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i knew someone that said their friend had a sheepdog.
word has it that whenever there was a group of people at the house, the sheepdog would lean ever so gently against people’s legs, prompting them to move in closer to each other. then the dog would go behind someone else’s legs and lean gently against them, also, until the whole group of people found their self packed in like sardines.
According to the breed standard, they are affectionate and responsive to his owner, reserved towards strangers, never nervous (English Shetland Sheepdog Club standard).
They also apparently like to chase things – could be their herding instinct, and are very smart, so they need to be kept occupied.
As soon as the new edition becomes available go buy this book, Sheltie Talk. you may find it on Amazon but don’t pay a ton of money.
As a long time sheltie owner/breeder I can tell you that shelties tend toward shyness, aloof with new people, easily adaptable to new families, loyal and eager to please. Being that your girl is “very scared” right now indicates that 1) she wasn’t well socialized as a pup, or 2) she’s got some big time baggage from her previous life.
The best thing you can do is socialize her now. Don’t push too hard or too fast. But also, do not “baby” her when she is scared. The best behavior you can have is to act as if everything is always happy and just fine around her.
Some shelties are mellow, some highly driven and active. Most will play readily and love kids. If your sheltie has never been around kids, the result is very likely she would simply run and hide from them. Not attack anyone. Sometimes you can end up with what is called a fear biter but is very unlikely. Mine sometimes try to herd me around the yard and will nip at my legs or my rear. They also will bark and herd the broom, mop, vacuum, mower, weedeater, etc.
Shelties are like little furry angles. I am a groomer/trainer and I have never heard of a sheltie getting agressive, but like any dog if they are injured by someone they will snap. I will tell you this, my sheltie(Pumpkin 1year old) walked up to a little boy who was afraid of dogs, put her paw on him, and kissed his cheek. The little boy blushed, giggled, and began to pet her.(I still can’t get over that!) Shelties are infamous for being excellent with the children, elderly and handicapped. I am glad that you have found such a sweet dog.
Congrats on getting a sheltie, I have had them for 30 yrs and they are the only dog I will have. They can be a lot of work on grooming but the loyalty and love they give is priceless. Try to take her to some dog classes and see how she does or just take a private lesson with her and let the trainer check out her temperament for you. They can be a very mellow dog or very nervous, it depends on what happened to them in the earlier years. The only way a well adjusted sheltie will hurt someone is if they think you are going to be hurt, they really are lovers not fighters. I took my shelties back to the rez for a couple of days and being an older person we have no kids here so they weren’t use to kids, but not once did they hurt a child or take any food out of the kids hands not even the babies. They are like Angels on Earth and it is our job to protect them, you are a very lucky person. What colors is she? Just be the person your dog thinks you are and all will be well.
here is info on shelties:—Sheltie.jpg
Temperament: intelligent, alert, easy going
Cost: $600-$800
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: elderly, dog sport enthusiasts, small yards
History
The Shetland Islands, for all their beauty, can be a cold and inhospitable place to live. Located at the crossroads of the North Sea, the islands’ inhabitants have been influenced by passing invaders, traders, visitors and settlers over many centuries. The Shetland Sheepdog is one example of this influence. Otherwise known as the ‘Sheltie’, it is the product of matings between Rough Coated Collies, a breed native to Scotland, and various spaniel and spitz-type breeds from visiting fishing and trade boats.
The progeny of these ‘sailor dogs’ and collies proved to become especially suited to this harsh, rugged terrain. The Sheltie became a multi-purpose breed, able to protect the small farms or ‘crofts’ whilst also showing particular skill as a working dog amongst stock. The island’s miniature cattle, tiny sheep and Shetland Ponies were all herded by these equally small sheepdogs. Despite its presence for many years, it was not until 1914 that the breed was officially named the Shetland Sheepdog.
Appearance
It is understandable how the Sheltie is often mistaken for a collie pup. The long haired working dog closely resembles the Rough Coated Collie in many ways apart from size (remember the many adventures of Lassie? Well she was a Rough Coated Collie). Sheltie’s are in fact quite small, standing around 37 centimetres tall at the wither, around half the size of a Collie. Though small, Shelties are regarded by their owners as a breed of great beauty. The refined appearance of the breed is accentuated by the elegant head and a mane-like frill of abundant, long hair which envelops the shoulders and chest. The most common colours in Australia are sable, ranging from a pale gold to deep chocolate with white trimmings; a tri-colour of black with tan and white points; and the blue merle, blue with tan and white points. Other colours less often seen are the bi-colours of blue with white points or black with white points.
