THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHETLAND SHEEPDOG IN SWEDEN
By Madeleine Lund.

Early Sheltie Breeders

Of all the Scandinavian countries, Sweden was definitely the first to see the delightful Shetland Sheepdog set foot on its ground in 1930. Gradually post-war kennels showed interest for the breed, especially among Collie breeders. Many dogs and bitches were during the 75 years imported mainly from the UK.

Mentioning some important breeders of the past one must begin with the devoted Swedish pioneer of the breed Captain Hauffmann. He started kennel Shepherds by importing in 1930 a tri dog, Connis of Redbraes and two sable bitches, Kilravoc Mignonette and Larkbeare Apricot Flan. They all came from the famous kennels of Miss Thynne and Miss Bowring. Connis became the first Swedish Sheltie Champion in 1933. Another import in 1932 was the sable bitch Kedale Molly tracing back to the Chestnut-Mountfort lines starting the unique family 26, which only exists in Scandinavia and still present in some Swedish show winners of today. Hauffmann had close contact with Jim Saunders in Scotland and several Helensdales were shipped over introducing the merle colour into Sweden. Two blue merles of Houghton Hill bloodlines from Germany were also imported during the war.

Kennel Shepherds was very influential between 1930-1960 and in those days contributed to the foundation of many newly established kennels in the Nordic countries.
Swedish fanciers of the breed increased steadily after the war and Mrs Ostergren’s kennel Stormkappan managed to import in 1951 GB CH Fydell Round Robin [linebred to Ch Nicky of Aberlour]. Later joined by the bitch Fydell Harvest Moon who was mated before departure to Ch Helensdale Bhan. In the resultant litter all the offspring became champions and one even a Best in Show winner.

The Swedish collie kennel Pukedal began in the 1950’s with stock from Callart blood lines. The owner also took over some of the best dogs from the kennel Stormkappan.
Among imports was Heathlow Lathmere Elvan [by Ch Penvose Brandy Snap] later champion and a much used stud dog. He produced many champions of correct size and good coats. Shelties from this kennel were to become the backbone of several other kennels in the 1960’s.
A kennel with many other breeds, Ruth Wernér’s Skarabergs, managed to import amongst others Riverhill Ransom [by Ch R. Rescuer] and in 1966 GB CH Riverhill Ripperee [by Ch Swagman from Shiel] and Philhope Rich Souvenir [by Ch Riverhill Richman]. They all became Champions. The latter being much used and produced amongst others Ch Skarabergs Ricky Boy plus the top winning bitch Int/Nord Ch Rusksands Golden Gwen and her brother Int/Nord Ch Rusksands Hop-O’My-Thumb. Both became Sheltie of the Year in 1976 and 1977.


Present day kennels.
One of the oldest kennels still in existence is Manhems [1949] whose owner Lars Englund managed to import in 1971 the tri dog Hildlane Night Reveller [by Riverhill Rolling Home], later Nordic champion and a prolific sire in the northern parts of Sweden with seven Champion offspring as well as many awards in Progeny classes. One of many winners was Int/Nord Ch Manhems Gordon, a Best in Show winner and Sheltie of the Year 1979.
One of the larger kennels in Southern Sweden is kennel Smedjenás, whose owner Ingvar Nilsson produced a few Champions at the end of the 1960’s based mainly on lines going back to the Shepherds. Imports from the UK such as Sumburgh, Forestland, Tegwel and Snabswood later played a significant role. Many Smedjanás Shelties were also exported to Denmark both as pets, obedience winners or breeding stock.

The Breed Club
During the 1960’s the Shetland Sheepdog gradually became very popular in Sweden and a number of kennels were established and managed to produce quality stock. As a pet the Sheltie enchanted young and old with his appealing looks and alert temperament.
In 1967 the number or yearly registrations increased and the Breed Club was founded, first as an unofficial club with only 30 members. Soon after, the popular magazine “Sheltiebladet” was printed.
The Swedish Shetland Sheepdog Club became an official breed club in 1981 and the first Handbook was printed which was to be followed by three more books.
Several Breeders’ Conferences have been held since 1990. The Club’s unofficial awards of “Sheltie of the Year” started in 1974. Complementary awards such as “Stud Dog of the Year”, “ Brood Bitch of the Year”, “Breeder of the Year” and “Veteran of the Year” were introduced in 1985.
In 2002 the Sheltie was ranked 13th most popular breed with 841 registrations. The number of Club members is currently 1390. Three Club Championship shows are held annually where many approved UK judges have been invited, which always attracts a record entry. Health-wise the Club is also supportive to problems associated with hereditary diseases.
Since 2003 there has always been a remarkable recognition of the breed in the Finals at Championship shows with many top awards going to Shelties as Group-winners or as Best in Show finalists.

