed by C.M. Cooke, Cards are in all 1/4lb. Packets Of Hornimans Tea)

"The Shetland Sheepdog is a rough Collie in miniature - well adapted by nature to thrive in the climate conditions of the Shetland Isles. Readily trained to guard and work, easily kept, and with ample powers of endurance there is every reason for the popularity of the Shetland Sheepdog amongst shepherds and farmers as a working dog. In appearance the so-called 'Sheltie' has Collie characteristics - profuse coat, main and brush of silky texture, intelligent expression and lithe, graceful action when in motion. The standard height at maturity is 15 inches, though in some circles two or three inches less is considered the ideal height." (DOG STUDIES, A Series Of 25 Reproduced From Photo Etchings, Ardath Tobacco Co. Ltd., Manufacturers of State Express and Ardath Cigarettes)

"THE SHETLAND SHEEPDOG Could best be described as a small edition of the Rough Collie and, in fact, the standard of points differs very little. The Shetland Sheepdog is actually a miniature working sheepdog from the Shetland Isles where, of course, there are also miniature ponies, sheep and cattle. It was an important worker on the small farms until the early 1900s when it was 'discovered' and exhibited at the Scottish Shows and later at Crufts. A very attractive wee dog, its abundant coat should be hard and straight and is easily groomed. Free movers, they are quite hardy little dogs, seldom fighters, sometimes reserved with strangers but very responsive towards their owners. Quite a few have competed very successfully in Obedience Classes and Working Trials and they seem to have managed to retain the trainability and intelligence of their working ancestors. Height 14-14 1/2 inches. Anything over an inch higher is a fault." (GRANDEE Top Dogs Collection, Series of 25, No. 8, Issued by John Player, Imperial Tabacco Limited)

"SHETLAND SHEEPDOG is among the most obedient of all dogs. He is a typical small Collie, standing only aboit 14 inches high, and comes from the Shetland Islands where for many years he has herded sheep. 'Shelties,' as they are often called are intelligent, and, though small, are capable of good, hard work for hours on end. ..." (Champion dog trading card, series of 36, LANDENDORF COOKIES)

"(17) SHETLAND SHEEPDOG
The Shetland Sheepdog originated among the crofters of the Shetlands a group of islands off the north-eastern corner of Scotland. He was known in a variety of sizes and appearances until definite rules were laid down as to how he should be bred. He is similar to a collie, but never stands higher than 15 inches at the shoulder. In 1914 a club was formed to improve the standard of its breeding." (WETABIX 3-D WORKING DOG" CARDS - a series of 25)

Do you have another Sheltie card missing from this collection that you can part with and/or would like us to include here? Do not hesitate to contact us.