The Silkytie is a crossbred hybrid of the purebred Shetland Sheepdog and Silky Terrier. Little is currently known of the Silkytie, beyond its parentage and the hybrid is not as popular as other designer dogs. Owners who wish to understand better the Silkytie or who may be considering adopting one and want to know the possible character traits should review the respective histories of both breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small rough Collie from the United Kingdom. The Sheltie is a hearty Collie whose ancestors developed in the Shetland Islands to the north of Scotland, near the Arctic Circle. These Arctic Circle dogs were known as Toonies, which was Norwegian for farm and described helped described the role of the breed as farm and sheepdogs. In the 1800s, the Sheltie moved to Scotland and was bred with Border Collies as well as other small dogs to reduce its size and give it an even fluffier coat. The Shetland was crossbred with so many breeds that the original look of the dog was fading and fanciers, determined to restore the breed, began the Shetland breeding program to restore and develop the standard. Collies were reintroduced into the bloodlines as well as existing Shetlands to help restore the breed. The Sheltie had its name officially changed from a Collie to the Sheepdog during the 20th Century because Collie fanciers were unhappy with the association between the two breeds and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1911. Today, the Sheltie ranks high on the most popular dog list and is considered a wonderful companion dog. The Silky Terrier is an Australian breed developed in the late 1800s. The Yorkshire Terrier was crossbred with Australian Terriers, and only puppies who adopted the Yorkie's silky looks were subsequently bred until the silky traits were predictable. The Silky Terrier was originally designed as a vermin hunter but quickly shifted to companion due to its luxurious coats and lap dog disposition. The Silky Terrier was established in a short time, and the first American Kennel Club registered Silky Terrier was in 1959. Today, the Silky Terrier does not rank nearly as high in popularity as its Yorkie cousin, but this breed certainly has charm and popularity.
