So You You Want A Shetland Sheep Dog?
The Sheltie looks like a miniature Lassie or collie. The Sheltie
however is not a collie at all although they do have a common ancestor
in the Scottish sheep dog.
As a Sheltie owner we consider the Sheltie to be one of the most
beautiful breeds in existence. They are one of if not the most intelligent
of all breeds. They are very devoted and loving. They are extremely
loyal to "their master", young and old. They express a need
to please you, and are very eager to learn. They will watch you and do
what ever they think you want even in advance of you asking.
The Sheltie is a sensitive breed and thus they can not stand mean
or harsh treatment! The Sheltie has a need to live with and please
people!
The Sheltie was bred to be vary vocal and they are, have no doubt.
Some Shelties bark very little, but most will bark a lot. The breed
inherited this barking from the Sheltie of the Shetland Isles, who
were bread to herd sheep and be watch dogs warning their owners of
trespassers around the sheep and on the farm grounds.
Barking can be controlled with one or two Shelties but you must be
willing to work at it. Once your Sheltie learns what the word quite
means the dog will emit little chirps and mini barks but usually their
enthusiasm will result in barking until reminded to "be
Quite"
- Shelties are a naturally shy breed and early socialization is
needed to help keep them from being very shy adults. They usually
will be extremely loyal to one person or one family.
- Shelties are VERY verbal dogs. They react to sound and are very
sensitive and reactive when they hear anything. They just cant
help but to bark and alert you.
- Shelties will herd anything that moves, from a squirrel to the
garbage truck to your car as you arrive or leave. A Sheltie must
have a fenced yard as they will instinctively go after passing
cars.
- Shelties are very intelligent and need to be given something to
play with or occupy their minds. Shelties do much better with
other animals be it cats or dogs or horses to keep them occupied.
- Shelties do not like to spend time away from their family. A
Sheltie that is left alone is not a happy dog and will often find
something to occupy it's time and this often results in mischief .
- Shelties are very sensitive to your moods and will be excited
and happy or sad along with you.
- Shelties need exercise everyday. They need a walk of at least 1
mile every day. Young dogs can do with less.
- Shelties need professional grooming on a regular basis and you
should allow for this in your budget. It is important to train
your sheltie from the puppy stage onward to accept being groomed.
Some Shelties can be sensitive to being touched around their hind
quarters and must be de-sensitized by regular brushing and care.
- You must use the proper brush so as to not remove the Shelties
undercoat during the winter months or your Sheltie will have no defense
against the cold.
- This undercoat needs to be removed in the spring/summer with a
rake style brush so your Sheltie remains cool and can be active
without over heating.
Shelties have an innate need to be a part of your family and will
attempt to participate in everything that happens along with voicing
their comments (barking) all the while.
A Sheltie will follow their master every place he/she goes in the
house and out. If you need to use the restroom you will find your
Sheltie waiting outside the door for you every time. If you leave the
yard and do not allow your Sheltie to accompany you they will voice
their disapproval along with frantic activity if possible
Your Sheltie will be very selective about which of your friends
they will associate with. They are opportunistic eaters and will
snatch food from children if allowed to be around during meal times.
Be very wary about teaching your Sheltie that food will be available
to them during your meal times.
Your Sheltie needs to be a member of your family and thus you
should consider places that allow dogs when considering a family
vacation. If the need arises to board your Sheltie you should attempt
to find a pet sitter that can bring your Sheltie into their home or
find a local sheltie breeder who will care for your Sheltie along with
their own dogs.
Owning a Sheltie is a commitment more so then most dogs. If you
need a dog that is laid back and can spend lots of time outside or
away from you then it is recommended that you find another breed of
dog more suitable. If you are ready to devote the time and energy to
your dog and can make the commitment to accept the dog into every
aspect of your family then a sheltie may be right for you.
|
