Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)

Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) 

The saying ‘Train them while they’re young’ not only applies to kids but to puppies as well. But, first you have to take an important step, that is to pick out the right puppy for you and your family. It's important to understand the breed you're interested in.

We have some resources here that will help you decide if the Shetland Sheepdog is the right breed for you and, regardless of the breed you choose, give you some tips to help you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Having decided to purchase a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. Many sources recommend purebred Shetland Sheepdog puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study.

Acquiring a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well-adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years to come.

Puppies in pet stores are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional backyard breeder who's main objective is producing puppies for profit. Please be careful here as health problems may be common as the "for-profit" breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

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What Should You Look for in a Shetland Sheepdog Puppy?

What should you look for in a Shetland Sheepdog puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.

First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Shetland Sheepdog males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.

You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines.

Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter.

In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first. A Shetland Sheepdog puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition.

 Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.

The Shetland Sheepdog 

The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog. They are small to medium dogs, and come in a variety of colors, such as sable, tri-color, and blue merle. They are vocal, excitable, energetic dogs who are always willing to please and work hard. They are partly derived from dogs used in the Shetland Isles for herding and protecting sheep. The breed was formally recognized by the Kennel Club in 1909.

Appearance 

The general appearance of the Sheltie is that of a miniature Rough Collie. They are a small, double coated, working dog, agile and sturdy. Blue merle Shelties may have blue eyes or one brown and one blue eye, but all others have dark coloured eyes. Their expression should be that of alertness with a gentle and sometimes reserved nature. They carry their tail down low, only lifted when alert and never carried over the back. They are an intensely loyal breed, sometimes reserved with strangers but should not be shy or showing timidness as per the AKC breed standard.

Shelties normally weigh around 5–11 kilograms (11–24 lbs). In general, males are taller and heavier than females. Accepted height ranges may differ depending on country and standard used. In the USA and Canada, breed standards state that males and females can be between 33–41 centimetres (13–16 in), all other standards (Australia, New Zealand and U.K.).

Coat Colors 

• Sable – Sable is dominant over other colors. May be pure for sable (two sable genes) or may be tri-factored or bi-factored (carrying one sable gene and one tricolor or bicolor gene). "Tri-factored" sable and "shaded" sable are NOT interchangeable terms. A shaded dog (one with a lot of black overlay on a sable coat) may or may not be tri-factored or bi-factored.

• Tricolor – black, white, and tan. Tricolor is dominant over bi-black. May be pure for tricolor (2 tri genes) or may be bi-factored (carrying one tricolor gene and one bicolor gene).

• Bi-black – black and white. Bi-black is recessive. A bi-black Sheltie carries 2 bi-black genes; thus, any dog of any other color with a bi-black parent is also bi-factored.

Temperament 

The Shetland sheepdog is lively, intelligent, playful, trainable, and willing to please and obey. They are loving, loyal, and affectionate with their family, but are naturally aloof with strangers; for this reason Shelties must be socialized. Shelties do well with children if they are reared with them from an early age; however, their small size makes it easy for a child to accidentally injure them, so supervision is necessary. Shelties are vocal dogs, and are very alert to outside stimuli.

The average Sheltie is an excellent watch dog. The herding instinct is strong in many Shelties. They love to chase and herd things, including squirrels, ducks, children, and if an owner is not watchful, cars. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas.

Some Shelties get so excited or anxious that they perform a fast series of tight spins without chasing their tails, a behavior seen in a number of small dog breeds. Neglecting a Sheltie's need for exercise and intellectual stimulation can result in undesirable behaviors, including excessive barking, phobias, and nervousness.

Fortunately, the reverse is also true; annoying behaviors can be lessened greatly by an hour of exercise that engages the dog with its owner. They do well with a sensitive, attentive owner.

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Introducing a New Sheltie Puppy or Dog to your Household

Introducing a new Sheltie or Shetland Sheepdog puppy or dog to your household is like bringing a new kid to your home. Both parties will have to go through some important and big change.

Anyway, whether you choose to get a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt a Shetland Sheepdog  from a rescue group, the first two weeks for you and your new dog are a significant period of adjustment. If your dog had a previous owner, this time could be particularly stressful for him or her.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition for new dog owners.

• Bring together kids and other pets separately. It may be too overwhelming if you present your new dog to your home, children and other pets all at once.

• Look at the diet. To avoid stomach upset, keep him on the same food his previous caretaker was using and slowly transition him to the food you want to use. If you can’t get the same food, mix rice into his new food for the first few days.

• Keep a close eye on him or her. Do not be surprised if there are accidents. Housebroken dogs can still have mishaps in a new home due to stress and confusion. Help them learn where to go by taking them outside often and watching them when they are inside to avoid accidents or other unwanted behaviors.

• Permanently identify your dog with a microchip. If your dog came with a microchip, you must apprise the owner information with the microchip registry. It will take time for the new dog to distinguish his new surroundings as his home and you as his new best friend. If he gets loose during this vital time, capture may be very difficult.

• Enroll in training classes and have fun! After about two weeks, your new dog’s personality will really start to sparkle and it’s a good time to start experiencing new activities that you and your dog can take pleasure together. Training classes are helpful and useful not only for teaching dogs basic manners and problem solving, but they will teach you how to communicate with your dog and help you bond.

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