Some kennels of today.
Under the new prefix from the 70’s, Moorwood, Birgitta & Per Svarstad imported Int Nord Ch Rodhill Clouded Moorland [by Riverhill Roux] and the bitch Int Ch Wild Swan of Rhinog [by Ch Rhinog The Gay Lancer]. Moorland was a much used sire and Sheltie of the Year in 1975. These Shelties made a great impact on their and many other breeders’ stock.
Two prominent stud dogs and show winners were tri-colour Rhinog The Guardian [by Ch Rhinog The Black Watch] and sable Ingleside Copper Image [by Shelfrect Mr Softee]. Both subsequently became International and Nordic Champions. The Guardian sired Champions in all four breed colours. Copper was a prolific stud dog during the 80’s and sired many Champions and is behind many top winning Scandinavian Shelties of today. He was Sheltie of the Year ‘83 and ‘84. Another well winning and much used sire was Int Ch Moorwood Handsome Dreamer [born 1987], Sheltie of the Year ‘89. Most Moorwood Shelties were closely linebred to Copper Image.
Arriving from Australia in the early 1990’s was a useful sable dog and bitch - Int S N Ch Nigma Saffron [by Nigma Nostradamus] and Ch Nigma Honeysuckle [by Ch Daestar Dannaher]. To mention but a few of several top winning Shelties of the 90’s; Int/Nord Ch Moorwood Handsome Destiny was a BOB and Sheltie of the Year record holder. His daughter Int Ch Moorwood Theme of a Memory, owned by Carin Akesson, who also showed Ch Moorwood Classic Touch to her English Title. Int/Nord Ch Moorwood Handsome Frontrunner and Int Ch Moorwood Handsome Boss [both by Saffron] were extensively campaigned showdogs. The Svarstads have been Breeder of the Year 13 times.
Collie breeder Ulla Eriksson, kennel Crony, started off in 1966 with the bitch Int Ch Tumblebays Bewitching [ex Riverhill Rather Smart]. She produced several champions by different sires. During the 1970’s a very influential sire was sable Int Ch Allanvail Gold Express [by Riverhill Roux] whose offspring excelled in head and expression. His grandson Int Ch Crony’s Copper Print [by Ch Ingleside Copper Image] was Sheltie of the Year 1988. Importing the bitch Ch Milesend Smart Move [by Milesend Trivial Pursuit] in 1992 and later male Ch Penrave Picadillo [by Ch Milesend Stormwarden] helped this small kennel to continue its breeding programme.

Kennel Starbelle of Madaleine Lund, known for a strong bitch line was founded in 1970 on Lythwood Sherry [by Ch Jefsfire Freelancer] and Midnitesun Top of the Pops [by Midnitesun Celebration]. In 1978 the purchase of glamorous Int/Nord Ch Merrymaid Moonlight-Madonna [Int Ch Allanvail Gold Express—Dippersmoor Debutant], then Scandinavia’s top winning golden bitch, would later head six generations of Champion bitches. Several of these, particularly Int Ch Starbelle Simply Splendid, Int Ch Starbelle Sweet Swan, and tri-colour Int/Nord Ch Starbelle Tamara have also been shown successfully outside Scandinavia. Well-known stud dogs were Ch. Stationhill Crackshot (by Ch. Forestland Target) and later S/UKCh. Lythwood Silence Is Golden.

