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Is a Shetland Sheepdog the perfect dog for you?

Bred to care for and herd sheep on the rugged, cold, wet, sub-arctic Shetland Islands, this sturdy little collie-like dog thrives on hard work and challenge.

Considered a small breed, they weigh between 11 and 30 pounds.

This is a dog that loves to be outdoors. Their thick double layer not only repels water, but also insulates them from extreme temperatures. Shelties are not the type of dog to be content around the house. They need action and adventure.

Of the herding group, they love nothing but herding and protecting; be it a herd or your family. A fantastic family pet, with the added bonus of being an excellent watchdog and watchdog, the Sheltie has earned the affection of those who can live amiably with its high prey drive, excitable vocalization, and phenomenal stamina.

Considered one of the most intelligent breeds, Shelties love to be challenged mentally and physically. They are natural showmen who consistently rank high in competitions, be it obedience, rally, flyball, frisbee, herding, or conformation.

It is highly recommended to enroll your Sheltie puppy in socialization and positive reinforcement classes, Puppy Kindergarten without punishment as soon as possible. They can be reticent around strangers if they don’t socialize properly when they are young. Obedience training is important primarily because of its great prey drive. He is not a dog that runs out of lead until he learns to respond immediately to the memory, he will chase anything that moves. That inherent behavior has left many unfortunate victims of dog vs. because incidents.

They love to train so it is a pleasure to work with them. They also need more exercise than many breeds. With remarkable stamina, this energetic breed needs lots of time for vigorous, positive interaction with its owner. A race that requires strong leadership on your part, they will do their best to please you when you establish and maintain your status. They may not be the best option for an inexperienced dog owner. Living with one is a serious commitment of time and energy. Best with a person or family on the go who loves the outdoors. When a Sheltie’s need for exercise is not met, he will develop serious destructive and sometimes neurotic behavior problems.

Ask a Sheltie owner to describe their pet and you will hear: willing to please, smart, agile, tireless, sweet, loyal, good with children they know, distant from strangers, docile, great watchdog, protective, tenacious, active. , vocal, excitable, persistent, always busy, dedicated, alert, fun and highly trainable. Socialization is of vital importance. Shelties that lack socialization and coping skills can become so attached to their owner that they tend to view strangers and children they don’t know as a threat. That can bring out the agile side of them.

If you have children, it is recommended to have a puppy or a younger dog. Supervision is a must as they can be quite boisterous and get carried away. Older Shelties who are not numb to children when they are younger may have a difficult time adjusting to them. As herders, Shelties have been known to instinctively nip at people’s heels. This is inappropriate behavior that should not be tolerated. It requires immediate correction, before it becomes a problem.

They usually do well with other dogs. Supervision of other small pets, especially cats, may be necessary. Unless you’re numb, that high prey drive will instinctively kick in.

If you can’t deal with a vocal dog, perhaps another breed would be a better option. Shelties love to let you know they’re around, in case you haven’t noticed. That is not to say that they cannot be taught not to bark unnecessarily. However, plan to spend time modifying that instinctive and protective behavior. Plain and simple, many Shetland Sheepdogs love to bark.

They are sensitive to changes in the tone of your voice. This works to your advantage when training or working with them. Give them a chance to do their job as a watchdog. Allow 3-4 barks and then let them know that you will now handle the situation.

Many of the health problems they face are inherent. They include eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). They are prone to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) – bladder cancer. Also on the list are: Von Willebrand disease, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, dermatomyositis (often misdiagnosed as sarcoptic or demodectic mange), and obesity.

Plan to spend time weekly brushing your Sheltie to avoid tangled ears and a dense undercoat. Typically, mud and debris are easily removed. Seasonal shedding is worst in spring and fall. Many Sheltie owners have their pet professionally groomed during a heavy molt.

The average lifespan of the Shetland Sheepdog is 12-15 years.

Bottom line: do your homework. Research the breed. Talk to the Sheltie owners. This is an amazing pet for the right person or family. The whole family will have to provide undisputed leadership. Make sure you are prepared for the challenges it will pose, before both of you end up heartbroken. To run; stay away from puppies in pet stores, classifieds, and flea markets. They just perpetuate hideous puppy mills and careless and inexperienced backyard breeders. It may cost a bit more, but a reputable and responsible breeder is the best option for a healthier and happier dog. Or check with shelter and rescues. You may find your new best friend eagerly awaiting you there and in a forever home.

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