If we were to get a dog breed with a zest for versatile pursuits like herding and obedience trials, we could name more than a handful. But if we were to name a breed that does those with the added “garnish” of an eager to please attitude, none of us can miss naming the sheltie.
Indeed, the one or two family members that pour the most effort into playing and training the sheltie will turn out later on to be the the sheltie’s more favorite family member, which is something most of the breed are wont to do. But then shelties tend to seek out more responsive companions if a busy family member gives it the cold shoulder, or does not give it its daily dose of recreational bonding. In fact, if there’s a sublte way to drive the sheltie to the ends of its wits, it is family members spread throughout the house!
There are at least two main drawbacks to shelties. Aside from their notorious inclination to barking (if untrained), the sheltie may be wary of strangers. A sense of aloofness around strangers may look detrimental to some, but it is nonetheless permissible in the case of this breed. An example of a flaw is shyness or aggressiveness, which is not the same as a sheltie on its guard when strangers reach out for them. Shelties that initiate contact instead when they feel like it turn out friendly. The sheltie is however not the type of dog that is eager to greet each and every newcomer.
Shelties and children are a perfect fit. Many Shelties are content playing with their charges, or simply supervising them. The best situation for a nanny sheltie is that it is introduced to children while it is still a puppy, and that toddlers must not be left with the dogs alone.
Just as they are versatile when it comes to activities, shelties can also adapt to a range of family situations. They fit in to a wide diversity of settings, and do not mind dealing with owners of all ages. While they were indeed bred as herders, their complex history of bloodlines have toned down the important aspect of their working drive. This is an important detail for those looking to have a sheltie for a pet.
Given their herding history, shelties will thrive the most when they have a job assignment at home. Aside from this, recreation is also important. Shelties will not take boring, repetitive tasks sitting down. These dogs will also appreciate creativity in games, e.g. at least two balls instead of the usual one. In any case, playing chase is a favorite game. In any case, there is no way to miss the importance of shetland sheepdog training.
But despite its lush coat, grooming the sheltie is quite easy. The only cleaning required for a neat looking dog is a thorough brushing once a week, occasional baths, and regular nail and dental care.
All this implies that there is more challenge than most people think in zeroing in on the Sheltie that fits your needs the most. Focus on the dog that will fit in well with your family situation and life style. The obedience or work star may be more of a liability for a homebound person, while a retiree’s companion might suffer sadly in a family of rowdy pre-teens. When you get help from a veteran breeder, s/he will walk you through your top needs and priorities in order to flesh out the sheltie for you or dog breed for you.
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