The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a popular breed of dog that has made appearances in various forms of pop culture throughout the years. From classic movies and TV shows to modern-day commercials and social media, the Sheltie has captured the hearts of many and has become an iconic breed in popular culture.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of the Shetland Sheepdog in pop culture, starting with its early days in the entertainment industry to its current status as a beloved companion and social media star.
Early Days in Entertainment
The Sheltie’s earliest appearance in pop culture dates back to the 1940s when the breed was featured in several classic movies and TV shows. One of the most famous Shelties in pop culture is Lassie, a fictional dog that first appeared in the 1943 film Lassie Come Home. Lassie, a male Rough Collie in the original story, was later portrayed by a female Sheltie named Pal in the subsequent movies and TV series.
Lassie’s popularity quickly spread, and the Sheltie became a favorite among audiences. Other movies and TV shows featuring Shelties followed, including the 1955 movie The Shaggy Dog, which starred a Sheltie named Chiffon as the titular character.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Shelties continued to make appearances in various movies and TV shows, including the 1960s TV series The Virginian and the 1970s TV series Little House on the Prairie.
The Sheltie in Modern Times
In modern times, the Shetland Sheepdog has remained a popular breed in pop culture. While the breed is no longer as prevalent in movies and TV shows as it was in the past, Shelties continue to make appearances in various forms of media, including commercials, social media, and video games.
Commercials
One area where Shelties have continued to shine is in commercials. The breed’s adorable and intelligent nature has made it a popular choice for advertising campaigns for various products and services.
In 2016, a Sheltie named Max starred in a commercial for Toyota, where he drives a car to meet his owner at the park. The commercial was a hit, and Max quickly became a social media sensation.
Social Media
Speaking of social media, Shelties have become quite popular on platforms such as Instagram, where they have amassed thousands of followers. Many Sheltie owners have created dedicated accounts for their furry companions, sharing pictures and videos of their adventures and daily routines.
One of the most popular Shelties on Instagram is Dolly Pawton (@dolly_pawton), a Sheltie from the United Kingdom who has over 120,000 followers. Dolly’s Instagram account features pictures of her wearing cute outfits and participating in various activities, such as hiking and swimming.
Video Games
Shelties have also made appearances in various video games, both as playable characters and as non-playable characters. In the 2013 video game Animal Crossing: New Leaf, players can encounter a Sheltie character named Shep, who is a friendly and helpful villager.
In the 2020 video game Ghost of Tsushima, Shelties make an appearance as loyal companions to some of the game’s characters. Players can pet and interact with the Shelties, adding a touch of cuteness to the game’s otherwise serious tone.
Conclusion
From Lassie to modern-day social media stars, the Shetland Sheepdog has had a significant impact on pop culture throughout the years. Whether appearing in classic movies and TV shows or making waves on social media and video games, the Sheltie’s intelligence, agility, and adorable nature have captured the hearts of many.
One of the reasons for Sheltie’s enduring popularity in pop culture is its versatility. The breed can be trained to perform various tasks, from acting in movies and TV shows to participating in agility competitions and search and rescue operations. Additionally, the breed’s unique appearance, with its long, silky coat and distinctive markings, makes it a visually appealing and photogenic subject.
Another reason for the Sheltie’s popularity is its temperament. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals. Shelties are also highly trainable, which has made them a favorite among dog owners who enjoy teaching their pets new tricks and behaviors.
Shelties in Movies and TV Shows
While the Shetland Sheepdog is no longer as prevalent in movies and TV shows as it was in the past, the breed’s impact on pop culture is undeniable. One of the most famous Shelties in pop culture is Lassie, a fictional dog that first appeared in the 1943 film Lassie Come Home. Lassie, a male Rough Collie in the original story, was later portrayed by a female Sheltie named Pal in subsequent movies and TV series.