Temperament
Shelties are an intelligent breed and very responsive to training. Though loyal to their owners, Shelties are known to be timid and wary of strangers if not encouraged to socialise. Although Australian lines are not used amongst stock, they do retain their guarding instincts and will alert their owners of visitors. Once settled, a Sheltie pup is quick to consider itself a member of the family and will be quite happy to follow its owners around all day. Because of their adeptness to training, many Shelties in Australia excel in dog activities such as the show ring, tracking, flyball, agility and of course obedience.
Health and lifespan
The Shetland Sheepdog is generally regarded as a sound breed. Not to be mistaken for a dwarf Collie (a Collie with a normal body but very short legs), the Sheltie is in fact a miniature. So the many health problems associated with dwarfism are absent from this breed. However miniaturisation has brought with it its own health concerns, particulary inherited eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retina Atrophy, both of which can lead to blindness. Diligent Australian breeders do test for these conditions, as with hip dysplasia, so they should not be evident in most progeny. Ask the breeder for confirmation that the dogs have been tested. Keep in mind that Shelties are also prone to getting quite fat, so watch how much you feed. Finally, don’t forget the teeth. They can be a problem in the breed so give them plenty of raw bones from a very early age to avoid concerns. They’re long lived dogs, expect your little companion to be around for 12-16 years.
Care and exercise
Some commitment must be shown to keep the long, coarse coat in good order, though grooming is relatively easy and the coarse coat is resistant to knots. A weekly brush removing dead hair and matting should suffice. Shelties will shed once a year, generally approaching autumn, and require more regular brushing at this time. Bitches will shed more often than dogs. Overheating during the hotter months is only a problem if the dog is over-exerted and clipping is not usually necessary. These small dogs cope well in a small yard, and although Shelties enjoy a run, there is no need for exhausting treks over hill and dale to burn off excess energy.
Recommended for
Shetland Sheepdogs make equally great pets for those of us with a quiet lifestyle or those perhaps interested in dog sports. Great with children, the elderly, or anyone alone at home who wants a calm canine companion, shelties don’t demand much space and are wonderful watchdogs. Litters are small, usually from one to four pups, so interested owners can expect to wait up to six months for a pup. Prices range from arou
i knew someone that said their friend had a sheepdog.
word has it that whenever there was a group of people at the house, the sheepdog would lean ever so gently against people’s legs, prompting them to move in closer to each other. then the dog would go behind someone else’s legs and lean gently against them, also, until the whole group of people found their self packed in like sardines.
According to the breed standard, they are affectionate and responsive to his owner, reserved towards strangers, never nervous (English Shetland Sheepdog Club standard).
They also apparently like to chase things – could be their herding instinct, and are very smart, so they need to be kept occupied.
As soon as the new edition becomes available go buy this book, Sheltie Talk. you may find it on Amazon but don’t pay a ton of money.
As a long time sheltie owner/breeder I can tell you that shelties tend toward shyness, aloof with new people, easily adaptable to new families, loyal and eager to please. Being that your girl is “very scared” right now indicates that 1) she wasn’t well socialized as a pup, or 2) she’s got some big time baggage from her previous life.
The best thing you can do is socialize her now. Don’t push too hard or too fast. But also, do not “baby” her when she is scared. The best behavior you can have is to act as if everything is always happy and just fine around her.
Some shelties are mellow, some highly driven and active. Most will play readily and love kids. If your sheltie has never been around kids, the result is very likely she would simply run and hide from them. Not attack anyone. Sometimes you can end up with what is called a fear biter but is very unlikely. Mine sometimes try to herd me around the yard and will nip at my legs or my rear. They also will bark and herd the broom, mop, vacuum, mower, weedeater, etc.
I think this is a good description of the breed as a whole
Shelties are like little furry angles. I am a groomer/trainer and I have never heard of a sheltie getting agressive, but like any dog if they are injured by someone they will snap. I will tell you this, my sheltie(Pumpkin 1year old) walked up to a little boy who was afraid of dogs, put her paw on him, and kissed his cheek. The little boy blushed, giggled, and began to pet her.(I still can’t get over that!) Shelties are infamous for being excellent with the children, elderly and handicapped. I am glad that you have found such a sweet dog.
