In the Collie world Sheepdog
trials had long been a regular
feature of country life seen
as a way of demonstrating the
working capabilities of shepherd and dog, its purely local status changing after a group of English and Scottish competitors met to discuss the sport’s future. The ‘International Sheep Dog Society’, formed in 1906, set out to improving Working Collie training methods and working ability by controlling, organising and standardizing events throughout the British Isles, thereby further widening the gulf between working and show collies, the latter no longer permitted entry in official trials.
Storm clouds began to gather on an otherwise clear horizon after a group of mainly Scottish fanciers began promoting a small farm type dog, which they claimed originated on the Shetland Isles. Their preferred name of Shetland Collie did little to win favour with established Collie exhibitors, and the acrimony generated spilling over into the Canine and Country press as each faction accused the other of sharp practice. The usual British compromise eventually resolved the dispute amicably, but not until supporters agreed to change the name to Shetland Sheepdog.