Lassie’s popularity quickly spread, and the character became a cultural icon. In addition to the original movie and TV series, Lassie has appeared in numerous spin-offs and adaptations over the years, including animated TV shows, comic books, and video games.
Other movies and TV shows featuring Shelties followed, including the 1955 movie The Shaggy Dog, which starred a Sheltie named Chiffon as the titular character. In the 1960s and 1970s, Shelties continued to make appearances in various movies and TV shows, including the 1960s TV series The Virginian and the 1970s TV series Little House on the Prairie.
Commercials Featuring Shelties
Commercials are another area where Shelties have continued to shine. The breed’s intelligence, agility, and adorable nature have made it a popular choice for advertising campaigns for various products and services.
In 2016, a Sheltie named Max starred in a commercial for Toyota, where he drives a car to meet his owner at the park. The commercial was a hit, and Max quickly became a social media sensation. Other commercials featuring Shelties have followed, including a 2019 commercial for Purina Beneful dog food, which featured a Sheltie named Ollie.
Shelties on Social Media
Social media has also played a significant role in Sheltie’s continued popularity in pop culture. Many Sheltie owners have created dedicated accounts for their furry companions, sharing pictures and videos of their adventures and daily routines.
One of the most popular Shelties on Instagram is Dolly Pawton (@dolly_pawton), a Sheltie from the United Kingdom who has over 120,000 followers. Dolly’s Instagram account features pictures of her wearing cute outfits and participating in various activities, such as hiking and swimming. Other popular Sheltie accounts on Instagram include @mylittlelucysheltie, @thesheltiebros, and @sheltie_siblings.
Shelties in Video Games
Shelties have also made appearances in various video games, both as playable characters and as non-playable characters. In the 2013 video game Animal Crossing: New Leaf, players can encounter a Sheltie character named Shep, who is a friendly and helpful villager.
In the 2020 video game Ghost of Tsushima, Shelties make an appearance as loyal companions to some of the game’s characters. The Shelties in Ghost of Tsushima serve as both companions and helpers, alerting the player to danger and guiding them to important locations.
Shelties in Advertising
Shelties have also been featured in various advertising campaigns over the years, promoting everything from dog food to cars. One of the most notable campaigns was the Pedigree dog food commercials that aired in the early 2000s. The commercials featured a Sheltie named Lucky who would perform various tricks and stunts to get his paws on some Pedigree dog food.
More recently, Shelties have been featured in advertising campaigns for Subaru. In 2018, Subaru aired a commercial that featured a family of Shelties driving in a Subaru Outback. The commercial played on the breed’s reputation as a loyal and adventure-loving dog, positioning the car as the perfect vehicle for exploring the great outdoors with your furry companion.
Shelties in Literature
While Shelties are perhaps more commonly associated with movies and TV shows, the breed has also made appearances in literature over the years. In the 1996 children’s book The Incredible Journey, a Sheltie named Luath is one of three animal protagonists who set out on an adventure to find their way back home. The book was later adapted into a movie called Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, which featured a Sheltie named Shadow as one of the main characters.
In addition to children’s literature, Shelties have also made appearances in various romance novels over the years. In the 2017 novel Dogwood Hill by Sherryl Woods, a Sheltie named Buddy plays an important role in bringing two characters together. In the novel, Buddy is owned by one of the characters and helps to bring her and her love interest together by leading them on a romantic trail ride.
Conclusion
The Shetland Sheepdog’s popularity in pop culture shows no signs of slowing down. From its early appearances in movies and TV shows to its more recent roles in advertising campaigns and video games, the breed’s versatility, intelligence, and adorable nature have made it a beloved and enduring cultural icon.
While the breed’s appearances in pop culture have varied over the years, one thing remains constant: the Sheltie’s ability to capture our hearts and imaginations. Whether as a loyal companion, a brave search and rescue dog, or a playful character in a movie or TV show, the Shetland Sheepdog continues to be a beloved and iconic breed in pop culture today.