CH STARBELLE TAMARA

INT. NORD & FIN CH SHELGATE TOUCH OF MAGIC

A blue merle bitch Int/Nord Ch.Parrock Pearly Gates (Ch Hildlane Winters Night-Ch Parrocks Nohow) laid the foundation in 1973 of Shelgate. Mated to owner Anna Uthorn´s Int/Nord Ch Deloraine Dog Star she produced the well known Int/Nord Ch Shelgate Double Diamond who was frequently placed in groups and Sheltie of the Year in 1978 and 1980. Dog Star also sired Nord Ch Shelgate Tom Tiddler, Sheltie of the Year 1982. Successful additions were made by purchasing some blue bitches from the Rockaround kennel. Ch Rockaround Sky Blue was Top Brood Bitch in 1992/93 and produced Champions by Int Ch Shelgate Lucky Devil and Int/Nord Ch Eastdale Classic Clown, a son of the above mentioned Double Diamond. Her recently crowned blue grandson is Nord.Ch Shelgate Touch of Magic. Much needed new blood in recent years resulted in two tri bitches from kennel Ametrickeh and Japaro.

Kennel Westpark was founded in 1976 on a Swedish bred bitch, Batik (by Ch Lysebourne Telstar) who produced some good show stock for owner Gunilla Thiger. Although no longer active this kennel made a significant contribution to the breed in Sweden during the 1980s by importing the sable dog Shelfrect Stroller (Ch.Midnitesun Justin Time – Ch Shelfrect Sunlit Suzanne), an excellent showdog and sire. He became Int/Nord.Champion and produced 26 Champions as well as some Obedience Champions and had a great influence on many pedigrees.

Many of the newer generation breeders founded their stock on Westpark lines. Mrs Thiger also owned Int/Nord Ch Ingleside Golden Cascade (by Ch Jefsfire Jaztime) who became Sheltie of the Year in 1986 and UKCh Sulasgeir Talamba of Shemaur.
Berit and daughter Jeanette Book, Kennel Eastdale, had a good start in 1984 having purchased a tri bitch puppy, Ch Westpark Black Elaine, who produced the handsome blue merle Int/Nord Ch Eastdale Classic Clown (by Ch Shelgate Double Diamond) a successful show dog as well as sire of 17 Champions. He was Sheltie of the Year 1992. Several Westpark bitches were the foundation of Champions in all three colours. Ch Westpark Bronze Margery (by Int/Nord Ch Westpark Caradoc) became a key bitch behind Champions such as Eastdale Just A Summer Dream, Eastdale Just In Time and Eastdale Just Remember (Sheltie of the Year 1997). Their sire is Ch Mascot, a much used sable dog purchased from S.Östling. He was linebred to Int/Nord Ch Shelfrect Stroller who has thus had a great impact on this kennel.
The tri bitch Melinas Eclipse (granddaughter of Ch. Rockaround Night Hawk) produced Ch Eastdale New Classic Blue Dream (by Int Ch. E.Classic Clown).Latest imported dogs, Ch Milesend Stormking (by Ch.M.Stormwarden) and Ch Doonelodge Devil My Care, (by Ch.Tegwel Wild Ways) are prominent in the pedigrees of currently successful showstock.


A tricolour bitch, Shelgate Dad´s Delight (by Int Nord Ch Rhinog the Guardian) played a great part starting Johnny Andersson´s kennel Lundecock producing his first homebred Champion in Lundecock´s Djinn. She became the dam of a much used stud Int Ch Lundecock´s Touch My Soul (by Ch Stationhill Crackshot) and Ch. Lundecock´s Ginger Bread (by Ch.Shelgate Scallywag). Her litter sister produced the blue merle Ch.Lundecock´s Nothing Compares (by Ch.Shelgate Point of View). In 1995 UK Ch Reubicia Blue Flame of Ruscombe was imported and campaigned to his International title. He was Sheltie of the Year 1996 and also did well in the Group. Other Scandinavian breeders have done well with stock from this kennel. In recent years extensive search for new blood has resulted in several imports from different British kennels such as Marylake, Edglonian, Japaro, Mohnesee, Seavall. The well-known tri bitch UKCh Edglonian Rather Dashing had recently a remarkable showcareer as a Veteran in Sweden ending up Sheltie of the Year 2003
Famous collie breeder, Ulla Bergh-Persson, Bermarks kennel, took a fancy also to Shelties. Int.Ch Sereena of Tegwel (by Ch Lythwood Skymaster) born in 1984 produced Ch Bermarks Rock´N Roll, sire of Int.Nord Ch Bermarks William, a topwinning shaded sable owned by kennel Sunsweet in Finland.
In 1993 tricolour Marklin Wild Gypsy at Tegwel (Brood Bitch of the Year in England) arrived in whelp to Lythwood Skylight at Tegwel. She became an important key bitch to this kennel by producing the influential studdog Ch Bermarks Upside Down and his littersister tricolour Int/Nord Ch.Bermarks Utopia. Her glamorous bluemerle son Int/Nord Ch Bermarks Drum Major was Sheltie of the Year 2001. Stock from this line went on producing an attractive breedtype. Importing also in 1998 Int/Nord.Ch Brilyn Leading Ways , a topwinning showdog, now residing in Finland.