Congrats on getting a sheltie, I have had them for 30 yrs and they are the only dog I will have. They can be a lot of work on grooming but the loyalty and love they give is priceless. Try to take her to some dog classes and see how she does or just take a private lesson with her and let the trainer check out her temperament for you. They can be a very mellow dog or very nervous, it depends on what happened to them in the earlier years. The only way a well adjusted sheltie will hurt someone is if they think you are going to be hurt, they really are lovers not fighters. I took my shelties back to the rez for a couple of days and being an older person we have no kids here so they weren’t use to kids, but not once did they hurt a child or take any food out of the kids hands not even the babies. They are like Angels on Earth and it is our job to protect them, you are a very lucky person. What colors is she? Just be the person your dog thinks you are and all will be well.
here is info on shelties:—Sheltie.jpg
Temperament: intelligent, alert, easy going
Cost: $600-$800
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: elderly, dog sport enthusiasts, small yards
History
The Shetland Islands, for all their beauty, can be a cold and inhospitable place to live. Located at the crossroads of the North Sea, the islands’ inhabitants have been influenced by passing invaders, traders, visitors and settlers over many centuries. The Shetland Sheepdog is one example of this influence. Otherwise known as the ‘Sheltie’, it is the product of matings between Rough Coated Collies, a breed native to Scotland, and various spaniel and spitz-type breeds from visiting fishing and trade boats.
The progeny of these ‘sailor dogs’ and collies proved to become especially suited to this harsh, rugged terrain. The Sheltie became a multi-purpose breed, able to protect the small farms or ‘crofts’ whilst also showing particular skill as a working dog amongst stock. The island’s miniature cattle, tiny sheep and Shetland Ponies were all herded by these equally small sheepdogs. Despite its presence for many years, it was not until 1914 that the breed was officially named the Shetland Sheepdog.
Appearance
It is understandable how the Sheltie is often mistaken for a collie pup. The long haired working dog closely resembles the Rough Coated Collie in many ways apart from size (remember the many adventures of Lassie? Well she was a Rough Coated Collie). Sheltie’s are in fact quite small, standing around 37 centimetres tall at the wither, around half the size of a Collie. Though small, Shelties are regarded by their owners as a breed of great beauty. The refined appearance of the breed is accentuated by the elegant head and a mane-like frill of abundant, long hair which envelops the shoulders and chest. The most common colours in Australia are sable, ranging from a pale gold to deep chocolate with white trimmings; a tri-colour of black with tan and white points; and the blue merle, blue with tan and white points. Other colours less often seen are the bi-colours of blue with white points or black with white points.
Temperament
Shelties are an intelligent breed and very responsive to training. Though loyal to their owners, Shelties are known to be timid and wary of strangers if not encouraged to socialise. Although Australian lines are not used amongst stock, they do retain their guarding instincts and will alert their owners of visitors. Once settled, a Sheltie pup is quick to consider itself a member of the family and will be quite happy to follow its owners around all day. Because of their adeptness to training, many Shelties in Australia excel in dog activities such as the show ring, tracking, flyball, agility and of course obedience.
Health and lifespan
The Shetland Sheepdog is generally regarded as a sound breed. Not to be mistaken for a dwarf Collie (a Collie with a normal body but very short legs), the Sheltie is in fact a miniature. So the many health problems associated with dwarfism are absent from this breed. However miniaturisation has brought with it its own health concerns, particulary inherited eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retina Atrophy, both of which can lead to blindness. Diligent Australian breeders do test for these conditions, as with hip dysplasia, so they should not be evident in most progeny. Ask the breeder for confirmation that the dogs have been tested. Keep in mind that Shelties are also prone to getting quite fat, so watch how much you feed. Finally, don’t forget the teeth. They can be a problem in the breed so give them plenty of raw bones from a very early age to avoid concerns. They’re long lived dogs, expect your little companion to be around for 12-16 years.
Care and exercise
Some commitment must be shown to keep the long, coarse coat in good order, though grooming is relatively easy and the coarse coat is resistant to knots. A weekly brush removing dead hair and matting should suffice. Shelties will shed once a year, generally approaching autumn, and require more regular brushing at this time. Bitches will shed more often than dogs. Overheating during the hotter months is only a problem if the dog is over-exerted and clipping is not usually necessary. These small dogs cope well in a small yard, and although Shelties enjoy a run, there is no need for exhausting treks over hill and dale to burn off excess energy.
Recommended for
Shetland Sheepdogs make equally great pets for those of us with a quiet lifestyle or those perhaps interested in dog sports. Great with children, the elderly, or anyone alone at home who wants a calm canine companion, shelties don’t demand much space and are wonderful watchdogs. Litters are small, usually from one to four pups, so interested owners can expect to wait up to six months for a pup. Prices range from arou