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"A dog wags it's tail
with it's heart"
~ Martin Buxbaum |
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| About Shetland Sheepdogs [Shelties] - Attributes and Care |
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Temperament
Although they can be a bit reserved with strangers, Shelties possess an intense desire to please their owners. They are highly trainable and very responsive, making them one of the top choices for many types of activities, such as obedience, herding, and agility. Shelties raised as pets develop a lasting loyalty to their families, and their natural affinity for children make them gentle and loving companions. Their propensity to guard their home make them highly protective, and most will bark when all is not right within their realm. Unlike some breeds, there is very little difference between male and female Shelties; either sex will make an exceptional pet. |
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Physical Features
According to the breed standard, the ideal Sheltie should stand between 13" and 16" at the shoulder. Oversized and undersized Shelties can appear in the same litter and should not be used for breeding. One of the most endearing qualities of the breed is its soft, sweet expression, which is enhanced by the correct set and tip of a puppy's ears. Most breeders will willingly assist you with proper ear care during puppy hood, which will give your Sheltie the correct 'look' as an adult. |
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Colors
There are three basic colors, all set off by varying amounts of white and or tan. The sable, ranging from golden brown to mahogany, with touches of black. Tri-color (black), Blue Merle (blue-gray, black), others are Bi-blue (blue-grey and black) and Bi-black (black and white). All colors should be clear and not diluted or washed out. |
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General Care
Your puppy should have received a general physical within 72 hours of purchase. Your puppy's breeder should provide you with a complete Veterinary care report, with details of its inoculations, de-worming and physical checkup. Follow-up vaccinations and de-worming may be needed, as well as flea and heartworm preventative. Some Shelties may be sensitive to certain types of medications used in these products, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian and breeder prior to administering them to your dog. Spaying or neutering companion quality Shelties will prevent unwanted pregnancies, will lessen your dog's risk of cancer, and will make your Sheltie a better pet for the entire family. It is always recommended that your Sheltie be confined in a safe, secure fenced area. Permanent identification, either through tattooing, micro-chipping is a good idea, just in case your Sheltie ever gets lost or stolen. |
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Training
Sheltie puppies need to be exposed to new places, sounds and people as they grow into mature individuals. This 'socialization' will help a young puppy mature into a friendly, outgoing family member who will readily adjust to new situations in life. Puppy kindergarten, household obedience and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes are often available year-round in most locales. Ask your veterinarian or breeder for recommendations. |
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Grooming
Your puppy's breeder should provide information and/or instruction in proper grooming techniques which will enable you to care for your Sheltie it's entire life. The Sheltie's double coat consists of long straight outer coat with a short, dense undercoat. The amount of grooming your dog will need will depend on the amount and type of coat it has, but as a general rule a weekly brushing should keep your dog in tip-top shape. You will need a slicker brush, pin brush, comb, nail trimmers and a scissors. A Sheltie coat should always be brushed or combed and should never be clipped down to the skin! Sharp nail tips should be trimmed frequently on a puppy; less often on an adult. Long hair may be trimmed on feet, ears and legs. Cleaning your puppy's ears and brushing its teeth should also be part of its regular grooming routine. If started at an early age, your Sheltie will learn to love the attention good grooming provides. |
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Feeding and Exercise
With proper nutrition , exercise and regular vet care, Shelties can have good longevity. Your breeder can recommend various types of food, which should be given only in the amounts needed to keep your dog fit and healthy. Many dog food labels, both dry and canned suggest feeding far too much food for the average pet. Doggy treats can also pack on the weight and often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, dyes and chemical preservatives. Like people, an overly fat Sheltie can experience joint problems, diabetes and a myriad of other health issues. Shelties need a fair amount of exercise. Daily walks and active play sessions are encouraged to keep your dog fit and happy. |
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Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeders will provide buyers with a written contract covering the terms of sale for a new puppy. AKC rules are very specific. Breeders must supply buyers with an individual registration form for each puppy they sell, unless contract terms state otherwise. If a puppy has not been individually registered, the breeder must provide the following information: Breed, Sex, Color and markings, Date of Birth, Litter number (when available), Name and numbers of Sire and Dam, Name of Breeder and the Date Sold. Many breeders will also provide buyers with a pedigree and should be able to discuss a puppy's lineage. Dedicated and knowledgeable breeders do all in their power to breed according to the AKC Shetland Sheepdog Standard . It is their responsibility to produce sound, healthy animals that are good representatives of the breed. Companion quality animals should be sold on spay/neuter agreements and should not be used for breeding. Breeding for fun or profit rarely produces the quality, soundness or temperament achieved by reputable and conscientious breeders. While some breeders choose to utilize the AKC Limited Registration option, others may withhold AKC papers until proof of spay/neuter obligations are met. Regardless of which option the breeder chooses, all terms should be clearly spelled out in a written contract, signed by both parties. |
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