INT. NORD.EST.LAT.CH BERMARKS PRIDE N PRESENCE
Starting in 1980 with an Obedience Champion as a foundation bitch young Anne Reider of kennel Shellrick founded a line of successful Shelties in all three colours : tricolours Ch.Shellrick´s Inviting Lady (by Beckwith Bit of A Glama Boy) and Ch. Shellrick´s Lucky Luke (by Int Ch.Älvmarkens Emil), blue merles Ch Shellrick´s Glorious Lady and Ch Shellrick´s Nightingale (both by Int/Nord Ch Eastdale Classic Clown), and sable Ch Shellrick´s Waltzing Matilda (by Ch Bermarks Upside Down). Most of these were also qualified in Obedience.
Anne recently became Breeder of the Year twice including Top Sheltie of the Year, tricolour Ch Shellrick O´Boy , a Group winner and often placed in the Finals, and Brood Bitch of The Year, Ch Shellrick Joyful Jasmine. She is also the dam of a Best In Show winning sable bitch 2003, Ch Shellrick Simply The Best.
In the wings during the 1990’a and into 2000 several other kennels such as Chiroska, Eastflash, Ohinima, Schibbolet, Sheldon, PMQuality, Whalsay, Windcrest, Westhlove, Shelteam, Yosemite have already made their mark by crowning homebred champions.
In conclusion - judicious use by a number of devoted breeders of some good imports, a wellplanned breeding programme has brought a renowned high quality standard of Swedishbred Shetland Sheepdogs
To everyone who has owned these delightful little dogs, whether as a breeder or a family pet-owner, they have also given many years of constant amusement, much love and absolute pleasure.

Swedish Brains and Beauty

Because the Sheltie is so easily trained and willing to please, giving their owners a great deal of pleasure when persevering in higher tests, activities such as Obedience, Agility and Working Trials offer a wide variety of competition at different levels.The Kennel Club provide a list of local Obedience Clubs throughout the country.

Today over 45 Shelties are known to have become Swedish Obedience Champions, some of them also winners in the
Show ring thus making them Dual Champions.
Agility has within only a decade reached immense popularity among young handlers. In Sweden the Sheltie is the most popular breed used in competition in the official Mini/Midi classes. Since the Agility Certificate was introduced in 1993 60 Shelties have become Agility Champions both at home and abroad.

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 Footnote: TITLES
Many dogs mentioned in this article have different titles, the meaning of which might not be known outside the Nordic countries.

To become a Swedish Champion (S Ch) the dog has to win three Certificates under at least two different judges. The dog must be over the age of two years when winning the last Certificate.
Nordic Champion (Nord Ch) is a Champion in at least three of the Nordic countries ( Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland). The minimum needed to win this title is five Certificates, three of which must be from the same country. Champions in the country where the show is held are not allowed to compete for the Certificate.

International Champion (Int Ch). is different. You need to win four CACIBs in three different countries under at least three judges with 12 months between the first and the last CACIB. The CACIB is an international Certificate awarded at shows appoved by the FCI. They must be International shows as opposed to Nationals (where only certificates but no CACIBs are offered.) At International Shows the dog can win both. Dogs under the age of 15 months and dogs who already have their Int title approved by the FCI, are not allowed to compete for CACIBs.