Shetland Sheepdog

After owning three "Shelties" as they are called, I have learned a lot about their ways and the reasons they do things.

Could you pass this clip at the right on to any dog owners or breeders, I am doing this as a courtesy to the owner.

These active loyal dogs want to please, they also want to herd everything that moves, children, joggers, cats, cars, bikes and flocks of birds.

These dogs are very smart and willing students, no matter what size they come in. Very easy to train and housebreak.

I have two at present, a small tri-color and a larger tri-color, they really demand a lot of attention from you so be prepared to to devote a lot of time to them. They have a senitive pancreas which means fatty foods and gravies are deffinately OFF the menu. They can actually die from this. So watch the diet.

These sweet dogs make wonderful family pets as long as you don't live in an apartment building as they tend to bark and need lots of room to run off their pent up energy. They are very loving and devoted dogs.These guys need lots of grooming as well a good brushing once a week is essential to keeping their coats gleaming.

The colors these cuties come in are in a wide spectrum, the Lassie look,-light sable w/white, dark chocolate sable w/white, black and white, tri-color(black w/tan and white markings), and the beautiful blue merle as is pictured here.

Having an expensive dog doesn't mean he is well trained or has good behavior, that is your job, or the job of a trainer. The dog needs to know you are the Alpha dog or leader of the "pack" so to speak. Having your dog bark uncontrollably or having it jump on children and visitors is not pleasant for the dog or the guests. Trainingis not a one day thing, it takes time to train it correctly. Using treats is not always a good idea as tthe dog may not perform for you with out them. A stern voice and a loving pat will work wonders. I have added a video here to show you what can be done in a fairly short time. Godd luck and have fun with your dog.

These small dogs can herd sheep as good as the Border collie,and are just as agile over the agility course as the Jack Russsel terrier. Don't let their small stature throw you off,Shelties can surely hold thier own whether on field trials or ring showing as best of breed.They take life very seriously. I prefer the ears pointed up rather than cropped to bend at the top. But any way you raise them they are a pretty special little package. I have 2 Tri-colr and just love the striking colors. These dogs can live to a ripe old age of 18-20 yrs, althought the average is 12-15. So plan on a life long friend.

Do yourself a favor and DON'T buy from a mall pet store,They tend to be sickly, untrusting ..The most human contact these dogs have been used to is a hand that comes in the cage with food and water.no loving hugs or soft sweet voices, no cuddling or love of anykind, they are just a $$$$$$...most of these pups are puppy mill victims and you will never be happy with the results. As cute as they may be in the window please refrain from this practice.I will say it does give you a chance to pick the right breed for you but don't get sucked into a deal. A reputable sheltie breeder is the way to go and you will find if they are home raised they are more friendly,Less expensive, less shy, and healthy.

One last thing do your homework on choosing a pet, read up what what their "job" in life is. Is it a working dog, guard dog, fighting dog,or lap dog (or companion dog) Do they need lots of room to run or just an apartment to fill thier needs. Find out what health issues the breed has and do you want to get into that situation. Will it effect your allergies. Do they need constant grooming or haircuts once a month and do you have time for the dog in your schedule. All these things should be considered before you choose to spend years with your dog. If pedigree isn't important then try your local animal shelter, some cute loving pooch may be waiting for you and it's forever home.

I hope this hub is helpful to you, any more topics I haven't covered feel free to ask.